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Summary of the Week: Key Events July 13-17, 2026

See what the past week has brought!

Kacper MrukJuly 18, 2026Updated: July 18, 20261 min read

Last Week in Financial Markets

The past week in 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...

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A week behind us - summary

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.

Day-by-day analysis

In the past week, financial markets witnessed a series of key macroeconomic events that significantly impacted the volatility of financial instruments and investor expectations. Below is a detailed analysis of each day, including the most important data releases and their comparison with forecasts.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Tuesday's inflation data from the United States surprised investors, leading to fluctuations in financial markets. Core CPI m/m (the Consumer Price Index excluding food and energy prices) was 0.0%, while forecasts anticipated an increase of 0.2%. Meanwhile, the overall CPI m/m recorded a decrease of 0.4% compared to the expected decline of 0.1%. Yearly data also fell short of expectations; Core CPI y/y reached 2.6% against the forecasted 2.8%, and CPI y/y was 3.5% compared to the expected 3.8%. These results suggest a weakening of inflationary pressures, which may influence monetary policy decisions by the Federal Reserve. On the same day, speeches by Fed Chairman Warsh and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey also took place, which could provide additional insights into future monetary policy.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Wednesday brought another batch of data from the USA and Canada. Core PPI m/m in the United States was 0.2%, slightly below forecasts of 0.3%. Meanwhile, PPI m/m fell by 0.3%, while forecasts anticipated stability at 0.0%. This decline suggests some easing of inflationary pressures at the producer level, which may have further implications for consumer prices. In Canada, the Bank of Canada announced its interest rate decision, keeping it at 2.25%, in line with market expectations. The release of the monetary policy report and the press conference were crucial for understanding Canada's economic outlook. Fed Chairman Warsh's speech certainly attracted attention, providing context for the Fed's future actions.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

On Thursday, investor attention focused on data from the United Kingdom, where the monthly GDP report was published. This indicator rose by 0.1% compared to the previous month, exceeding forecasts that anticipated no growth. This data may suggest some recovery in the British economy, which is a positive signal for investors. In the context of concerns about global economic slowdown, any positive news from key economies is welcomed by the market.

Weekly Analysis

Market sentiment, measured by the Fear & Greed Index, indicates an increase in caution among investors. The current level of 37/100 signifies a dominance of fear, evident in the index's decline from 41/100 from the previous close. The downward trend of recent weeks indicates increased investor caution in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty and mixed signals from economies.

Market reactions to data from the USA and Canada were varied, with noticeable increased volatility in the currency and bond markets. Lower-than-expected inflation data in the USA may raise hopes for a more dovish monetary policy from the Fed, although current probabilities for interest rate levels suggest that the market still expects the maintenance of current interest rates in the range of 3.50-3.75% with a 87.2% probability.

In summary, the past week provided many significant data points that influenced investor expectations regarding future monetary policy and the health of economies. Investors should remain vigilant, monitoring both macroeconomic data and statements from key monetary policy decision-makers, which may provide additional guidance on future market directions.

Key topics of the week

In the past week, key topics dominated issues related to inflation, the labor market, and monetary policy, which had a significant impact on market sentiment and investment decisions. Starting with inflation in the United States, the data regarding CPI and PPI indicators that were published indicate lower-than-expected inflationary pressure. The CPI m/m index recorded a decrease of 0.4%, while the forecast anticipated a decrease of only 0.1%. Similarly, the Core CPI m/m remained at 0.0%, which was below the forecast of 0.2%. On a yearly basis, CPI y/y amounted to 3.5%, which was also below market expectations of 3.8%. This data suggests that inflationary pressure is beginning to weaken, which may influence future decisions by the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate policy.

In the context of monetary policy, attention was drawn to the speeches of key decision-makers, such as Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. Although the details of their speeches were not included in the data, their addresses typically influence market expectations regarding future monetary policy actions. In Canada, the Bank of Canada maintained its overnight rate at 2.25%, which was in line with expectations. This decision, combined with the monetary policy report and press conference, suggests a stable approach to interest rate policy in the face of moderate inflation and an improving labor market situation.

In the labor market, data from Canada showed a positive picture. Employment increased by 18.2 thousand jobs, exceeding forecasts of 11.2 thousand. Additionally, the unemployment rate fell to 6.5% from the projected 6.6%, indicating an improving labor market situation.

Market sentiment, measured by the Fear & Greed index, indicates an increasing level of caution among investors. The current index stands at 37/100, which means that fear prevails in the market. This is a decrease compared to the previous week when the index was 41/100. Over the past month, the index has risen from 32/100, indicating some recovery, although caution still dominates.

