In preparation for the new trading week, here is the outlook for the Top 10 spotlight economic events that will move the markets around the globe.

1. USD- U.S. Retail Sales, an important gauge of consumer spending measuring sales at retail establishments, Mon., May 13, 8:30 am, ET.

Consumer spending in the U.S. could remain subdued for a second month in a row with retail sales down by 0.3% m/m in April, following the 0.4% m/m drop in March. However, some optimistic forecasters predict a 0.1% m/m increase in retail sales. The USD could benefit from a more upbeat economic data that will raise the odds that the Fed could consider reducing the size of its monthly asset purchases if economic conditions continue to improve.

2. EUR- Euro-zone ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring the outlook of financial experts, Tues., May 14, 5:00 am, ET.

Declining more than expected to 36.3 in April, the ZEW index is forecast to bounce a couple of points higher with a reading of 38.5 in May. Should the index disappoint once again and send a signal that the economic outlook for the euro-area remains gloomy, the EUR could stay under pressure as the market prices expectations that the European Central Bank might ease monetary policy further.

3. GBP- U.K. Jobless Claims and Unemployment Rate, the main gauges of labor market conditions measuring claims for unemployment benefits and rate of unemployment, Wed., May 15, 4:30 am, ET.

Jobless claims in the U.K. dropped by 7,000 in March and are forecast to register a smaller decline by about 3,000 in April, while the unemployment rate inches higher to 8.0% from 7.9% in the previous month. A better-than-expected jobs report would reduce the odds of more easing by the Bank of England and could lend support to the GBP.

4. EUR- Euro-zone GDP- Gross Domestic Product, the main measure of economic activity and growth, Wed., May 15, 5:00 am, ET.

The main event of the week will bring the preliminary GDP estimate for the first quarter of the year and the report is not expected to show that the euro-zone economy was able to end its recessionary period. Forecasts point to a fourth consecutive quarter of contraction by 0.1% q/q in Q1 2013 from -0.6% in the last quarter of 2012. Provided that there are not any positive surprises from the GDP estimate, the EUR could be pushed further into the $1.20's as the market begins to price even more aggressively expectations that the European Central Bank might be forced to consider additional rate cuts and unconventional monetary policy easing measures that could be announced as early as the bank's June meeting.

5. GBP- Bank of England Inflation Report, the central bank's official analysis and outlook on inflation and the economy, Wed., May 15, 5:30 am, ET.

While the CPI remains above the Bank of England's 2% target at 2.8% y/y, after reaching record high levels above 5% last year, inflation in the U.K. has subsided. If policy makers expect this trend to continue and forecast a "nascent recovery" in the months ahead, the report will reduce the probability of more QE by the Bank of England and could boost the GBP as an alternative to currencies whose central banks are committed to aggressive monetary policy easing.

6. USD- U.S. Industrial Production, the main gauge of industrial activity measuring the output of factories, mines and utilities, Wed., May 15, 9:15 am, ET.

The slowdown shown by the manufacturing index in recent months could be reflected in the overall industrial production data with industrial output forecast to decline by 0.1% m/m in April, after rising by 0.4% m/m in March.

7. JPY- Japan GDP- Gross Domestic Product, the main measure of economic activity and growth, Wed., May 15, 7:50 pm, ET.

With the yen in a free-fall since last November, the effects of the weaker currency are finally beginning to show in the latest economic data from Japan. The world's third-largest economy is forecast to return to growth by 0.7% q/q in the first quarter of 2013 after the flat 0% q/q reading in the final quarter of last year. The negative JPY trend is still intact, but it would be interesting to see if better-than-expected economic data from Japan would start to be yen-supportive going forward, as the market reduces expectations of the need for even more aggressive easing measures by the Bank of Japan.

8. EUR- Euro-zone HICP- Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices, the main measure of inflation preferred by the European Central Bank, Thurs., May 16, 5:00 am, ET.

In line with the preliminary estimate, inflation in May is forecast to decline to 1.2% y/y from 1.7% y/y in April. With the inflation gauge dropping further below the European Central Bank's 2% target, the formation of deflationary pressures could become one of the main factors that could prompt the ECB into additional monetary policy easing.

9. USD- U.S. Housing Starts, an important gauge of housing market activity measuring new home construction, Thurs., May 16, 8:30 am, ET.

After the stronger than expected rise to 1.04 million in March, housing starts could pull back to 980K in April, while building permits increase to 940K from 910K in the previous month.

10. USD- U.S. Consumer Sentiment, the University of Michigan's monthly survey of 500 households on their financial conditions and outlook of the economy, Fri., May 17, 9:55 am, ET.

Compared with the unimpressive 76.4 reading in the previous month, the preliminary estimate of the U.S. consumer sentiment index is forecast to show an improvement to 77.9 in May. The USD could continue to find strength if the weekly sequence of U.S. economic data does not disappoint and confirms that the recovery in the world's largest economy is on the right track.

