Market Outlook: Key Events to Watch This Week

As markets navigate a complex global environment, investors are turning their attention to several critical developments that could shape sentiment in the days ahead. From central bank guidance to major corporate earnings, this week offers important signals for the trajectory of both the economy and financial markets.

Fed Chair Powell’s Remarks at Jackson Hole

The highlight of the week will be Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium. Investors are eagerly awaiting clues about the Fed’s next policy moves. Markets are currently pricing in the possibility of a rate cut at the upcoming meeting, making Powell’s tone especially influential. Any indication of a dovish or hawkish stance could trigger notable volatility across equities, bonds, and currencies.

Retail Giants Reporting Earnings

Earnings season continues with a strong focus on U.S. retail. Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, and Ross Stores are set to release their quarterly results. These companies provide a real-time reflection of consumer behavior, pricing strategies, and the impact of tariffs on supply chains. Investors will be closely monitoring whether resilient consumer spending can offset broader economic uncertainties.

Housing and Labor Market Data

Fresh home sales figures and weekly jobless claims will also be released, offering insight into the health of the housing market and labor force. With mortgage rates still elevated and employment trends stabilizing, these data points will help determine whether consumer demand remains strong enough to support growth.

Social Security’s 90th Anniversary

Beyond immediate market drivers, the Social Security Administration marks its 90th anniversary this week. While largely symbolic, the milestone highlights long-term questions about fiscal sustainability and the broader economic safety net—factors that ultimately shape investor confidence in the U.S. economy.

Outlook

This week represents a convergence of monetary policy signals, consumer data, and corporate performance. For investors, the key will be balancing near-term volatility against the backdrop of longer-term economic resilience. At IGS Investment, we continue to monitor these developments closely to provide insights that help navigate shifting market conditions.

This Week’s Calendar

Monday, Aug. 18

• Homebuilder confidence (August)
• Key Earnings: Palo Alto Networks (PANW)

Tuesday, Aug. 19

• Housing starts (July)

  U.S. Census Bureau. “Economic Indicators.”

• Key Earnings: Home Depot, Medtronic (MDT), Keysight Technologies (KEYS), Viking Holdings (VIK), XPeng (XPEV), Toll Brothers (TOL)

Wednesday, Aug. 20

• FOMC minutes for July meeting
• Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic
• Key Earnings: TJX Cos., Lowe’s, Analog Devices (ADI), Target, Estee Lauder (EL), Baidu (BIDU)

Thursday, Aug. 21

• Existing home sales (July)
• Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium begins
• Key Earnings: Walmart, Intuit (INTU), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores
• Data to Watch: Initial jobless claims (Week ending Aug. 16), Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey (August), S&P Flash U.S. PMI (August), U.S. leading economic indicators