The Global Week Ahead
The US-Iran MOU Expires with the US Promising Tougher Economic Sanctions, The US and Canada Close in on a Tariff Deal, China and India Hold High-Level Security Talks, and Markets Await Global Inflation Reports
August 16 - 23, 2026
So much for hopes of a quiet August. The US-Iran 15 Point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is set to expire Monday, with little hope of revival. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will now move to impose new economic sanctions on Iran that will be “unprecedented.” President Trump also said in a speech last week that the measures that are coming as soon as this week will be on a scale that has “Never been seen.”
As to the specifics of the forthcoming sanctions, speculation has focused on the US imposing sanctions on Chinese independent oil refineries known as “teapots.” They reportedly account for more than 25 percent of all Chinese refinery capacity, and China has traditionally purchased more than 80 percent of Iran's shipped oil. Also reported to be in Trump's focus are Chinese banks that have funded the processing of Iranian oil for production and shipment.
The big question is whether President Trump is willing to announce such tough sanctions on Chinese entities in advance of Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the US in September, risking the cancellation of the summit?
Additionally, Treasury is considering imposing sanctions on any land-based trade, focusing on Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. In the face of such sanctions, Iran hit two tankers this weekend with drones, and the risk of more strikes is likely to increase if and when the sanctions are announced.
Meanwhile, Washington and Ottawa are racing to strike a trade deal before Wednesday when President Trump’s new 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods goes into effect. Reports suggest the outlines of a deal are close, with Canadian concessions including new trade in oil, gas, critical minerals, and promises to increase defense spending.
New Delhi will be a busy place this week as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives for talks with Indian officials to participate in the 24th round of talks on the Indian-Chinese border. But there will be separate side talks between Wang and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on trade and investment issues. China sees an opportunity to improve historically chilly relations with India as the US and India have yet to finalize a trade deal and India wants to ensure “strategic autonomy”, so the country is not too dependent on either the US or China. Additionally, the talks are seen as a way for China to help shape the agenda for the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi next month.
Wang then flies to South Korea for talks – the first time a Chinese foreign minister has visited Seoul in over five years. Wang will discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and broader security issues on the Korean Peninsula. The meetings take place just as the US and South Korean military drills – Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises – were set to begin this week and run through the rest of the month. However, late Sunday President Trump tweeted out on his Truth Social account that, “Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea…” he was not happy with the US participating in joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited two reasons: the cost and South Korea’s supposed lack of support for the US war with Iran.
Looking at the global economic and financial market radar screen this week, the big focus of markets will be the global flash PMIs this Friday for the US, Germany, France, the UK, and Japan.
Looking regionally, the US Federal Reserve releases the July FOMC minutes on Wednesday. Also, out this week in the US are housing starts and permits and July industrial production, both out on Tuesday. Canada’s July inflation data is out Monday, and June retail sales figures are out Friday.
In Asia this week, markets will be watching for Japan’s Q2 GDP figures on Monday (the expectations being the economy grew by 0.5%) and national CPI on Friday. We will also get Japan’s machinery orders for June on Wednesday, trade balance numbers on Thursday, and nationwide July consumer price figures on Friday.
China releases retail sales, industrial sales (watching for a slowdown), housing prices, and fixed-asset investment numbers reports on Monday. And China’s loan prime rates will be set on Thursday (no change expected).
In Europe this week, the flash August PMIs for Germany, France, and the Eurozone are out on Friday. Germany’s ZEW Survey is out on Tuesday. Also out on Friday is the European Central Bank’s July Consumer expectations survey. The UK releases a flood of data this week, the biggest being the labor market data on Tuesday, July inflation figures on Wednesday, and flash August PMI and retail sales on Friday. Sweden’s Riksbank is out with its interest rate decision on Thursday.
Finally, we are moving toward the home stretch of major corporate earnings this week with Home Depot, Target, Walmart, John Deere, and Analog Devices all reporting in the US and Alibaba and Baidu reporting in China.
Below is our detailed report on all the other major geopolitical and economic events for the coming week:
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Global
· Nothing significant to report.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· Brazil’s 2026 election campaign season formally begins (the elections are in October).
