Key U.S. Economic Data Released Today; Fed Enters Blackout Period Before July FOMC Meeting

Several important economic indicators are scheduled for release today (July 17, Beijing time). The U.S. Census Bureau will publish June building permits and housing starts at 20:30, followed by the import price index. Industrial production data arrives at 21:15, with the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index initial reading due at 22:00. The Federal Reserve will enter its blackout period ahead of its July 28-29 FOMC monetary policy meeting beginning this Saturday, limiting policy communications.

In Europe, the eurozone will release its final June CPI reading at 17:00, and European Central Bank Executive Board member Cipollone will discuss the digital euro at 18:00. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) is also underway in Shanghai through July 20.