Spring is sprung in the markets, but don’t let the blossoming optimism lull you into complacency! March promises a season of heightened volatility, with key economic data releases, policy updates, and geopolitical events capable of shaking the financial landscape. This month’s calendar is your personalized roadmap to navigating the potential turbulence. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a cautious newcomer, these reminders will keep you sharp, informed, and ready to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Buckle up, grab your analytical toolkit, and let’s make March a month of financial resilience and strategic growth!
March 1
- Finalize February budget and spending review.
- Economic Data
- ISM Manufacturing PMI: It’s a leading indicator of economic health – businesses react quickly to market conditions, and their purchasing managers hold perhaps the most current and relevant insight into the company’s view of the economy.
- Revised UoM Consumer Sentiment: Financial confidence is a leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
March 5
- Tip reporting deadline is March 10th for employees who earned $20+ in tips in February (if applicable).
- Economic Data
- ISM Services PMI: It’s a leading indicator of economic health – businesses react quickly to market conditions, and their purchasing managers hold perhaps the most current and relevant insight into the company’s view of the economy.
March 6
- Beige Book Release (March)
- Economic Data
- ADP Non-Farm Employment Change: Job creation is an important leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
- JOLTS Job Openings
March 7
- Economic Data
- Unemployment Claims: Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labor-market conditions. Unemployment is also a major consideration for those steering the country’s monetary policy.
March 8
- Employment Situation Report (February)
- Review February bank statements and reconcile accounts.
- Economic Data
- Average Hourly Earnings: It’s a leading indicator of consumer inflation – when businesses pay more for labor the higher costs are usually passed on to the consumer.
- Non-Farm Employment Change: Job creation is an important leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
- Unemployment Rate: Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labor-market conditions. Unemployment is also a major consideration for those steering the country’s monetary policy.
March 10
- Employees Who Work for Tips Reporting Due Date ($20 or more in February 2024)
- (Or earlier) File Form 4868 if requesting an extension to file your 2023 individual tax return.
March 12
- Economic Data
- CPI: Consumer prices account for a majority of overall inflation. Inflation is important to currency valuation because rising prices lead the central bank to raise interest rates out of respect for their inflation containment mandate.
March 13
- Advance Retail Sales report released (impacts spending trends).
March 14
- Economic Data
- PPI: It’s a leading indicator of consumer inflation – when producers charge more for goods and services the higher costs are usually passed on to the consumer.
- Retail Sales: It’s the primary gauge of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.
- Unemployment Claims: Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labor-market conditions. Unemployment is also a major consideration for those steering the country’s monetary policy.
March 15
- Economic Data
- Empire State Manufacturing Index: It’s a leading indicator of economic health – businesses react quickly to market conditions, and changes in their sentiment can be an early signal of future economic activity such as spending, hiring, and investment.
- Prelim UoM Consumer Sentiment: Financial confidence is a leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
March 17
March 19
March 20
- Estimate quarterly taxes owed (if applicable).
- FOMC Meeting (March)
- Economic Data
- Federal Funds Rate: Short term interest rates are the paramount factor in currency valuation – traders look at most other indicators merely to predict how rates will change in the future.
- FOMC Economic Projections: It’s the primary tool the Fed uses to communicate their economic and monetary projections to investors.
- FOMC Statement: It’s the primary tool the FOMC uses to communicate with investors about monetary policy. It contains the outcome of their vote on interest rates and other policy measures, along with commentary about the economic conditions that influenced their votes. Most importantly, it discusses the economic outlook and offers clues on the outcome of future votes.
- FOMC Press Conference: It’s among the primary methods the Fed uses to communicate with investors regarding monetary policy. It covers in detail the factors that affected the most recent interest rate and other policy decisions, along with commentary about economic conditions such as the future growth outlook and inflation. Most importantly, it provides clues regarding future monetary policy.
March 21
- Economic Data
- Unemployment Claims: Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labor-market conditions. Unemployment is also a major consideration for those steering the country’s monetary policy.
- Flash Manufacturing PMI: It’s a leading indicator of economic health – businesses react quickly to market conditions, and their purchasing managers hold perhaps the most current and relevant insight into the company’s view of the economy.
- Flash Services PMI: It’s a leading indicator of economic health – businesses react quickly to market conditions, and their purchasing managers hold perhaps the most current and relevant insight into the company’s view of the economy.
March 26
- Economic Data
- CB Consumer Confidence: Financial confidence is a leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
March 28
- Economic Data
- Final GDP: It’s the broadest measure of economic activity and the primary gauge of the economy’s health.
- Unemployment Claims: Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labor-market conditions. Unemployment is also a major consideration for those steering the country’s monetary policy.
- Revised UoM Consumer Sentiment: Financial confidence is a leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for a majority of overall economic activity.
March 29
- NYSE Holiday (Good Friday)
- Economic Data
- PCE: It’s the Federal Reserve’s primary inflation measure. Inflation is important to currency valuation because rising prices lead the central bank to raise interest rates out of respect for their inflation containment mandate.
March 31
- Major Spending Holiday (Easter)
Miscellaneous
- Check with your credit card companies and lenders for any payment due dates.
- Review your insurance policies and update coverage as needed.
- Schedule annual reviews with your financial advisor, if applicable.
- If you receive an annual bonus from your employer, use it thoughtfully.
- Check your credit report.
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