Global Calendar: May 9 - 15, 2022
It is going to be a particularly busy week both politically and economically. We are closely watching the Victory Day parade in Moscow on Monday which may give us some further indications of President Putin’s intentions toward Ukraine - and the West. We are also keenly paying attention to the elections in the Philippines which could have a significant impact on overall Indo-Pacific affairs going forward.
Political/Social Events –
Philippines national elections. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr – son of the late dictator— is favored to win the presidency. Also up for election: a new Vice President, 12 senators, 300 lower house legislators, and approximately 18,000 other local officials.
Russia celebrates Victory Day, commemorating the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Mexican President Andres Manual Lopez Obrador to meet with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba.
President Biden is expected to sign Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act into law.
Europe Day is celebrated in Europe, commemorating the 1950 Schuman declaration.
World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland.
APEC commences senior Officials Meeting through May 18th in Bangkok, Thailand.
World Trade Organization’s General Council Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland.
Australia opens early voting centers for 2022 federal elections.
Saudi Arabia to host inaugural Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi leaders hope this helps jump-start efforts to make the Kingdom a major regional airport hub.
Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists announced, New York.
Economic Reports/Events –
US Wholesale inventories (Mar), consumer inflation (Mar)
Japan’s Central Bank monetary Policy Meeting Minutes; FX reserves (Apr), Jibun Bank Services PMIs (Apr), Household Spending figures (Mar)
China’s balance of trade, exports/imports (Apr)
South Korea's current account (Mar)
India GDP growth rate (Apr), inflation rate figures (Apr), GDP growth rate Q1
Saudi Arabia S&P Global PMI (Apr)
South Africa FX reserves (Apr), SACCI Business Confidence (Apr)
France's balance of trade (Mar), current account (Mar), Exports/Imports (Mar)
UK BBA mortgage rate (Apr), BRC Retail Sales Monitor (Apr)
Mexico inflation rate figures (Apr)
Brazil Central Bank Focus Market Readout
Canada building permits (Mar)
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Political/Social Events –
President Biden meets with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Washington DC. The primary focus of discussions is expected to be on assisting Italy and the greater EU with energy needs.
South Korea holds its presidential inauguration, Seoul, South Korea.
EU and United Nations hosts Brussels V Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria in Brussels.
Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth formally opens British Parliament’s legislative session.
Russian President Putin expected to hold an economic policy session to discuss the impact of the War on Ukraine on Russia’s economy.
G-7 Digital Affairs Ministers meet in Dusseldorf, Germany.
United Nations commences a three-day conference meeting with Sudanese political groups regarding the democratic transition in Khartoum, Sudan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 31st Annual Meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Economic Reports/Events –
US NFIB Business Optimism Index (Apr), Redbook (May), API Curide Oil Stock Change (May)
South Korean Unemployment Rate (Apr)
Brazil Central Bank Copom Meeting Meetings, Retail Sales (Mar), Current Account (Mar), Foreign Direct Investment (Mar), Bank Lending (Mar)
Australia NAB Business Confidence (Apr), Retail Sales (Mar)
Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate Q1, Industrial Production (Mar)
Turkey Unemployment Rate (Mar)
Italy Industrial Production Mar(
Eurozone ZEW Economic Sentiment (May)
Germany ZEW Economic Sentiment (May), ZEW Current Conditions (May)
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Political/Social Events –
EU hosts Cybertech Expo in Brussels (May 11-12)
EU hosts Madrid Forum (European gas regulatory forum) in Madrid, Spain.
India celebrates the annual Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival.
