ECONOMIC DIARY JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 3

THIS COMING week investor’s attention will be on the release of the Non-Farm employment data of the US for January.

The unemployment rate and average hourly earnings will set the tone for a possible interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve in February.

Various countries will also be announcing their latest manufacturing, composite and services Purchasers Managers Indices (PMI).

Germany, France and the EU will release their latest unemployment data. Domestically Tuesday, January 31: The Reserve Bank will release the latest private sector credit and money supply data. The Department of Customs and Excise will publish the balance of trade figures for December.

Wednesday, February 1: Barclays Bank will announce the Barclays Manufacturing PMI for January. The Association of Vehicle Sales will publish the total vehicle sales for January.

Friday, February 3: Standard Bank will release its PMI for January. Globally Monday, January 30: EU: Consumer confidence index – January; Germany: Inflation rate – Decembe.

Tuesday, January 31: France: Inflation rate – January; EU: GDP growth rate – Q4.

Wednesday, February 1: China; Germany; Canada; EU; and US: Manufacturing PMI – January.

Thursday, February 2: UK: Bank of England interest rate decision.

Friday, February 3: China: Manufacturing PMI; EU: Retail sales – December.