Economic Calendar Guide — 2026
When the world's most important macroeconomic data is released
The global economic calendar determines when markets move, when forecasts are revised, and when the data powering Statistics of the World is updated. Understanding the release schedule helps researchers, investors, and policymakers anticipate data availability and market impact.
IMF World Economic Outlook (April & October)
The most important data release for international macroeconomic comparisons. The IMF publishes comprehensive GDP, growth, inflation, unemployment, and debt data for 193 countries. The April edition typically contains more significant revisions than October. Our database updates within 48 hours of each release.
Central Bank Meetings
US Federal Reserve (FOMC)
8 meetings per year (~every 6 weeks). Sets the federal funds rate, the world's most important interest rate. Press conference and dot plot after each meeting. Minutes released 3 weeks later.
European Central Bank (ECB)
6 rate-setting meetings per year. Sets rates for the 20 eurozone countries. Press conference after each meeting. Staff projections published quarterly.
Bank of Japan (BoJ)
8 meetings per year. Historically maintained ultra-loose policy (negative rates, yield curve control) but began normalizing in 2024. Outlook Report published quarterly.
Bank of England (BoE)
8 meetings per year. Sets rates for the UK economy. Monetary Policy Report published quarterly with updated projections.
Key US Data Releases (Monthly)
| Release | Timing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nonfarm Payrolls (Jobs Report) | 1st Friday of month | The most market-moving US data release |
| CPI (Inflation) | ~10th-14th of month | Directly affects Fed rate decisions |
| GDP (Quarterly) | Advance: ~4 weeks after quarter end | Broadest measure of economic activity |
| PCE Deflator | Last week of month | The Fed's preferred inflation measure |
| ISM Manufacturing PMI | 1st business day of month | Leading indicator of economic direction |
| Retail Sales | Mid-month | Consumer spending = 70% of US GDP |
World Bank Data Updates
The World Bank updates its World Development Indicators on a rolling basis, with major annual updates typically in April-June. Health indicators from the WHO are updated annually. Population data comes from the UN Population Division, updated biennially. Our pipeline checks for new data weekly.
Major Annual Events
- January: World Economic Forum (Davos) — sets global policy agenda
- April: IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings + WEO release
- June: G7 Summit
- September: UN General Assembly + G20 Summit
- October: IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings + WEO October release
- November: COP Climate Conference — economic implications of climate commitments
How We Use the Calendar
Statistics of the World updates its database according to source release schedules. IMF data refreshes within 48 hours of WEO publication. World Bank indicators update weekly as new series become available. Financial market data updates daily. See our methodology page for complete details on our data pipeline.