Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Look ahead: PCE; GDP; Ocado; Best Buy; AB-InBev

Inflation and growth likely to dominate the markets on Thursday. From the US, we have the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge.

Video poster image

Germany releases inflation figures. France and Canada release their Q4 GDP growth rate. There is a distinct consumer theme on the earnings front: Ocado, Best Buy, and AB-InBev report.

(AI Video Summary)

PCE data and various countries' economic data

Today's "Look ahead" discusses all the expected trading action for Thursday, 29 February. One key thing to watch out for is the PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) data, which is a big deal in the trading world. But before that, keep an eye on Japan's industrial production and retail sales data. The country's stock market, the Nikkei 225, has been doing really well lately, showing a positive trend. Don't forget to check out the Ichimoku clouds overlay on the Nikkei daily chart for some interesting insights.

Australia's retail sales numbers for January are also on the horizon, with experts expecting a 1.5% increase month-on-month. Remember, the Australian dollar took a dip after January's inflation data came in lower than expected. Over in Europe, Germany will be releasing some important numbers too, such as retail sales, unemployment rates, and inflation. France will be focusing on the Q4 GDP growth rate, while Canada will be publishing GDP readings.

PCE price index

But the highlight of the day will be the core PCE price index in the US. This data is a big deal for the Federal Reserve, so expect some movement in the US dollar. Speaking of which, the US dollar has been weakening lately, but it's been showing a slight rise before the PCE figure is released. Traders and analysts will be closely watching this number to see if it will affect the expected Fed rate cut.

Expected full-year reports

On the other side of the pond, the UK will have several companies reporting their full-year numbers, including Ocado, Haleon, Schroders, and LSE Group. Especially keep an eye on Ocado, as there has been a slowdown in British grocery prices recently. In Europe, IAG, AB-InBev, and Saint Gobain will also be releasing their full-year reports. In the US, the focus will be on companies like Best Buy and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Start trading forex today

Find opportunity on the world’s most-traded – and most-volatile – financial market.

  • Trade spreads from just 0.6 points on EUR/USD
  • Analyse with clear, fast charts
  • Speculate wherever you are with our intuitive mobile apps

See an FX opportunity?

Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re onto something.

  • Log in to your demo
  • Take your position
  • See whether your hunch pays off

See an FX opportunity?

Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.

  • Get spreads from just 0.6 points on popular pairs
  • Analyse and deal seamlessly on fast, intuitive charts
  • See and react to breaking news in-platform

See an FX opportunity?

Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities
website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

" >


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.