· Today is Restoration Day in the Dominican Republic, a national holiday.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· In Malaysia, the Democratic Action Party will vote on whether to leave Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· In Durban, South Africa, the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit of heads of state and government.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Monday, August 17, 2026
Global
· The June US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and ceasefire are set to expire.
· The BRICS Youth Energy Summit (virtual) runs through August 18th.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· White House Special Envoy for Peace Jared Kushner traveled to Egypt Sunday for meetings with Hamas leadership and then on to Israel today to discuss the situation in Gaza. The announcement came from a spokesman for the for the Board of Peace. Kushner is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Accompanying Kushner will be former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Gaza Board of Peace Head Nickolay Mladenov. The meetings come following Israel’s rejection of the Board’s 15-point peace plan, stating that until Hamas “truly disarmed” Israel could not accept a deal.
· The annual Wyoming Blockchain Symposium begins in Jackson Hole, running until Thursday. The invitation-only, 500-person event brings together investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers involved in digital assets. Speakers include SEC Chair Paul Atkins.
· Today is San Martin Day in Argentina, honoring José de San Martín. It is a national holiday and financial markets are closed.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Brazil IGP-10 Inflation (August)/ IBC-BR Economic Activity (June)/ BCB Focus Market Readout
· Canada Inflation Rate (July)/ CPI Common (July)/ CPI Median (July)/ CPI Trimmed-Mean (July)/ Foreign Securities Purchases (June)/ Foreign Securities Purchases by Canadians (June)
· USA NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (August)/ NAHB Housing Market Index (August)/ NOPA Crush Report/ Net Long-term TIC Flows (June)/ Overall Net Capital Flows (June)
· Ecuador Inflation Rate (July)
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· In China, The Ministry for Foreign Affairs resumes its routine daily press briefings. The briefings had gone into hiatus from August 3-14 for the annual closed-door Beidaihe leadership retreat — the informal Chinese Communist Party conclave where senior and retired leaders discuss personnel and policy. Reporting suggests this year's discussions centered on Party discipline, economic headwinds, and preparation for the October Fifth Plenary Session (focused on "comprehensive and strict governance of the Party") ahead of the 21st Party Congress next year.
· The US and South Korea hold their joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which runs through August 27th. Approximately 8,000 Republic of Korea (ROK) troops plus personnel from 11 other UN Command member states will participate. While this is a US-ROK drill, Japan is expected to be on heightened alert throughout this timeframe Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has already activated emergency response protocols for recent North Korean missile launches (which were fired off on August 6th and 11th, respectively), in the event Pyongyang tests again during the exercise period, which is historically likely.
· Today is Liberation Day in South Korea, a national holiday. Financial markets are closed.
· Today is Independence Day in Indonesia, a national holiday.
· South Korea’s Democratic Party is expected to elect its next party leader. So far, Kim Min-seok is leading the Democratic Party's leadership race with a cumulative 52.21% of votes cast in regional primaries.
· Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will begin a trip to Australia and New Zealand.
· The Thailand-U.S. Trade & Investment Summit takes place in Bangkok.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· New Zealand Composite NZ PCI (July)/ Services NZ PSI (July)/ Electronic Retail Card Spending (July)/ Food Inflation (July)
· Japan GDP Growth Rate Q2/ GDP Growth Annualized Q2/ GDP Capital Expenditure Q2 / GDP External Demand Q2/ GDP Price Index Q2/ GDP Private Consumption Q2/ Capacity Utilization (June)/ Industrial Production (June) / Tertiary Industry Index (June)
· Singapore Balance of Trade (July)/ Non-Oil Exports (July)
· China House Price Index (July)/ Industrial Production (July)/ Retail Sales (July)/ Fixed Asset Investment (YTD) (July)/ Unemployment Rate (July)
· Thailand GDP Growth Rate Q2
· Malaysia Inflation Rate (July)
· India Unemployment Rate (July)
· EARNINGS: BitFuFu, HTHT, Geely Automobile Holdings, National Australia Bank, Aurizon
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Russian FM Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Ghana Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Moscow. Ablakwa is there for a working visit through August 19th.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip R. Lane participates on a panel "Europe’s Defense Build-Up: Macroeconomic, Fiscal, and Financial Stability Challenges" at Annual Congress of the European Economic Association in Dublin, Ireland.
