The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for September 21-25, 2026

Overview

Markets face several high-impact economic events this week, with attention focused on US energy and labor data, Australia’s employment report, and the Swiss National Bank’s monetary policy decision. These releases could increase volatility across the USD, AUD, CHF, and related markets, while earnings from Cintas, General Mills, and Costco may also attract investor attention.

High Impact Economic Events

Wednesday 17:30 (GMT+3) – USA: Crude Oil Inventories (USD)
Thursday 04:30 am (GMT+3) – Australia: Employment Change (AUD)
Thursday 10:30 am (GMT+3) – Switzerland: SNB Monetary Policy (CHF)
Thursday 15:30 (GMT+3) – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)
Thursday 17:00 (GMT+3) – USA: New Home Sales (USD)

Wednesday, September 23

17:30 – USA: Crude Oil Inventories (USD)

The Crude Oil Stocks Change Indicator is published weekly by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). It gauges the volume (barrels) of commercial crude oil held by US companies, influencing global oil prices. Increasing stocks signal reduced oil demand, potentially leading to a decline in oil barrel prices.

For the week ending September 11, 2026, US refineries remained very busy, operating at nearly 97% of capacity, although crude oil processing declined slightly from the previous week. Crude oil imports increased, while commercial crude inventories fell modestly.

Gasoline and distillate fuel inventories rose, but both remain below their typical five-year levels, especially distillates. Overall petroleum inventories increased during the week.

Fuel demand was slightly weaker than a year ago, with gasoline and distillate consumption down, while jet fuel demand increased 4.4%.

Analysts expect crude oil inventories to increase by 895,000 barrels in the next release.

Thursday, September 24

04:30 am – Australia: Employment Change (AUD)

The Australia Employment Change tracks the monthly variation in the number of officially employed individuals in the country. An increase in employment indicates a stronger labor market and can positively influence the value of the Australian dollar.

Australia’s labor market softened slightly in July 2026. Employment fell by 15,800 people, mainly due to a drop in part-time jobs, while full-time employment increased. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.5%, with about 691,500 people unemployed.

The participation rate slipped to 66.9%, and the share of the population in work fell to 63.9%. Total hours worked also declined by 0.6% over the month. Despite the monthly weakness, employment was still 1.3% higher than a year earlier.

Economists expect employment in Australia to increase by 29,200 in the next report.

10:30 am – Switzerland: SNB Monetary Policy (CHF)

The SNB policy rate is the Swiss National Bank’s main interest rate for managing monetary policy. It influences borrowing costs, inflation, and the value of the Swiss franc, with the SNB using it to maintain price stability over time.

On June 18, 2026, the Swiss National Bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 0%, saying current policy remains appropriate as inflation stays low. Inflation has risen slightly due to higher energy prices but is expected to remain within the SNB’s price-stability range. The bank also said it is ready to intervene in currency markets if the Swiss franc strengthens too quickly.

Analysts expect the SNB to keep the policy rate unchanged at its next meeting.

15:30 – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

An initial claim is filed by an unemployed individual seeking eligibility for unemployment insurance after leaving a job. This count serves as a leading economic indicator, reflecting labor market conditions. However, because these are weekly administrative data, they can be volatile and challenging to adjust seasonally.

US jobless claims fell in the week ending September 12, with 196,000 people filing for unemployment benefits, down 10,000 from the previous week. Continuing claims also declined to 1.73 million, while the insured unemployment rate slipped to 1.1%. Overall, the figures suggest the labor market remained relatively stable.

Analysts expect 189,000 new claims in the next report.

17:00 – USA: New Home Sales (USD)

The New Home Sales indicator represents sales of newly constructed single-family homes in the previous month. It is reported in an annualized (month x 12) format.

Growth in the report may have a positive effect on the US dollar quotes.

US new home sales fell sharply in July 2026, dropping 10.5% from June to an annualized rate of 607,000 homes. The number of homes available for sale increased, pushing supply to 9.6 months at the current sales pace. The median new-home price also declined to $393,800, down 2.3% from the previous month.

Analysts expect New Home Sales to increase by 584,000 in the next report.

Company Earnings (September 21-25)

Wednesday, September 23: CTAS (Cintas Corporation)

Wednesday, September 23: GIS (General Mills, Inc.)

Thursday, September 24: COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation)

Conclusion

Overall, the week brings several important economic releases that could drive short-term market volatility. Traders will be watching for surprises in US data, Australia’s labor market, and the SNB policy decision, while major company earnings may add further movement across equities and broader financial markets.