Economic Calendar Summary - March 18, 2026

Market Overview

On March 18, 2026, the financial markets are primarily focused on the upcoming decision from the US Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. The consensus among analysts is that the Fed will maintain the current interest rate at 3.75%. Investors are particularly attentive to the updated economic projections and the remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which are expected to provide insights into future monetary policy.

As the market anticipates the Fed's decision, equity indices are showing positive movement, indicating a bullish sentiment among investors.

Key Economic Indicators

Scheduled Releases

• 7 AM GMT: Eurozone HICP Inflation YoY (Final)
  • Forecast: 1.9%
  • Previous: 1.9%
• 9:30 AM GMT: US Producer Price Index (PPI) YoY
  • Forecast: 3.0%
  • Previous: 2.9%
• 11 AM GMT: US Factory Orders MoM
  • Forecast: 0.1%
  • Previous: -0.7%
• 5 PM GMT: Fed Interest Rate Decision
  • Forecast: 3.75%
  • Previous: 3.75%

Market Reactions

As of 12:34 PM GMT, the US PPI data has been released, showing results that are significantly higher than expected, leading to a decline in the US100 index. Additionally, gold prices have dropped by 2% in response to the economic data.

Earlier, on March 16, the USDCAD currency pair experienced a rebound following a lower-than-expected Canadian CPI report, indicating the sensitivity of currency markets to inflation data.