· Belarus Industrial Production (July)
· EARNINGS: BHP Group
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Israel’s Likud Party holds its primary to choose Knesset members.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Today is Independence Day in Gabon, a national holiday.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Global
· The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold a briefing, followed by consultations, on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and Libya sanctions.
· The UN General Assembly will hold a solemn session in tribute to the memory of His Highness the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, convened at the request of the Mission of Qatar.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· There will be primaries in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming, Special election in California’s 14th Congressional District.
· In Oakland, California, opening statements are due to be made in a landmark federal court trial brought by 29 states, alleging Meta improperly captured data from minors, designed its social media platforms to addict children and misled the public about their safety.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Canada Housing Starts (July)
· USA Housing Starts (July)/ Building Permits (July)/ Import/Export Prices (July)/ Industrial Production (July)/ Capacity Utilization (July)/ Manufacturing Production (July)/ Pending Home Sales (July)/ NY Fed Services Activity Index (August)/ Redbook (August/15)/ ADP Employment Change Weekly/ API Crude Oil Stock Change (August/14)
· Chile Current Account Q2/ GDP Growth Rate Q2
· Colombia GDP Growth Rate Q2/ ISE Economic Activity (June)
· El Salvador PPI (July)
· Uruguay Interest Rate Decision
· EARNINGS: Home Depot, Toll Brothers, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi travels to India for the 24th round of the Special Representatives' Talks on the China-India Boundary Question with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, plus a separate bilateral meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar. This is Wang's first India trip in roughly a year and comes as Beijing and New Delhi work to stabilize ties after prior border tensions — notable timing given it lands right alongside the BRICS Tourism Ministers' meetings in Jaipur.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Australia Westpac Consumer Confidence Change (August)/ Westpac Consumer Confidence Index (August)
· Turkey Auto Production (July)/ Auto Sales (July)
· Kazakhstan Industrial Production (July)
· EARNINGS: Baidu, VNET
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Ukraine’s Parliament returns from a month-long recess. This will be the body’s first chance to formally appoint a new permanent defense minister following Mykhailo Fedorov's dismissal in July. Acting Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Yevhenii Khmara is the likely replacement but there is some question as to whether he is ready to leave active military duty yet.
· Russia's President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing, who will be on an official visit to Russia.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip R. Lane participates on an EEA-ECB panel "Monetary Policy in a Geopolitically Fragmented World" at Annual Congress of the European Economic Association in Ireland, Dublin.
· UK Unemployment Rate (June)/ Average Earnings incl. Bonus (3Mo/Yr) (June)/ Employment Change (June)/ Average Earnings excl. Bonus (3Mo/Yr) (June)/ Claimant Count Change (July)/ HMRC Payrolls Change (July)/ Labour Productivity Q2
· Germany ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (August)/ ZEW Current Conditions (August)
· Euro Area ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (August)
· Spain Balance of Trade (June)
· Ireland Balance of Trade (June)
· EARNINGS: Klarna
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia (arriving in Riyadh on August 18) and Oman (arriving in Muscat on August 20th) from August 17th to 22nd. He will meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi to address regional maritime security and de-escalation.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Israel Unemployment Rate (July)
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nigeria Food Inflation (July)/ Inflation Rate (July)
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Global
· The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is expected to launch their Panorama of Productive Development Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean annual report.
· The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual open debate on working methods. The meeting will focus on the implementation of Danish presidential note S/2024/507 to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency.