Economic Reports/Events –
US Inflation Rate figures (Apr), MBA Purchase Index (May), MBA Mortgage Application (May), MBA 30-year Mortgage Rate (May), MBA Market Index (May), MBA Mortgage Refinance Index (May), EIA Crude/Distillate Stocks Change (May), EIA Refinery Crude (May)
Brazil Inflation Rate (Apr)
Russia Monetary Policy Report, FX reserves (Apr)
Australia Westpac Consumer Confidence Index (May)
China Inflation figures (Apr), PPI (Apr)
India Consumer Confidence (Apr)
Japan Coincident Index (Mar), Leading Economic Index (Mar)
Germany Inflation rate (Apr), Harmonized Inflation Rate (Apr)
Turkey Treasury Cash Balance (Apr)
Organization Economic (OECD) presents Sovereign Borrowing Outlook 2022
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Political/Social Events –
President Biden hosts ASEAN leaders in Washington, DC (rescheduled from earlier this year).
G-7 Foreign Ministers meet in Weissenhaus, Germany (through May 14)
Finland is expected to formally announce its decision on whether to join NATO.
Commonwealth of Independent States Council of Foreign Ministers meet in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
EU-Japan Summit to be held in Tokyo, Japan. Both European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend where a coordinated China policy will be a key focus.
Global COVID-19 Summit to be held in Washington, DC.
Southeast Asian Games begin in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Economic Reports/Events –
US PPIs (Apr), Jobless Claims (May), EIA Natural Gas Stocks (May), WASDE Report
China New Yuan Loans (Apr), Outstanding Loan Growth (Apr), Vehicle Scores (Apr)
Russia Balance of Trade (Feb & Mar)
Australia Building Permits (Mar), Private House Approvals (Mar)
India Retail Sales (Mar), Inflation Rate figures (Apr), Manufacturing Production (Mar)
Japan Eco Watcher Survey Current (Apr), Central Bank presents “Summary of Opinions” on Monetary Policy Meeting
UK GDP figures Q1, GDP 3-month avg, Industrial Production (Mar), Manufacturing Production (Mar), Balance of Trade (Mar), Manufacturing Production (Mar), Construction Orders (Q1), Business Investment (Q1)
Germany Current Account (Mar)
France IEA Oil Market Report
Mexico Central Bank interest rate decision, Industrial Production (Mar)
South Africa Mining Production (Mar), Gold Production (Mar), Manufacturing Production (Mar)
Turkey FX Reserves (May)
Argentina Inflation figures (Apr)
South Korea Export/Import figures (Apr)
Saudi Arabia OPEC Monthly Report
Friday, May 13, 2022
Political/Social Events –
Sweden’s Parliament is expected to debate the country joining NATO.
G-7 Agriculture Ministers to meet in Germany. Global food security will be the focus of the meeting.
Russian government expected to announce new list of sanctioned foreign entities and individuals barred from buying Russian products and natural resources.
Iran hosts the 26th Annual International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition.
Economic Reports/Events –
US Import Prices/Export Prices (Apr), Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Prel. May), Michigan Current Conditions (May), Michigan Inflation Expectations (Prel. May), Baker Hughes Total Rig Count (May)
China Foreign Direct Investment (Apr)
Russia Inflation Rate figures (Apr)
France Inflation Rate figures (Apr)
Spain Inflation Rate figures (Apr)
Eurozone Industrial Production (Mar)
Turkey Industrial Production (Mar), Retail Sales (Mar)
India Imports/Exports (Apr), Balance of Trade (Apr), FX Reserves (Apr)
Brazil IBC-BR Economic Activity (Mar), FX reserves (May)
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Political/Social Events –
NATO Foreign Ministers hold an informal meeting in Berlin, Germany.
The 66th Annual Eurovision Song Contest final is held in Turin, Italy.
Iceland holds municipal elections.
Economic Reports/Events –
No significant reports/events.
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Political/Social Events –
Switzerland holds a referendum on contribution to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
EU-US Trade and Technology Council 2nd meeting held today and tomorrow in France (watch for a possible announcement on a deal for EU-US Privacy Shield replacement).
Total Lunar Eclipse (“Blood Moon”) will be visible across North and South America as well as parts of Europe and Africa.
Economic Reports/Events –
Saudi Arabia inflation rates (Apr), Wholesale Prices (Apr)