Weekly Economic Calendar: Key Events and Data Releases (July 15-19, 2025)

This weekly preview highlights major economic events and data releases scheduled for July 15-19, 2025, providing market participants with essential information for positioning. Monday, July 15: China releases Q2 GDP (consensus: 4.8% YoY), industrial production, and retail sales data. Empire State Manufacturing Survey expected to show modest improvement to -2.0. Tuesday, July 16: UK unemployment and wage data likely to show labor market cooling. German ZEW Economic Sentiment forecast at 42.5, indicating improving confidence. US retail sales for June expected at +0.3% MoM. Wednesday, July 17: Eurozone final CPI confirmation for June anticipated at 2.5% YoY. US housing starts and building permits may show continued weakness. Fed Beige Book release provides anecdotal economic evidence. Thursday, July 18: Japan trade balance expected to show continued deficit pressures. ECB President Lagarde speaks at annual forum, may provide policy hints. US weekly jobless claims watched for labor market trends. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index forecast at 2.5. Friday, July 19: Bank of Japan Governor Ueda participates in panel discussion, scrutinized for policy signals. UK retail sales data rounds out the week. US existing home sales expected to decline 2.1% MoM. The report notes heightened market sensitivity to inflation-related data given central bank focus. Geopolitical developments and energy prices remain key variables. Trading volumes may be lighter due to Northern Hemisphere summer holidays. Options expiration on Friday could add volatility. Market positioning suggests cautious optimism with focus on central bank communications and economic momentum indicators.