· The 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group Meeting takes place in Jaipur, India. The meeting will focus on focused on AI in tourism, sustainable/responsible tourism, skills development, and travel facilitation.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· The US’ 50% tariff on over 500 Canadian products worth close to $20 billion goes into effect. Since President Trump threatened the tariffs, trade talks have intensified sharply between Ottawa and Washington. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on August 11th — their third meeting in as many weeks. As of now, it appears a possible emerging framework to avoid the draconian tariffs would have the US roll back the 50% threat and reduce Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber, in exchange for Canada eliminating retaliatory auto tariffs, easing provincial restrictions on US alcohol sales, and reworking dairy quota arrangements. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly said Canada "will not accept a bad deal," while maintaining talks are "constructive." Analysts we have spoken to caution a comprehensive deal likely requires direct Carney-Trump engagement rather than being finalized at the negotiator level — worth watching for a leaders' call or meeting this week as the deadline lands.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Federal Reserve Board FOMC Minutes released
· USA MBA 30-Year Mortgage Rate (August/14)/ MBA Mortgage Applications (August/14)/ MBA Mortgage Market Index (August/14)/ MBA Mortgage Refinance Index (August/14)/ MBA Purchase Index (August/14)/ EIA Crude Oil/Gasoline Stocks Change (August/14)
· Ecuador Balance of Trade (June)
· Colombia Imports/Balance of Trade (June)
· EARNINGS: Analog Devices, Target, Lowe’s, Estee Lauder, Viking, Carlyle Group, TJX Cos.
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to begin a two-day visit to South Korea through August 20th. This is the first time a Chinese foreign minister has traveled to South Korea for bilateral talks in five years. South Korea plans to urge Beijing to reaffirm the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and help encourage Pyongyang to return to dialogue, following recent high-level exchanges between China and North Korea. Discussions will cover strategic cooperation, trade, and managing regional stability amidst broader U.S.-China dynamics. But the meeting will also see China use the occasion to reiterate its position on the "one China" principle, while Seoul may raise maritime boundary and Yellow Sea structure concerns.
· In Beijing, the World Robot Conference begins, running until Sunday. The event showcases the latest advances in humanoid robots and other high-tech machines. According to Nikkei Asia, with government backing, China is making a major push to cement itself as the leading force in the emerging field. Another robotics event, the World Humanoid Robot Games, is scheduled to start Saturday in the Chinese capital, featuring a record 2,056 robots from 666 teams, according to state media. The highly anticipated Shanghai IPO of leading humanoid maker Unitree is expected during the week as well.
· Today is Revolution Day in Vietnam, marking the historic 1945 August Revolution led by Ho Chi Minh.
· The AI Summit Seoul & Expo takes place and runs through Aug. 21st.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser speaks at the Queensland Futures Institute Annual Regions Summit in Brisbane.
· Japan Machinery Orders (June)/ BoJ JGB Purchase
· Australia Wage Price Index Q2/ RBA Hauser Speech
· Indonesia Interest Rate Decision (August)/ Deposit Facility Rate (August)/ Lending Facility Rate (August)/ Loan Growth (July)
· New Zealand PPI Input Q2/ New Zealand PPI Output Q2/ Global Dairy Trade Price Index (August/18)
· EARNINGS: Weibo, Toyo Solar, Full Truck Alliance, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Hungarian President-elect Andras Baka takes office after his election by parliament, succeeding the Viktor Orban-allied predecessor, who was ousted less than halfway through his five-year term.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde participates on a panel discussion titled "Global Economic Outlook" at the World Economic Forum's International Business Council (IBC) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Lagarde’s attendance is expected to prompt renewed speculation she may exit the ECB early.
· UK Inflation Rate (July)/ PPI Output (July)/ PPI Input (July)/ Retail Price Index (July)
· Euro Area Current Account (June)/ Current Account s.a (June)/ CPI (July)/ Inflation Rate (July)/ ECB
· Italy Current Account (June)
· Russia PPI (July)
· Belarus GDP (July)
· Switzerland Industrial Production Q2
· Slovakia Harmonized Inflation Rate (July)
· Poland Consumer Confidence (August)
· Serbia Current Account (June)
· Ireland Residential Property Prices (June)
· EARNINGS: Carlsberg
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· South Africa Inflation Rate (July)/ Retail Sales (June)
· Angola Foreign Exchange Reserves (July)/ M3 Money Supply (July)
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Global
· The UN Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to hold closed consultations to discuss the 90-day report on the work of the 1718 Committee | Security Council - the United Nations (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Sanctions Committee).
