I have organized: What major events will happen in the next 48 hours?

21:45 Canadian Central Bank Interest Rate Decision
The Bank of Canada is expected to hold interest rates steady for the fourth consecutive meeting, but policymakers will closely monitor the impact of rising energy prices on inflation. The Bank of Canada will also release new economic forecasts, which are expected to align with other central banks' outlooks—raising inflation expectations and lowering economic growth forecasts. The governor and deputy governor will then hold a press conference to explain the policy decision. Market expectations are that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates in Q4 2026, so any wording changes that hint at an earlier or later rate hike will be closely watched.
22:00 U.S. Senate Panel Vote
The Senate Banking Committee will vote on whether to send Waller’s Federal Reserve Chair nomination to the full Senate. If approved, it will increase the likelihood of Waller becoming Chair before Powell’s term ends on May 15 and presiding over the Federal Reserve’s June monetary policy meeting. Waller’s Fed Chair nomination still needs to be confirmed by the full Senate.
Next day 02:00 U.S. Federal Reserve Rate Decision
Market expectations for the Fed to hold rates steady are close to 100%. The statement may have some subtle adjustments, such as modifying descriptions of the labor market or removing the word “additional” from “further adjustments to the benchmark rate,” as this word suggests a dovish tilt.
Next day 02:30 Powell’s Press Conference
This could be Powell’s last monetary policy press conference, and his wording will attract more attention. If he emphasizes downside risks to economic growth or hints that oil shocks may be temporary, it would be a dovish surprise; if he emphasizes inflation expectations or hints that rising energy prices could delay any easing, it would be a hawkish surprise. Given that Waller may succeed Powell as Fed Chair in May, Powell is more likely not to give any clear signals about the next steps.
Next day after 04:00 U.S. Tech Giants Earnings Reports and Calls
1. Alphabet: Market expects revenue of $92.2 billion, EPS of $2.64, representing year-over-year growth of 20.6% and 6.1%, respectively. Investors are focused on whether its strong recent operational performance can continue, especially in Google Cloud, core search, and profit margins. The competition in artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape how users access information online, with core search being a key focus.
2. Microsoft: Market expects revenue of $81.4 billion, EPS of $4.07, with year-over-year growth of 17.6% and 16.2%. If the company can demonstrate stronger growth in Azure, its stock valuation could be reassessed. On the other hand, the commercialization of AI is also under scrutiny, as ongoing investments in AI infrastructure could pressure short-term profitability.
3. Amazon: Market expects net sales of $177.23 billion, EPS of $1.62. Revenue from AWS will be a key indicator, with Wall Street watching whether investments in AI will pay off.
4. Meta: Driven by strong growth in advertising and operational efficiency, Meta’s earnings are expected to perform well. However, market focus is shifting back to expenses, especially in AI and Reality Labs.
Next day 19:00 UK Bank of England Interest Rate Decision
Market consensus is that the Bank of England will likely hold rates steady for the fourth time with an 8:1 voting split, with the dissenting votes influencing market sentiment. The Bank of England will also release a monetary policy report, expected to raise inflation expectations and lower economic growth forecasts. Governor Bailey will then hold a press conference to explain the decision.
Next day 20:15 European Central Bank Interest Rate Decision
The ECB is expected to hold rates steady for the eighth time, having previously reduced the urgency to tighten monetary policy immediately. President Lagarde will hold a press conference afterward; if she emphasizes “caution” and “flexibility,” it could open the door for a rate hike in June. The market currently expects the ECB to raise rates three times this year, each by 25 basis points, earliest in June.
May 1 after 04:00 Apple Earnings Report and Call
Market expects revenue of $109.66 billion, EPS of $1.95, with year-over-year growth of 15% and 18%. Driven by record first-quarter results and ongoing enthusiasm for the iPhone 17 upgrade, Wall Street anticipates Apple will set new quarterly records. Focus points for the call include iPhone and other product sales, profit margins in services, AI technology and prospects, and CEO succession.