Markets on Edge: Fed minutes, inflation & Nvidia earnings in focus

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]Are you ready for a data-packed week that could spark market volatility? Keep your eyes on the upcoming Fed minutes, inflation figures, and Nvidia earnings.

[00:00:08]This is the week ahead at XM. Let's take a look at these events. Starting on Monday, the Bank of Japan debating whether to raise rates again in June.

[00:00:17]The latest GDP numbers could be market moving. A stronger than expected reading could fuel speculation of tighter policy, potentially supporting the yen.

[00:00:27]Tuesday's UK jobs data come at a critical time as sticky wage growth could keep inflation pressures elevated and push traders to price in a more hawkish Bank of England outlook which could boost the pound. Also on Tuesday, should Canadian CPI surprise to the upside, traders may price out rate cuts or even consider another VOC hike, triggering volatility in the looney.

[00:00:50]First up on Wednesday, UK inflation data. Energy prices likely pushed inflation higher again in April. And if CPI jumps closer to 4%, expectations for a BOE hike in June could surge amidst renewed political turmoil. Later on Wednesday, all eyes will be on the FOMC meeting minutes. Markets will be searching for signals that the Fed may stay aggressive in its fight against inflation. But with Wars arriving soon, everything could change. If the Fed sounds more hawkish, the dollar could rally while gold could come under pressure. Nvidia earnings, also on Wednesday, will be the headline event of the week. As the AI boom continues driving markets higher, traders will focus not only on earnings growth, but also on demand for next generation AI chips. Also on Thursday, the Eurozone flash PMIs will reveal whether the region's economy is slowing further amid geopolitical tensions. A softer print could reduce pressure on the ECB to consider a hike at its June meeting.

[00:01:51]Meanwhile, ahead of Walmart's earnings, the US PMI data will show how resilient the American economy remains. If the May numbers continue to point a steady expansion, investors might increase their bets of a Fed hike this year. This was your week ahead at XM. Don't forget to subscribe. You don't want to miss a market update.