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Brazil BCB National Monetary Council Meeting
· Canada New Housing Price Index (July)/ PPI (July)/ Raw Materials Prices (July)
· USA Initial Jobless Claims (August/15)/ Continuing Jobless Claims (August/08)/ Jobless Claims 4-week Average (August/15)/ Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (August)/ Philly Fed Business Conditions (August)/ Philly Fed CAPEX Index (August)/ Philly Fed Employment (August)/ Philly Fed New Orders (August)/ Philly Fed Prices Paid (August)/ CB Leading Index (July)/ Fed Balance Sheet (August/19)/ EIA Natural Gas Stocks Change (August/14)/ 15-Year Mortgage Rate (August/20)/ 30-Year Mortgage Rate (August/20)
· Mexico Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes
· Argentina Consumer Confidence (August)/ Balance of Trade (July)/ Economic Activity (June)/ Leading Indicator (July)
· Peru Current Account Q2
· EARNINGS: Walmart, Ross Stores, John Deere, Advanced Auto Parts, Flux Power
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· Bangladesh holds presidential elections.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· China Loan Prime Rate 1Y (August)/ Loan Prime Rate 5Y (August)
· India Infrastructure Output (July)/ HSBC Composite PMI Flash (August)/ HSBC Manufacturing PMI Flash (August)/ HSBC Services PMI Flash (August)
· Australia Consumer Inflation Expectations (August)/ Employment Change (July)/ Full Time Employment Chg (July)/ Unemployment Rate (July)/ Part Time Employment Chg (July)/ Participation Rate (July)
· Turkey Foreign Exchange Reserves (August/14)/ Central Government Debt (July)
· Japan Imports/Exports/Balance of Trade (July)/ Stock Investment by Foreigners (August/15)
· Malaysia Imports/Exports/Balance of Trade (July)
· Taiwan Export Orders (July)/ Current Account Q2
· Hong Kong Inflation Rate (July)/ Unemployment Rate (July)
· EARNINGS: Alibaba, Futu, ATHM, Dago New Energy, AIA
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Today is National Day in Hungary – also known as St. Stephen’s Day – commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state and the canonization of its first king, Stephen I. It is a national holiday and financial markets are closed.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· UK CBI Industrial Trends Orders (August)/ GfK Consumer Confidence (August)
· Germany PPI (July)
· Euro Area Construction Output (June)/ Labor Cost Index Flash Q2/ ECB Monetary Policy Meeting Accounts
· Slovakia Current Account (June)
· Switzerland Balance of Trade (July)
· Poland Corporate Sector Wages (July)/ Employment Growth (July)/ Industrial Production (July)/ PPI (July)
· Greece Current Account (June)
· EARNINGS: Fortescue, Hays
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· The annual meeting of the Egyptian-Qatari Joint Higher Committee, co-chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Badr Abdelatty, is scheduled to be held in El Alamein, Egypt. The meeting will review progress on economic ties, trade, and strategic investments between Egypt and Qatar. It will also seek to coordinate joint diplomatic efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions, ensure energy security, and maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Israel Inflation Expectations (August)
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· European Central Bank Governing Council member Olaf Sleijpen gives a speech on The Importance of Independent Central Banks in an Unstable World in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· South Africa Building Permits (June)
· Egypt Interest Rate Decision/ Overnight Lending Rate
Friday, August 21, 2026
Global
· Nothing significant to report.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Canada CFIB Business Barometer (August)/ Retail Sales (June)/ Retail Sales (July)/ Retail Sales Ex Autos (June)/ Senior Loan Officer Survey
· USA S&P Global Composite/Manufacturing/Services PMI Flash (August)/ Baker Hughes Oil Rig Count (August/21)/ Baker Hughes Total Rigs Count (August/21)
· Argentina Retail Sales (June)
· Mexico Retail Sales (June)
· Costa Rica Balance of Trade (July)
· Peru GDP Growth Rate Q2
· EARNINGS: BJ’s
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· India's annual Economic Times World Leaders Forum will take place in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the conference as well as a number of major international business leaders including SunLife CEO Kevin Strain, Boston Consulting Group CEO Christoph Schweizer, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· India HSBC Composite PMI Flash (August)/ HSBC Manufacturing PMI Flash (August)/ HSBC Services PMI Flash (August)/ Bank Loan Growth (August/07)/ Deposit Growth (August/07)/ Foreign Exchange Reserves (August/14)
· Australia S&P Global Manufacturing/Composite/Services PMI Flash (August)
· South Korea PPI (July)
