Policymakers in Washington and Ottawa are expected to cut interest rates while the rest of the G-7 remains steady. Major central banks in North America are set for quarter-point reductions, with the Bank of Japan holding off on a rate hike. Economic worries are driving immediate action, especially in North America, while the G-7 as a whole remains cautious.

The upcoming week will see inflation numbers from Australia to the euro zone, Chinese purchasing manager indexes, and rate decisions in Chile and Colombia. President Trump’s trade moves will also be in focus during his Asian tour, with meetings scheduled with Chinese President Xi Jinping and stops at various summits in Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

In the US and Canada, data indicates that the Fed will likely cut rates by a quarter-point to address weakness in the labor market. The Bank of Canada is also expected to cut its benchmark rate despite recent positive reports. Economic data releases remain sparse due to the government shutdown, with a focus on consumer confidence and home sales.

In Asia, inflation, trade, and confidence readings will shape the region’s recovery as central banks pivot towards easier policy settings. Attention is on Australia’s inflation data and the Bank of Japan’s meeting, with speculation on further normalization. China’s official PMIs and other economic indicators will provide insight into the region’s economic picture.

In Europe, the ECB’s decision will be uneventful, with a focus on growth data and inflation readings. Germany’s business gauge and France’s economic expansion will be closely watched. Elections in the Netherlands and budget bills in Bulgaria will also draw attention. The UK remains quiet ahead of the BOE meeting, while Botswana is expected to support its economy with an unchanged key rate.

Latin America sees Brazil and Mexico’s market reports, Chile’s rate decision, and third-quarter output reports from Mexico. Inflation and unemployment readings in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile will be monitored. Colombia’s BanRep faces uncooperative inflation as policymakers debate rate adjustments to bolster growth.

Overall, global economic activity remains mixed, with central banks adjusting policy to address various challenges and uncertainties. Market attention will be on key data releases, rate decisions, and geopolitical developments affecting different regions around the world.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: North America Set to Cut Rates as Rest of G-7 Looks On