3 things ASX investors should watch this week

Expect a huge few days for your stock portfolio. These are the critical developments to monitor.

A man in a business suit peers through binoculars as two businesswomen stand beside him looking straight ahead at the camera.

Images source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX shares are still waiting for a big push to get the Christmas Rally going.

Let's check out the potential catalysts this week that could drive stocks either way, according to eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert:

1. Australia retail sales figures

On Tuesday, the latest statistics on how the retail sector is going will be revealed.

Activity in that industry is a "key data point" for the Reserve Bank of Australia in deciding what to do with interest rates, according to Gilbert.

The dilemma for Australia this year has been that surveys have shown pessimism among consumers, but sales have kept holding up.

"With retail spending still high, the fear is that this will continue to feed inflation, the very challenge the RBA is trying to combat."

If this week's numbers show Australian households continuing to spend strongly, it will force the Reserve Bank to impose yet another rate hike in December.

Gilbert is hopeful this won't be the case.

"This week's figures may show the signs of a spending slowdown, with a contraction of 0.3% expected," he said.

"This will be a step in the right direction and good news locally."

2. Australia monthly inflation

Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock last week flagged how she is concerned that inflation in Australia is largely generated within the country.

Wednesday's monthly consumer price index update will show whether this is persisting.

"The good news is that the CPI indicator is expected to ease next week to 5.3% from 5.6% in September," said Gilbert.

"This is a welcome prediction for many, given other deciding factors, such as unemployment and retail sales, remain stubborn."

The trouble for Australia has been that the Reserve Bank has been less aggressive with rate hikes than other comparable nations.

"Whilst other central banks are ending their tightening cycles, Australia seems far from a conclusion. The key for other nations has been higher interest rates," Gilbert said.

"The Bank of England sits at 5.25%, and the [US] Fed sits at 5.25% to 5.5%, both just under 100 basis points higher than the RBA's cash rate."

3. Black Friday and Cyber Monday 

The American tradition of Black Friday seems to have well and truly permeated Australian society.

Gilbert reminded investors that the phenomenon doesn't just end after one day, with Cyber Monday following a couple of days later.

"According to retail groups, the annual sales event is set to eclipse the once-unbeatable Boxing Day sales phenomenon. 

"With consumer habits now well and truly adjusted to go all-in on a late November splurge, retailers now see little choice but to participate or risk missing out on one of the biggest consumer events of the year."

The frenzy won't be showing up in this week's retail sales numbers, but Gilbert is worried it could significantly push up December numbers.

"[It's] something that may well be a key factor in driving ongoing rate rises into the new year."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% and 50% in 2025

Analysts are tipping these shares to beat the market this year. Let's see why.

Read more »

Girls at a party are surrounded by gold streamers, a golden ball and are having a fun time.
Best Shares

New Year's resolution! Top ASX shares for beginner investors in 2025

Planning to bolster your financial future this year?

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Share Gainers

Why Cettire, Gold Road, Imugene, and Paladin Energy shares are racing higher

These shares are ending the week with a bang. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man looks down with fright as he falls towards the ground.
Share Fallers

Why Appen, Brainchip, Liontown, and Mesoblast shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares.

Read more »

A woman blows what looks like colourful dust at the camera, indicating a positive or magic situation.
Share Market News

Why did the NAB share price jump 21% in 2024?

It was a good year for this big four bank. Let's see what happened over the 12 months.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Broker Notes

More of the best ASX stocks to buy in 2025 according to Bell Potter

Let's see why its analysts are so bullish on these stocks this year.

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
52-Week Highs

5 ASX All Ords shares starting the new year at 52-week highs

What a way to start 2025...

Read more »