Trader’s Diary: Everything you need to get ready for the week ahead

Major economic headlines last week

In the US, figures released on Friday showed that inflation is the highest in 39 years.

The headline CPI rose by 6.8% in November compared to the same time last year. This was the highest annual inflation rate since June 1982, and miles ahead of October’s 6.2%.

With supply shortages and global shipping still likely to be disrupted well until next year, some observers predicted consumers’ prices could even get worse in the US.

Economists are now unanimous this latest data will force the US Fed to raise its benchmark rate sooner than later.

Meanwhile in Australia, the Reserve Bank meeting held on Tuesday revealed nothing new for investors.

The RBA decided to leave its official rate target on hold at a record low 0.1%, and will also continue its $4 billion-a-week bond-buying program until February.

RBA chief Philip Lowe said the central bank is “prepared to be patient” before lifting interest rates.

Economic calendar for this week

Australia

The key event this week will be RBA’s chief Philip Lowe’s speech on Thursday.

MONDAY:
Skilled job vacancies for November.

TUESDAY:
Weekly consumer confidence.

THURSDAY:
Mid year economic and fiscal outlook report.
RBA governor speech.

International calendar

US (US time)

Key focus for global investors this week will be Tuesday’s US Fed decision on interest rates.

TUESDAY:
US Fed interest rates decision.

WEDNESDAY:
US retail sales.

THURSDAY:
US industrial production.

Europe (European time)

Key data in the EU will be Friday’s CPI print.

TUESDAY:
EU industrial production.

THURSDAY:
EU wages and labour costs.

FRIDAY:
EU inflation for November. The market expects CPI to come in at 4.9%, the same level as October.

China

TUESDAY:
Chinese retail sales for November.

ASX IPO calendar for this week

According to the ASX, these are the companies making their IPO listing debut this week.

MONDAY:

Black Mountain Energy (ASX:BME), an oil and gas explorer that raised $11m at 20c a share.

The Hydration Pharmaceuticals Company (ASX:HPC). This company sells tablet and powder hydration solution products in Canada and the US.

WEDNESDAY:

Armanda Metals (ASX:AMM), a mineral explorer that raised $10m at 20c.

Infinity Mining (ASX:IMI), a mineral explorer that raised $10m at 20c.

THURSDAY:

AVADA Group (ASX:AVD), a traffic management tech company that raised around $32m at $1 a share.

Qualitas Limited (ASX:QAL). This company operates in the alternative real estate investment management sector on behalf of fund investors. It raised $335m at $2.50.

Ronin Resources (ASX:RON), a mineral explorer that raised $5m at 20c.

XPON Technologies (ASX:XPN). This company provides corporate and mid-tier enterprises with cloud based marketing technology solutions. It raised $12.5m at 20c.

FRIDAY:

IPD Group (ASX:IPG), an electrical equipment distributor that raised $40m at $1.20.

My Rewards International (ASX:MRI), an employee and consumer rewards, loyalty and engagement program provider that raised $7m at 20c.

SHAPE Australia (ASX:SHA), a specialist building contractor and construction manager that raised $2m at $1.96.

Winton Land (ASX:WTN), a property developer that raised $350m at $3.89.