As markets return from the Easter Holidays, the week ahead is packed with high-impact economic data releases across Europe, the UK, and the US. These updates will provide key signals on economic sentiment and momentum. Here’s what to watch from Wednesday onward:

---

Wednesday: Eurozone and UK April Flash PMIs

Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) figures will dominate midweek attention, offering a snapshot of business conditions across the Eurozone and the UK. Unfortunately, the forecast points to continued weakness.

Economists expect Eurozone manufacturing and services PMIs to fall to 47.5 and 50.2, down from 48.6 and 51.0, respectively. In the UK, manufacturing is projected to ease to 44.4 from 44.9, while services are forecasted to drop to 51.6 from 52.5.

These declines reflect ongoing concerns over global trade tensions and a broader slowdown in economic activity.

---

Thursday: German Ifo Business Confidence (08:00 GMT)

Germany’s Ifo Business Climate Index is expected to dip slightly, with forecasts suggesting a decline to 85.2 from 86.7 last month. While still relatively strong, this drop comes amid a wider slump in investor sentiment earlier in April.

The Ifo reading will be a key indicator of whether German businesses are maintaining confidence despite headwinds across Europe.

Thursday: US March Durable Goods Orders (12:30 GMT)

Later in the day, attention turns to the US, where March Durable Goods data is expected to show modest growth. Analysts anticipate a 1.5% month-over-month increase, up from February’s 1.0%. The boost is likely tied to businesses stockpiling ahead of potential new tariffs.

---

Friday: UK March Retail Sales (06:00 GMT)

The week concludes with UK retail sales data, and expectations are for a pullback. After three consecutive months of positive growth driven by strong consumer demand, economists forecast a decline of -0.4% month-over-month.

This would follow gains of 1.0% in February and 1.4% in January. Analysts, including those at TD Securities, suggest the March figure could reflect a return to underlying trends, with some of the earlier strength beginning to unwind.

---

All times are listed in GMT. As the week unfolds, these reports will likely influence market direction, investor sentiment, and central bank policy expectations. Stay alert for market reactions and potential shifts in economic outlooks.