· Indonesia Current Account Q2/ M2 Money Supply (July)
· Turkey Business Confidence (August)/ Consumer Confidence (August)/ Capacity Utilization (August)/ Tourist Arrivals (July)
· New Zealand Imports/Exports/Balance of Trade (July)/ Credit Card Spending (July)
· Japan Inflation Rate (July)/ Inflation Rate Ex-Food and Energy (July)/ S&P Global Manufacturing/Services/Composite PMI Flash (August)
· EARNINGS: Beke, Ping An Insurance
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· UK Retail Sales (July)/ Public Sector Net Borrowing Ex Banks (July)/ Retail Sales ex Fuel (July)/ S&P Global Manufacturing/Composite/Services PMI Flash (August)/ GfK Consumer Confidence (August)
· Germany S&P Global Manufacturing/Composite/Services PMI Flash (August)
· France Business Confidence (August)/ Business Climate Indicator (August)/ S&P Global Composite/Manufacturing/Services PMI Flash (August)
· Euro Area S&P Global Manufacturing/Composite/Services PMI Flash (August)/ Consumer Confidence Flash (August)/ Negotiated Wage Growth Q2
· Ireland Average Weekly Earnings Q2/ Wholesale Prices (July)
· Slovakia Unemployment Rate (July)
· Poland Business Confidence (August)
· Slovenia Consumer Confidence (August)/ PPI (July)/ Unemployment Rate (June)
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Lebanon Inflation Rate (July)
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Mozambique GDP Growth Rate Q2
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Global
· Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to make a half-day visit to the Republic of San Marino. He will then travel on to Rimini, Italy to participate in a “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples,” an annual Catholic cultural festival.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Saudi Arabia Construction Cost Index (July)
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Global
· Nothing significant to report.
Americas
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Asia
Political/Social Events –
· In Kazakhstan, legislative elections are held for all 145 seats of their parliament (Kurultai).
· Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will make an annual address to mark the independence of the city-state. Seen as his keynote political speech for the year, Wong is expected to address how his government can further support families as the Southeast Asian financial hub struggles with raising its birth rate.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Europe
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Middle East
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Africa
Political/Social Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Economic & Financial Reports/Events –
· Nothing significant to report.
Looking at the Weeks (and Months) Ahead
· August 27 – 29: The 2026 Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium will be held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
· August 29 – 30: The G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, Asheville, North Carolina.
· August 31 – September 1: The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, Asheville, North Carolina.
· September 1 – 2: There will be a G20 Innovation Ministerial held in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
· September 12 – 13: The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi, India.
· September 14 – 16: There will be a G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial held in Houston, Texas.
· September 18 – 20: Russia legislative (Duma) elections are to be held.
· September 22 – 29: The UN General Assembly is held in New York.
· September 24: Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Washington, DC for bilateral meetings with President Trump.
· September 30 – October 1: There will be a G20 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
· October (exact date TBD): Israel holds legislative elections.
· October 1: The G20 Sherpa Meeting III will be held in Washington, D.C.
· October 4: Brazil holds general elections.
· October 12 – 18: The IMF and World Bank Meetings are held in Bangkok, Thailand. There will be a finance ministers and central bank governors meeting on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank meetings on October 15th.
· October 30 – 31: The G20 Foreign Ministers meeting is held in Atlanta, Georgia.
· November 3: The US Midterm election is to be held. All 435 members of the US House of Representatives, 1/3 of the US Senate, 36 governors, and 6,000 state legislative seats will be decided.
· November 9 – 20: The United Nation’s COP31 Conference will be held in Antalya, Turkey.
· November 18 – 19: The APEC Summit will be held in Shenzhen, China.
· December 10: The G20 Sherpa Meeting IV will be held in Miami, Florida.
· December 14 – 15: The G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held at the Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida.