In the coming week the monthly job figures (released Thursday) dominate the statistical schedule. The week kicks off on Monday when Commonwealth Bank releases its measure on economy-wide sales for December.
Overseas, Chinese economic growth and activity data are amongst the highlights in the coming week. In the US, the economic release schedule is subject to change – a victim of the government shutdown. A bevy of indicators were to be released in the coming week but are now delayed.
The week begins on Monday in China with economic growth data for the December quarter. In addition, the final estimates for 2018 are issued for retail sales, industrial production and investment. The Chinese economy likely grew by 6.5 per cent over 2018 (6.4 per cent in the December quarter), hitting official targets. But growth of 6.0-6.5 per cent is more likely in 2019.

Published by Craig James, Chief Economist, CommSec