Today’s economic calendar is busy, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the market. Concerns are emerging due to declines in consumer and business sentiment, which counter early optimism following the election.

The key release is the consumer confidence report from the Conference Board at 10 am ET, with a consensus expectation of 102.5. A drop below 100 could be a cause for concern.

Prior to this, home price data for December will be released at 9 am ET, indicating struggles within the housing sector. Signs of a spring sales lift among entry-level buyers are currently absent.

Alongside the consumer confidence report, the Richmond Fed report will also be available at 10 am ET. Comments regarding tariff uncertainty were noted in the Dallas Fed survey.

Fed officials Barr and Barkin will speak at 11:45 am and 1 pm ET, respectively. Additionally, the tone of the ECB’s Schnabel today was perceived as hawkish.

A packed schedule of economic updates awaits, and each data point carries weight in shaping expectations. The upcoming consumer confidence figure holds particular importance. If sentiment dips below the 100 mark, it could highlight increasing unease among households. That would not be an isolated signal, as views on both personal finances and business outlooks have already softened.

Housing figures released earlier will offer insight into price trends, yet no early signs point to a reversal in sluggish home sales. The absence of demand from first-time buyers suggests affordability remains a hurdle, which could ripple through related markets.

At the same time, manufacturing and service-sector businesses in the Richmond area will provide an additional reading on economic momentum. A weaker result would align with concerns raised in the Dallas Fed survey, where uncertainty surrounding trade policy was a recurring theme.

Later in the day, remarks from Michael and Tom will draw attention. Comments from central bank officials often highlight areas of focus in monetary policy, and any hints of shifting priorities could send ripples through rate expectations. Earlier, Isabel’s confident stance reinforced a firm approach in Europe, contrasting with the more data-dependent statements seen elsewhere.

With these updates on the horizon, awareness of incoming figures is necessary. Adjustments to forecasts and positioning will matter, particularly if incoming data challenges prevailing sentiment.