The past week in the financial markets, covering the period from July 13 to July 17, 2026, can be characterized as a time full of volatility and uncertainty, which triggered significant reactions among both investors and monetary policy decision-makers. The events of this week focused mainly on the publication of macroeconomic data from the USA and important speeches by central bank representatives.
Tuesday, July 14, was a key day for analyzing inflation in the United States. The data regarding CPI (Consumer Price Index) surprised analysts, presenting results below expectations. The CPI m/m was -0.4%, while a forecast of -0.1% was anticipated. At the same time, Core CPI m/m remained at 0.0%, with expectations of 0.2%. This data indicates a clear weakening of inflationary pressure, which may have significant implications for future decisions by the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates, especially in the context of the FOMC meetings scheduled for the end of the month. On a yearly basis, Core CPI reached 2.6% against a forecast of 2.8%, while CPI was 3.5% with an expectation of 3.8%. On the same day, there was a hearing of the Fed Chairman, Kevin Warsh, which, although it did not provide new information, was closely watched by the market for clues regarding future monetary policy. The speech by the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, also attracted investors' attention, although it did not bring any significant revelations.
Wednesday, July 15, brought further data from the American market, this time regarding PPI (Producer Price Index). Here too, lower than expected results were recorded. PPI m/m was -0.3% against a forecast of 0.0%, while Core PPI m/m was 0.2% with an expectation of 0.3%. This data confirms the downward trend in price pressure, which may suggest that inflation is not as significant a threat as previously assumed. On that day, the Bank of Canada kept its main interest rate at 2.25%, in line with market expectations. This decision was accompanied by the publication of a report on monetary policy and a press conference, which helped to understand the context of this decision.
Thursday, July 16, brought data regarding the UK GDP, which showed a growth of 0.1% m/m, in line with forecasts. Despite being in accordance with expectations, this data did not significantly impact the exchange rate of the British pound, which remains under pressure from global inflation trends and monetary policy.
In the context of the American market, predictions regarding future FED interest rates were particularly significant. The current probability of maintaining rates in the range of 3.50-3.75% is 87.2%, indicating the market's belief in the stability of monetary policy in the near future. However, due to the lower inflation data, speculation about the possibility of further easing of monetary policy may intensify.
Market sentiment in the past week deteriorated, as illustrated by the decline of the Fear & Greed index to a level of 37/100 from 41/100 in the previous close. This index, indicating fear, reflects the growing caution of investors in the face of economic uncertainty and potential political decisions.
In summary, the past week in the financial markets was dominated by inflation data and its consequences for monetary policy in the USA. Weaker than expected inflation results may prompt decision-makers to reconsider further steps in interest rate policy. Although the market remains cautious, the further development of the situation will depend on subsequent macroeconomic data and communications from central banks.