Trading volumes are likely to wind down even further over the course of the week as the Christmas holidays approach. This could result in some volatile currency moves, as often happens at this time of the year.
In terms of key Irish data due for release, external trade statistics will be published on Wednesday, while Thursday will bring the latest retail sales figures.
MONDAY, December 20th
Meeting:Spanish Economy Secretary Jose Manuel Campa takes part in conference organised by economic newspaper Cinco Dias
Indicators:EU-16 Flash Consumer Confidence (Dec); German PPI (Nov)
Other:Launch of Irish Management Institute report on improving Ireland's competitiveness and productivity
TUESDAY, December 21st
Results:Mittell; Nike
Indicators:Irish Planning Permissions (Q3) and Institutional Sector Accounts Financial (2003-2009); UK Gfk Consumer Sentiment (Dec) and Public Sector Net Borrowing (Nov); German Gfk Consumer Sentiment (Jan); Italian Unemployment (Q3)
WEDNESDAY, December 22nd
Indicators:Irish External Trade (Oct) and Trade Statistics (Aug); US Final GDP (Q3) and Existing Home Sales (Nov); UK BoE Monetary Policy Committee minutes of December 8th-9th meeting; German Import Prices (Nov); Italian Consumer Confidence (Dec)
THURSDAY, December 23rd
Indicators: Irish Quarterly International Investment Position and External Debt (Sept 30th) and Retail Sales Index (Oct); US Personal Income (Nov), Durable Goods (Nov), Initial Jobless Claims (w/e 18th Dec), Michigan Sentiment (Dec) and New Home Sales (Nov); UK Final GDP (Q3); French Consumer Spending (Nov) and PPI (Nov)
FRIDAY
Christmas Eve -- market holiday in US, and early close on Irish market