In the context of expectations regarding interest rates in the USA, the chances of maintaining the current interest rate range (3.50-3.75%) by the Fed are 87.2%, indicating market consensus regarding the stability of rates at the upcoming FOMC meeting scheduled for July 29, 2026 (Warsaw time). Despite falling inflation, the market does not expect rate cuts in the near future, which aligns with the Fed's cautious approach to changes in monetary policy.

In summary, recent economic data from the USA and Canada, combined with the speeches of key decision-makers, indicate a stabilization of inflationary pressure and moderate growth in the labor market. Nevertheless, market sentiment remains cautious, which may mean that investors are awaiting further signals confirming the durability of these trends before taking more decisive investment actions.

Impact on the markets

In the past week, financial markets experienced significant movements that had a substantial impact on various asset classes, including the US dollar (USD), bonds, gold, and major stock indices. Analyzing these changes allows for a better understanding of the dominant forces in the markets and what future directions may be.

Starting with the US dollar, there were clear fluctuations. The dollar, often regarded as a safe haven, reacted to changes in monetary policy and macroeconomic data. This week, we observed the strengthening of the USD in response to positive labor market data, which indicated the stability of the US economy. The increase in employment and the decrease in the unemployment rate raised expectations for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. A stronger dollar typically puts pressure on emerging markets and commodity prices, which may have influenced global risk aversion.

Bond markets also attracted investors' attention. Yields on government bonds, particularly those with long maturities, recorded increases. This is often related to expectations of higher interest rates, which are a response to inflation concerns. Investors sold bonds, leading to an increase in their yields. This phenomenon may indicate rising inflation expectations and the belief that central banks will be forced to take more aggressive action to control inflation.

Gold, also a traditional safe-haven asset, showed some volatility this week. The rise in the value of the US dollar usually negatively impacts gold prices, as it makes it more expensive for investors using other currencies. However, concerns about inflation and uncertainty in financial markets may still support demand for this metal as a store of value. The final balance for gold this week was mixed, with a slight downward trend but noticeable support at key levels.

Stock indices worldwide, including in the US, showed mixed results. Major US indices, such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, recorded both gains and losses in response to the volatility of macroeconomic data and corporate earnings results. In particular, the technology sector, which is sensitive to interest rate changes, may have experienced greater fluctuations. Investors continue to analyze quarterly results from companies, looking for clues about future performance and potential threats to profits.

The conclusions from this week for financial markets suggest that market participants remain sensitive to macroeconomic data and central bank communications. Rising bond yields and a strengthening dollar indicate expectations of further interest rate hikes, which may introduce volatility in stock and commodity markets in the short term. Investors will closely monitor upcoming inflation data and signals from central banks to better understand future directions of monetary policy.

In summary, the past week brought many events that affected key asset classes. A stronger dollar, rising bond yields, and volatility in stock and gold markets indicate that markets are in a phase of adjusting to new economic and political realities. In the coming weeks, monitoring macroeconomic data and central bank decisions will be crucial in shaping future directions in financial markets.

Weekly summary

In the past week, we observed several significant changes in the financial markets that may influence future investor decisions and the direction in which various market segments will head. Here are the key takeaways from the recent days.

First, there was a noticeable continuation of volatility in the stock market. Investors reacted to news regarding monetary policy and macroeconomic indicators. This volatility was particularly evident in the technology sector, which experienced both gains and losses in response to new economic data. An important factor influencing this sector was speculation regarding future central bank decisions on interest rates, which may affect the valuation of technology companies.

Second, the commodity market showed mixed results depending on the type of commodity. Last week, oil prices exhibited upward trends, which can be attributed to concerns about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and production constraints in some countries. In contrast, gold prices remained relatively stable, even though investors often view it as a safe haven in times of uncertainty. Investors will need to closely monitor the geopolitical situation and OPEC decisions that may influence the further direction of energy commodity prices.

Third, the currency market also did not remain indifferent to changes in the macroeconomic landscape. The value of the US dollar fluctuated slightly in response to economic data from the USA and expectations regarding future actions by the Federal Reserve. Investors should pay attention to upcoming inflation and employment data, which may influence further movements of the dollar and other key currencies.

Finally, it is worth noting that investors are increasingly focusing on inflation data, which will be crucial for central bank decisions. Upcoming inflation readings may have a significant impact on financial markets, and their results will be closely monitored by all market participants. Growing concerns about a global economic slowdown and potential protectionist actions may also influence investor sentiment and prompt a more defensive approach.

In summary, the past week in the financial markets was full of dynamics and uncertainty. Investors should be prepared for further fluctuations and closely observe upcoming events and macroeconomic data that may impact their investment decisions. Particular attention should be paid to inflation data and central bank decisions, which may play a key role in shaping global financial markets in the near future.

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