The Week Ahead

• As the New Year break winds down, trading volumes and market activity are expected to slowly get back into gear.
• While the situation in Venezuela adds a layer of geopolitical risk, it’s unlikely to rattle developed markets. Investors are more focused on where borrowing costs are headed, especially with a busy week of economic data ahead.
• At home, the ABS releases the full November CPI, giving the second complete monthly snapshot of inflation. This follows a hotter-than-expected October reading, which had markets quickly pricing in the chance of rate rises.
• Looking abroad, Friday sees two big releases: US Non-Farm Payrolls, and China’s CPI and PPI, both key for gauging inflation trends and growth momentum.