October 2026 Economic Calendar: US CPI, FOMC, ECB, BoC and More (GMT
October 2026 Economic Calendar: US CPI, FOMC, ECB, BoC and More (GMT)
The rest of October is packed with high-impact events. US inflation lands this week, UK inflation follows on October 21, and the final week of the month brings back-to-back central bank decisions from New Zealand, Canada, the US and the Eurozone. All times below are in GMT.
Key Events at a Glance (GMT)
| Date | Time (GMT) | Currency | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Oct 14 | 12:30 | USD | CPI & Core CPI |
| Wed, Oct 21 | 06:00 | GBP | Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
| Wed, Oct 21 | 14:30 | USD | EIA Crude Oil Inventories |
| Tue, Oct 27 | 14:00 | USD | CB Consumer Confidence |
| Wed, Oct 28 | 01:00 | NZD | RBNZ Rate Decision |
| Wed, Oct 28 | 13:45 | CAD | BoC Rate Decision |
| Wed, Oct 28 | 18:00 | USD | FOMC Rate Decision & Statement |
| Thu, Oct 29 | 12:30 | USD | Advance GDP & Core PCE |
| Thu, Oct 29 | 13:15 | EUR | ECB Rate Decision |
| Thu, Oct 29 | 13:45 | EUR | ECB Press Conference |
This Week: US CPI (Wednesday, October 14)
US CPI and Core CPI are the main inflation readings the Federal Reserve watches. They arrive just two weeks before the Fed's next decision, so the numbers will shape expectations for another hike. A hotter-than-expected print would support the Dollar and push Treasury yields higher, while a softer one would raise hopes that the Fed can pause. Core CPI, which strips out food and energy, is usually the cleaner signal.
October 21: UK CPI and US Oil Inventories
UK CPI at 06:00 GMT is the key input for the Bank of England's next steps. Higher-than-expected inflation tends to support the Pound by reducing the odds of rate cuts, while a miss can weigh on it. Later, the EIA crude oil inventory report at 14:30 GMT gives a weekly read on US supply. A build usually pressures WTI in the short term, while a draw tends to support it. This matters more than usual with oil prices still elevated, as energy costs feed directly into inflation.
October 27: US Consumer Confidence
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence index is a useful read on household sentiment heading into the Fed meeting. Weak confidence can point to slowing spending, which tends to weigh on the Dollar and favor a cautious Fed.
Central Bank Week: October 28–29
This is the busiest stretch of the month, with four major policy-related events in two days.
RBNZ (Oct 28, 01:00 GMT). The Reserve Bank of New Zealand opens the sequence. NZD traders will watch both the decision and the guidance on future moves.
BoC (Oct 28, 13:45 GMT). The Bank of Canada decision matters for CAD, especially given the link between Canadian growth and oil prices.
FOMC (Oct 28, 18:00 GMT). The Fed raised its target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, its first hike since 2023, citing elevated inflation. Markets will focus on whether it holds or hikes again, and on how the statement describes the cooling labor market after the weak September jobs report.
US GDP and Core PCE (Oct 29, 12:30 GMT). The advance Q3 GDP estimate and Core PCE, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, land the day after the FOMC. They can confirm or challenge the message from the Fed.
ECB (Oct 29, 13:15 GMT, press conference 13:45 GMT). The ECB raised its deposit rate to 2.50% in September, its second hike this year. The press conference often moves the Euro as much as the decision itself, so watch the tone on further tightening.
Trading Tips for Event-Heavy Weeks
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Expect wider spreads | Spreads often widen around major releases, which raises trading costs |
| Compare with forecast | Markets react to the surprise versus consensus, not the number alone |
| Watch the statement tone | For central banks, guidance on future moves can matter more than the decision |
| Manage leverage | Volatility can be sharp, so position size and stop-losses are important |
Risk note: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Always conduct your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making trading decisions. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with an official calendar before trading.
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