Weekly Economic Calendar: Key Market Events Jan 19‑23, 2026

The week of January 19–23, 2026 may appear quieter at first glance, but several key economic releases have the potential to shape short-term market direction. With US markets closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, liquidity may be thinner early on. 

However, attention quickly shifts to inflation, growth, and employment data from the US, UK, China, and Japan, all of which could influence forex, equities, and crypto markets.

Key Takeaways

• US GDP and Core PCE inflation are the main market-moving events this week.

• UK CPI and labour data could influence sterling volatility.

• Chinese GDP and PMI releases offer insight into global growth momentum.

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What is the Weekly Economic Calendar?

The weekly economic calendar is a structured schedule of upcoming macroeconomic events and data releases that are closely monitored by traders, investors, and analysts. These events include GDP figures, inflation reports, employment data, and purchasing managers’ indices (PMIs).

Each release provides insight into the health of an economy and helps shape expectations around interest rates, monetary policy, and overall market sentiment. High-impact events, such as US GDP or Core PCE inflation, often trigger increased volatility across asset classes, including currencies, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

By following the economic calendar, market participants can better prepare for potential price swings, adjust risk exposure, and identify trading opportunities during periods of heightened activity.

Read Also: How To Profit by Short Trading in a Bear Market

Key Market Events to Watch This Week

Monday, January 19

US financial markets are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, likely resulting in reduced trading volumes globally. 

Despite the holiday, attention turns to Asia, where China releases its Q4 GDP, industrial production, and retail sales data late Sunday or early Monday (US time). These figures are critical for assessing the strength of the world’s second-largest economy. 

Canada also publishes its Consumer Price Index (CPI), offering clues on inflation trends and potential policy adjustments.

Tuesday, January 20

The focus shifts to the UK, with the release of labour market data, including the unemployment rate and average earnings. Wage growth remains a key concern for the Bank of England, making this data particularly relevant for GBP traders. 

Overnight, China announces its Loan Prime Rate (LPR) decisions, which could influence Asian markets and risk sentiment more broadly.

Wednesday, January 21

Midweek attention centres on the UK again with the release of CPI and core CPI inflation data. These figures may have a direct impact on sterling pairs, especially if inflation deviates from expectations. 

In the US, pending home sales and MBA mortgage application data provide insight into housing market conditions, an important barometer of consumer confidence and economic momentum.

Thursday, January 22

Thursday is the most significant day of the week for markets. The US releases its Q4 2025 GDP, expected to show annualised growth of around +4.3%, alongside initial jobless claims at 8:30 AM ET. Later, at 10:00 AM ET, the Core PCE price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, is published along with personal income and spending data. 

These releases could strongly influence expectations around future interest rate decisions. Additionally, Australian employment data may affect AUD pairs during the Asian session.

Friday, January 23

The week concludes with US flash PMIs for both services and manufacturing, offering a timely snapshot of business activity. Consumer sentiment data follows, helping gauge household confidence. In Asia, Japanese CPI figures are released, which could impact JPY crosses and regional market sentiment.

Read Also: Narrative Driven Crypto Markets Simple Question

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As macroeconomic events continue to influence global markets, having access to a reliable and feature-rich trading platform is essential. 

Bitrue allows users to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies while staying responsive to major economic data releases like US GDP and inflation figures. 

By registering on Bitrue, traders can access spot and derivatives markets, manage risk efficiently, and take advantage of opportunities created by economic-driven volatility.

Conclusion

Although the January 19–23, 2026 economic calendar contains fewer headline events than some weeks, the data releases scheduled, particularly US GDP and Core PCE inflation, carry significant market implications. 

UK inflation and labour data, alongside Chinese and Japanese indicators, add a global dimension to the week. Traders and investors who stay informed and prepared can navigate potential volatility more effectively across forex, equities, and crypto markets.

FAQ

What is the most important economic event this week?

The US Q4 GDP and Core PCE inflation data on Thursday are the highest-impact releases.

Why are US markets closed on Monday?

US markets are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

How could UK CPI affect the markets?

UK CPI can influence Bank of England rate expectations and impact GBP currency pairs.

Why is Core PCE closely watched by traders?

Core PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation and guides monetary policy decisions.

Do these events affect crypto markets as well?

Yes, major macroeconomic data can influence risk sentiment, impacting cryptocurrency prices and volatility.

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