1. Home
  2. Markets Updates
  3. Top Economic Events to Watch | April 21 - 25, 2025

Top Economic Events to Watch | April 21 - 25, 2025

22 April 2025

Share the article:

Gladys Eguia

Markets are under pressure with stocks dropping, bond yields climbing, and fears of a looming recession hanging over investor sentiment. Add to that the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty — from China’s economic recovery to tensions in Eastern Europe — and traders are feeling the heat.  

This week’s key data releases will provide critical clues on economic health, inflation, and how central banks might react. Here are the three events you need to watch closely: 

📘 1. Fed Beige Book – April 22 

What it is: 
The Beige Book is basically the Fed’s economic vibe check. It’s a summary of how businesses are doing across the 12 Federal Reserve districts — covering everything from hiring and wage growth to inflation and consumer demand. It comes out two weeks before each FOMC meeting. 

Why it matters: 
While it doesn’t come with charts or numbers, traders love it because it gives a qualitative look at what the Fed might be thinking. If businesses are reporting strong growth and inflation pressure, that’s a hawkish hint. If they’re pulling back, it could suggest the Fed might pause or even cut rates sooner. 

Market impact: 
This one’s all about interest rate expectations. If the tone is hawkish: 

📈 USD could strengthen 

📉 Stocks may dip, especially rate-sensitive sectors like tech 

📊 Treasury yields could tick higher 

2. UK Retail Sales MoM – April 25 

What it is: 
This monthly release tracks changes in the value of goods sold by UK retailers. It’s a frontline indicator of consumer health and spending patterns — and since the UK economy is heavily consumer-driven, this number carries weight. 

Why it matters: 
After a rollercoaster of inflation and rate hikes, markets are hungry for signs that consumer demand is holding up — or not. A strong beat could push back expectations for a Bank of England rate cut. A weak number could stoke recession fears. 

Market impact: 

💷 GBP/USD often sees sharp moves right after the release 

🏦 UK stocks and FTSE 100 could react, especially retailers 

🔁 Also impacts UK gilt yields, as bond markets adjust to policy shifts 

🏭 3. Japan Jibun Bank PMI Flash – April 23 

What it is: 
These are the Purchasing Managers’ Indexes for Japan’s manufacturing and services sectors — released in a flash (preliminary) version. They give an early look at business activity and confidence. 

Why it matters: 
Japan has been stuck in a tricky spot: slowly exiting ultra-loose monetary policy while watching global demand soften. These PMIs tell us whether factories and service providers are growing or contracting — and how much momentum Japan’s economy really has. 

Market impact: 

💴 JPY pairs (like USD/JPY) react quickly to strong or weak numbers 

📉 Influences Asian equities, particularly Nikkei 225 

🔗 Because Japan is a key part of the global supply chain, poor manufacturing data could weigh on industrial stocks globally 

Markets are on edge, and the next few days could make or break the outlook. Watch these key events closely, as they’ll guide the next wave of market action. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Any news, opinions, research, analyses, prices or other information contained in this article are provided as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and therefore, it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Past performance is not an indication of possible future performance. Any action you take upon the information in this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of this article.
RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail client investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Related articles

NAGA Weekly Recap June 2 - 6, 2025
6 June 2025
Markets steadied this week ahead of the NFP report, with inflation cooling, tech stocks rallying, and gold and FX reacting to shifting Fed rate expectations. Get the full breakdown across stocks, commodities, and currencies.

Read more

Gladys Eguia

SPX500 Gears for 6000 Breakout: Hidden Bullish Divergence & EMA Support Intact
5 June 2025
SPX500 consolidates below 6000 with bullish structure intact. Hidden divergence and EMA support suggest breakout potential.

Read more

Top Economic Events to Watch | June 2 - 6, 2025
2 June 2025
Get ahead of the markets with a breakdown of the top 3 U.S. economic events from June 2–6, including NFP, unemployment rate, and ISM Services PMI. See what traders are watching this week.

Read more

Gladys Eguia