Weekly Market Outlook

Comprehensive cross-asset analysis and key events for the trading week ahead.

Week of March 17–21, 2026

This week is packed with high-impact events including FOMC minutes, the Bank of England rate decision, and the US Core PCE inflation report. Markets enter the week with a risk-on tone following the Fed's dovish signals, but volatility is expected around the BOE decision and PCE release. Positioning remains cautiously bullish across risk assets.

Economic Calendar Highlights

DateEventImpact
Mon, Mar 17Eurozone Flash PMI (Manufacturing & Services)High
Tue, Mar 18US Retail Sales (MoM)High
Wed, Mar 19FOMC Meeting Minutes ReleaseHigh
Thu, Mar 20Bank of England Rate DecisionHigh
Fri, Mar 21US Core PCE Price Index (YoY)High

Forex Outlook

EUR/USD

Bullish
Expected Range

1.0850 – 1.1050

Strong Eurozone PMI data and a weakening dollar support the bullish case. Watch for a sustained break above 1.0950 to target 1.1050.

GBP/USD

Neutral
Expected Range

1.2650 – 1.2850

BOE decision is the key event. A dovish hold could push cable lower, while a hawkish surprise would target 1.2850 resistance.

USD/JPY

Bearish
Expected Range

149.50 – 152.50

Dollar weakness and intervention risk cap the upside. A break below 150.00 could trigger a deeper correction toward 149.50.

Commodities Outlook

Gold (XAU/USD)

Bullish
Expected Range

$3,150 – $3,280

Record highs intact with strong momentum. Pullbacks to $3,150–$3,180 are buying opportunities. PCE data is the key risk event.

Oil (Brent)

Neutral-Bullish
Expected Range

$83.00 – $88.00

OPEC+ supply cuts support prices, but demand concerns from China cap upside. Range-bound trading expected.

Indices Outlook

US500 (S&P 500)

Bullish
Expected Range

5,760 – 5,920

Fed dovishness supports risk appetite. Tech earnings momentum and rate-cut expectations favor the bulls. Key resistance at 5,880.

GER40 (DAX)

Bullish
Expected Range

18,200 – 18,800

Strong PMI data and ECB rate-cut expectations drive European equities higher. New all-time highs are in play above 18,600.

Previous Outlooks

March 10–14, 2026CPI Week: Inflation in Focus
March 3–7, 2026NFP Surprise Reshapes Rate Expectations
February 24–28, 2026Central Bank Super Week
February 17–21, 2026Earnings Season Winds Down

This outlook is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Trading involves significant risk of loss. Always conduct your own analysis before making trading decisions.

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