This week, several important international economic events will unfold, including the release of the United States' February Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index and the final value of last year's Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the preliminary Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) from major economies will be announced. Observers will be keen to hear statements by Federal Reserve officials, especially regarding inflation and economic growth.
The market anticipates that the February PCE price index will maintain an annual growth rate of 2.5%, with the core PCE expected to rebound from 2.6% to 2.7%. Recent statements from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that the inflation trends are temporary; however, previous forecasts underestimated persistent price pressures. The GDP growth for Q4 last year is projected to confirm a 2.4% increase, slightly above the initial estimate of 2.3%.
Attention is also focused on the preliminary PMIs from the U.S., France, Germany, the Eurozone, and Japan. These indicators will provide insights into economic health and potential central bank policy directions. Concurrently, the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index and inflation expectations for March will be revealed. Previous tariff policies have raised consumer inflation expectations, and the Fed anticipates potential future inflation increases, which could affect consumer sentiment.
Meanwhile, Apple (AAPL, Financial) is set to host a developer event in Shanghai. Scheduled for March 25, this online seminar will delve into Apple Intelligence and machine learning developments. Attendees will learn how to enhance user interaction with apps via Siri and App Intents and explore advanced workflows using machine learning-based APIs. This event has stirred speculation about the launch of China-specific Apple Intelligence capabilities, with previous announcements indicating that these features will be available in Chinese by April.
