As we step into another significant week for global markets, the schedule is packed with crucial economic indicators, policy meetings, and public addresses by central bank officials across the globe. Here’s what investors and market watchers should keep an eye on, all times being UTC.

Bank of Japan’s Summary of Opinions: A major focal point this week will be on Wednesday when the Bank of Japan releases its summary of opinions from the March Monetary Policy Meeting (MPM). This follows an unexpected rate hike last week, the first in nearly two decades. Analysts and investors alike will be keenly watching for insights on the bank’s views on Japanese Government Bond (JGB) purchasing and its forward guidance, with Deutsche Bank highlighting the importance of these remarks.

Easter Market Closures: Towards the end of the week, financial markets in the US, UK, and Europe will go quiet as they close for the Easter holidays. The break will span from Good Friday through to Monday in some regions, providing a brief pause after a flurry of economic data and policy updates.

Monday, 25 March: The week kicks off with a series of speeches by notable figures, including ECB’s Lagarde and Holzmann, Fed’s Bostic and Cook, and the BoE’s Mann, potentially offering insights into future policy directions.

Tuesday, 26 March: Attention turns to the US with the release of February Durable Goods Orders at 12:30. Consensus expectations sit at a 1.2% increase, recovering from a significant drop the previous month. Commentary from Barclays suggests a tempered outlook, owing to modest aircraft orders. ECB’s Lane and RBNZ’s Conway are also scheduled to speak.

Wednesday, 27 March: A day starting early with Australia’s February CPI Indicator at 00:30, expected to show a year-on-year rise to 3.5%. Westpac forecasts a slight monthly increase, amidst various price updates and the cessation of government energy rebates. The BoJ’s Tamurra, Fed’s Waller, and ECB’s Cipollone and Elderson are also on the docket to speak.

Thursday, 28 March: Canada’s January Real GDP figures will be released at 12:30, with a consensus prediction of a 0.4% month-on-month growth, driven by a rebound in educational services post-strike activities in Quebec. Japan’s preliminary February Industrial Production figures are also due, expected to show a recovery from January’s decline, partially attributed to the Noto Peninsula earthquake and disruptions in the automotive sector. ECB’s Villeroy is among the speakers.

Friday, 29 March: France’s March HICP (Flash) and the US’s February Core PCE Price Index are the major data releases, both closely watched for inflation trends. France is anticipated to see a slight month-on-month decrease, while the US core PCE is expected to remain elevated at 2.8% year-on-year. High-profile speakers for the day include Fed’s Powell and Daly.

This week promises a rich tapestry of data and discourse that could sway markets and shape investment strategies. From Japan’s monetary policy to inflation data across major economies, each piece contributes to the global economic puzzle. As the week unfolds, keeping an eye on these developments will be crucial for those looking to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.