The wait is finally over. The Bank of Canada (BoC), US Federal Reserve Board (Fed) and European Central Bank (ECB) will make their interest rate announcements this week. Markets will carefully analyze their decision, and what each bank has to say about inflation and their respective economies, including the potential risks. But the critical economic announcements will not stop there, with key data scheduled to be released from all parts of the world.

· The BoC will make its interest rate announcement on Wednesday. The BoC held its benchmark overnight interest rate steady at 2.25% at its last meeting, but noted the upside risks to inflation, which could result in a shift in its policy interest rate.
· Canada’s gross domestic product in August will be released on Friday. Canada’s economy was unchanged in August, pointing to a pullback after a strong second quarter.
· Market attention will turn to the Fed on Wednesday when it makes its interest rate announcement. The Fed raised its policy interest rate at its last meeting, with officials expecting another increase in 2026. Meanwhile, the personal consumption expenditure price index will be announced on Thursday.                              · Elsewhere, China’s industrial profits will be announced tonight, the ECB’s interest rate decision on Thursday, Japan’s industrial production on Thursday night and European third-quarter economic growth on Friday.
· Notable earnings in Canada include Teck Resources, Air Canada and Cenovus. Key earnings in the US include Coca-Cola, UPS, Visa, FedEx, Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon.com.

Financial markets are likely to move based on the actions of these central banks. The BoC has a difficult decision to make amid elevated inflation but signs of slowing economic activity, in addition to several risks, including geopolitical and trade tensions. Canadian and US earnings will continue to garner attention and give insight into the health of business and consumer activity amid economic uncertainty.

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