begins Markets TodayWednesday, August 12, 2026, in a relatively busy economic calendar, with US inflation data due at 12:30 UTC. The figures come alongside producer price index data and unemployment claims, which could raise volatility in the dollar, forex pairs, and digital assets. Before that, the calendar includes New Zealand inflation forecasts and UK growth data.
Markets Today: Economic calendar timings
Scheduled events begin at 03:00 UTC with the following: NZ inflation expectationsThe event is of moderate impact on the New Zealand dollar. No announced forecast is available in the data, while the previous reading was 2.53%. Therefore, the surprise direction cannot be anticipated relative to a clear consensus expectation, and currency reaction may depend on how much the reading deviates from the previous level.
At 06:00 UTC, eyes turn to the pound with GDP data:
- Gross domestic product: expected 0.0% vs previous 0.1%.
- Preliminary GDP: expected 0.4% vs previous 0.6%.
The outlook suggests a slowdown vs. prior readings. If results come in better than expected, the pound could receive initial support. If weaker results are released, pressures could rise. The first scenario is negated if the numbers come in below expectations, while the weakness scenario is negated if data clearly exceed projections. There are no current prices for the pound or forex pairs in the provided data, so precise technical levels cannot be identified.
Hour 12:30 UTC: main volatility window
The most focused on Economy News At 12:30 UTC, a batch of US indicators is released simultaneously. The inflation data includes:
- Monthly core inflation: expected 0.2% vs 0.0% previously.
- Annual core inflation: expected 2.5% vs 2.6% previously.
- Monthly CPI: expected 0.1% vs -0.4% previously.
- Annual consumer price index: expected 3.4% vs 3.5% previously.
Expectations present a mixed picture. On one hand, a rise in core and overall monthly inflation is expected; on the other hand, yearly rates are expected to decline. Therefore the dollar’s reaction may be sensitive to details, not to the headline figure alone.
If monthly and yearly readings exceed expectations, the market may interpret this as continued price pressures, which could support the dollar and put pressure on risk-sensitive assets. This scenario is invalidated if most inflation figures come in as expected or lower.
If the indicators show weaker results than expected, traders may lean toward a less hawkish price path, which could pressure the dollar and support some high-risk assets. This scenario is invalidated if core inflation remains strong or if a bullish surprise appears in the remaining data.
Producer prices and unemployment add to market analysis complexity
At the same time, US Producer Price Index data are released:
- Producer prices index: expected 0.3% vs previous 0.2%.
- Producer Price Index: expected 0.2% vs -0.3% previously.
The estimates assume acceleration in the two metrics compared to prior readings. Higher-than-expected results could reinforce concerns about continued price pressures, but this possibility loses strength if consumer or producer data come in weaker than forecast.
Jobless claims are also released, expected at 202K versus 199K previously. A higher-than-expected reading could signal weakness in the labor market, while a lower reading would reflect ongoing resilience. However, its impact may be smaller than inflation figures as it is categorized as moderate impact, whereas most price data have high impact.
The convergence of several indicators at once raises the likelihood of an initial rapid move followed by a reversal, especially if the data give conflicting signals. Therefore, a single data point is not enough to rely on. Market analysis Today focus on the annual inflation figure; results should be compared to expectations across the full set. Actual readings are not available in the data provided so far.
Performance of cryptocurrencies over 24 hours
The performance of digital instruments was mixed over the last twenty-four hours:
- Ethereum at 1890.91, up 0.44%.
- Bitcoin at 63520.01, down 0.13%.
- Solana at 75.75, down 0.72%.
- Ripple at 1.0093, down 1.33%.
Ethereum performed best among the listed assets, while Ripple recorded the largest decline. However, one-day movement does not confirm a sustainable trend. The picture may change after US data, especially if inflation surprises affect risk appetite and the dollar.
The positive scenario for cryptocurrencies typically requires markets to accept data without a sharp rise in expectations of tightening. It dissolves if inflation surprises push investors to reduce risk. The negative scenario reverses if data comes in softer than expected and risk appetite improves.
What to watch for?
Key points to monitor in Economic calendar It is:
1. Monthly core inflation actual vs forecast 0.2%.
2. Watch whether annual inflation comes near 3.4% or surprises the market.
3. Check producer prices against consumer price data for alignment.
4. Caution for potential first-move volatility due to synchronized releases.
5. Track Bitcoin and Ethereum response instead of assuming a pre-set direction.
Data do not provide prices for the dollar or gold or stock indices, so performance cannot be evaluated or reliable support and resistance levels established. The content is an analysis of available information, not investment advice.
Key points
- US inflation data at 12:30 UTC is the main driver of volatility.
- British growth forecasts point to a slower pace than previous readings.
- Ethereum led the performance over 24 hours, while Ripple saw the biggest decline.
