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Hello and welcome to the working week.
Donald Trump is set to implement secondary tariffs this week, causing concern among economists. The impact on the US economy could be significant, with potential repercussions on global trade.
Meanwhile, UK banks face a pivotal court case regarding commissions paid to motor dealerships, potentially leading to a wave of consumer claims. Marine Le Pen’s political future in France also hangs in the balance with a pending verdict on fraud charges.
Additionally, the UK’s new tax year brings changes to national insurance contributions, impacting employers and potentially affecting hiring trends.
Corporate results, central bank speeches, and economic data releases are on the agenda for the week, including German inflation numbers, G7 economic comparisons, and US employment updates.
One more thing . . .
Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, with special events planned at its headquarters in Seattle. The company’s history and impact on technology are highlighted in Bill Gates’ memoir, Source Code.
For more information on the week ahead and key economic reports, read on.
Key economic and company reports
Here is a rundown of company reports and economic data to watch for this week:
Monday
- Germany: March consumer price index (CPI) and harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) inflation rate data
- UK: Bank of England publishes monthly Money and Credit data, Adzuna UK Job Market report
- Results: Bertelsmann FY, Pennon Group trading statement, Petershill Partners FY, Pets at Home trading statement, YouGov HY
Tuesday
- Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Megan Greene gives keynote speech
- European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde speaks at conference
- UK court hears appeal on car finance commissions ruling
- Results: Niox Group FY, Pinewood Technologies FY, PVH Q4
Wednesday
- India: HSBC March manufacturing PMI data
- Results: Big Technologies FY, Raspberry Pi FY, SSE trading update, Topps Tiles HY trading statement
Thursday
- EU: ECB publishes monetary policy meeting minutes
- UK: March international reserves data
- Results: Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon FY, ConAgra Brands Q3, Moonpig trading update, Lamb Weston Holdings Q3
Friday
- 50th anniversary of Microsoft’s founding
- UK: British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey
- US: March employment figures
- Results: Sodexo HY, Yaskawa Electric Corp FY
World events
Key events and milestones happening this week:
Monday
- Belgium: General strike over proposed labour market reforms
- EU: Gas reduction plan to end
- France: Verdict expected in Marine Le Pen’s trial
Tuesday
- April Fool’s Day
- France assumes presidency of the UN Security Council
Wednesday
Thursday
- Belgium: Nato foreign ministers meeting
- Serbia: Uefa Congress in Belgrade
- Uzbekistan: EU-Central Asia Summit
Saturday
- UK: The Grand National at Aintree racecourse
- US: Washington’s TikTok ban comes into force
Sunday