Our weekly forex outlook for the week of August 18, 2026 highlights the high-impact economic events and market themes traders should watch. All times are approximate; verify against your broker’s calendar before trading.
Key Economic Events This Week
- CPI m/m (CAD) – 08-17-2026 12:30pm, impact: High, forecast 0.4%, previous -0.4%
- Median CPI y/y (CAD) – 08-17-2026 12:30pm, impact: High, forecast 2.0%, previous 1.9%
- Trimmed CPI y/y (CAD) – 08-17-2026 12:30pm, impact: High, forecast 1.8%, previous 1.8%
- Claimant Count Change (GBP) – 08-18-2026 6:00am, impact: High, forecast 16.5K, previous 6.7K
- Average Earnings Index 3m/y (GBP) – 08-18-2026 6:00am, impact: Medium, forecast 4.0%, previous 4.3%
- CPI y/y (GBP) – 08-19-2026 6:00am, impact: High, forecast 2.9%, previous 2.6%
- Wage Price Index q/q (AUD) – 08-19-2026 1:30am, impact: Medium, forecast 0.8%, previous 0.8%
- Employment Change (AUD) – 08-20-2026 1:30am, impact: High, forecast 11.7K, previous 76.3K
- Unemployment Rate (AUD) – 08-20-2026 1:30am, impact: High, forecast 4.4%, previous 4.4%
- ECB President Lagarde Speaks (EUR) – 08-19-2026 7:10am, impact: Medium
- French Flash Manufacturing PMI (EUR) – 08-21-2026 7:15am, impact: Medium, forecast 50.1, previous 50.0
- French Flash Services PMI (EUR) – 08-21-2026 7:15am, impact: Medium, forecast 49.4, previous 49.8
- FOMC Meeting Minutes (USD) – 08-19-2026 6:00pm, impact: High
- Philly Fed Manufacturing Index (USD) – 08-20-2026 12:30pm, impact: Medium, forecast 24.1, previous 41.4
- Unemployment Claims (USD) – 08-20-2026 12:30pm, impact: Medium, forecast 210K, previous 209K
Market News in Focus
- Why is DocGo stock sliding today?
- Bonds, stocks jolted as Middle East tensions shatter market calm
- JPMorgan cuts Generali to Neutral after strong re-rating
- Why is Lanxess stock sliding today?
- Why is Fabrinet stock sliding today?
- Indonesia stocks higher at close of trade; IDX Composite Index up 1.05%
Trading Takeaway
High-impact releases can widen spreads and spike volatility. Trade liquid pairs, respect your risk rules, and use a stop-loss on every position. Beginners should practise on a demo account first.
High-impact events (like CPI, NFP, central-bank decisions) move currencies most. They often widen spreads and spike volatility, so traders size positions carefully around them.
Use a stop-loss, avoid over-leverage, and consider waiting for the initial spike to pass. Beginners should practise on a demo account first.
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