As we enter the first week of April, markets are bracing for a series of key economic releases and geopolitical developments. From central bank decisions to U.S. trade policy shifts, here’s a breakdown of what to watch in the coming days.

Monday, March 31

Japan’s Q1 Tankan Large Manufacturing Index (23:50 GMT) – Analysts expect the index to drop to 12 from 14, reflecting concerns over U.S. trade policies and domestic consumption weakness.

Speakers: ECB’s Lagarde, Panetta, Villeroy | Riksbank’s Breman | Norges Bank’s Longva

---

Tuesday, April 1

RBA Interest Rate Decision (03:30 GMT) – The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its cash rate steady at 4.10%, with a dovish bias suggesting a possible cut in May.

Eurozone March HICP (Flash) (09:00 GMT) – Headline inflation is forecast to decline to 2.2% y/y. Softer inflation data from France, Spain, and Belgium indicate potential downside risks.

Speakers: Fed’s Barkin | ECB’s Lagarde, Lane, Cipollone, Escriva | Riksbank’s Jansson | BoE’s Greene | RBA’s Kent

---

Wednesday, April 2

Markets will focus on U.S. trade policy developments with President Trump’s administration expected to introduce additional tariffs on global imports. Economists anticipate a ripple effect on international trade and market sentiment.

Speakers: RBA’s Bullock | ECB’s Schnabel

---

Thursday, April 3

Switzerland March CPI (06:30 GMT) – Expected to rise slightly to 0.4% y/y, marking a modest recovery from February’s decade-low inflation rate.

Speakers: SNB’s Tschudin | Fed’s Jefferson | ECB’s de Guindos | Riksbank’s Thedeen

---

Friday, April 4

Germany February Industrial Orders (06:00 GMT) – A recovery of 3.5% m/m is anticipated after January’s sharp decline (-7.0%), driven by front-loaded U.S. imports.

U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (March) (12:30 GMT) – Job growth is forecast at 138,000, with economists eyeing a potential upside surprise following February’s muted performance.

Canada March Jobs Data (12:30 GMT) – The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 6.7%, reflecting a slowdown in employment growth due to demographic shifts.

Speakers: Fed’s Powell, Kugler | ECB’s de Guindos

This week, attention will shift to central bank policy decisions, inflation reports, and geopolitical risks, including NATO’s foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels (April 3-4). Investors will be watching for potential shifts in monetary policy, particularly as global growth concerns persist.