In preparation for the new trading week, here is the outlook for the Top 10 spotlight economic events that will move the markets around the globe.

1. EUR- Euro-zone Retail Sales, an important gauge of consumer spending measuring sales at retail establishments, Mon., May 6, 5:00 am, ET.

Consumer spending in the euro-area is forecast to register a bit smaller decline of 0.1% m/m in April compared with the 0.3% m/m drop in the previous month. However, this report may not be able to change expectations that, after cutting rates to a record low last week, the European Central Bank might need to resort to additional unconventional monetary policy easing measures. Considering the market's reaction following the ECB announcement, more easing could prove supportive for the euro.

2. AUD- Reserve Bank of Australia Interest Rate Announcement, Tues., May 7, 12:30 am, ET.

The inconsistency of the Australian employment reports in recent months, the jump in the unemployment rate, and some signs of a slowdown in China, Australia's largest trading partner, have increased the odds of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. While a 0.25% rate cut at this meeting would not be a surprise, we might actually see such decision being delayed by RBA policy makers until additional data in upcoming months provides a clearer picture of the need for additional easing. The Australian dollar could regain strength if the Reserve Bank of Australia refrains from cutting rates.

3. EUR- Germany Industrial Production, the main gauge of industrial activity measuring the output of factories, mines and utilities, Wed., May 8, 6:00 am, ET.

Recent data has shown that the euro-zone's largest economy is cooling off and this report could confirm these suspicions with industrial activity in Germany forecast to drop by 0.3% m/m in March after rising by 0.5% m/m in February.

4. NZD- New Zealand Employment and Unemployment Rate, the two main gauges of labor market conditions measuring job creation and unemployment, Wed., May 8, 6:45 pm, ET.

Employment in New Zealand was down by 1.0% q/q in the previous quarter but is expected to recover with a 1.1% q/q increase. The unemployment rate is forecast to decline to 6.8% from 6.9%. A strong employment report should reduce the odds of monetary policy easing by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, giving the Kiwi dollar a boost.

5. AUD- Australia Employment and Unemployment Rate, the two main gauges of labor market conditions measuring job creation and unemployment, Wed., May 8, 9:30 pm, ET.

February's blockbuster jobs report which showed a record job creation of 71,500 new jobs was followed by bigger than expected loss of 36,100 jobs in March. In April, the Australian economy is forecast to add up to 12,000 new jobs, while the unemployment rate stays at 5.6%. Another volatile employment report could raise the odds of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia and could weigh on the Australian dollar.

6. GBP- U.K. Industrial Production, the main gauge of industrial activity measuring the output of factories, mines and utilities, Thurs., May 9, 4:30 am, ET.

The recent improvement in the Services and Manufacturing purchasing managers indexes has shown promising signs that the U.K. may be on a path to recovery. This report could do the same with industrial production forecast to increase for another month by 0.3% m/m in March after rising by 1.0% m/m in February. The GBP should be able to maintain its strength if the U.K. economic data continues to boost optimism and reduces the odds of additional easing by the Bank of England.

7. GBP- Bank of England Interest Rate Announcement, Thurs., May 9, 7:00 am, ET.

With the U.K. economy managing to avoid an unprecedented triple dip recession, there is no urgency for the Bank of England policy makers to do more QE. The Monetary Policy Committee will maintain the existing monetary policy and will keep the size of the Asset Purchase Program unchanged at their May meeting and probably in the next few months until the new Governor Carney takes his seat in July. The pound could continue to attract bids as an alternative to currencies of central banks that are committed to aggressive monetary policy easing.

8. USD- U.S. Jobless Claims, an important gauge of labor market conditions measuring first-time claims for unemployment benefits, Thurs., May 9, 8:30 am, ET.

In the aftermath of last week's four-year low reading of 324K, the U.S. jobless claims are forecast to stay within range, rising slightly to 333K. The unexpected jump to 385K a few weeks ago can now be dismissed as a one-off event and, with the non-farm payrolls beating the forecasts, the USD could continue to benefit from the improvement in U.S. labor market conditions.

9. JPY- Japan Current Account, an important gauge of economic activity measuring foreign trade, Thurs., May 9, 7:50 pm, ET.

The current account deficit in Japan was on the rise in the final quarter of last year, but the significant decline of the yen, which has been helping exporters, could finally begin to produce the desired results. The economy is forecast to register a surplus of 480 billion yen in March after a flat reading in the previous month. This could become one of the reports that confirm that the Bank of Japan may be on the right track with their open-ended QE program. On the other hand, a return to current account surplus could strengthen the yen on expectations that the Japanese government and the Bank of Japan might not need to become even more aggressive with their measures to weaken the currency and to stimulate the economy.

10. CAD- Canada Employment and Unemployment Rate, the two main gauges of labor market conditions measuring job creation and unemployment, Fri., May 10, 8:30 am, ET.

After unexpectedly losing 54.5K jobs in March, the Canadian economy is expected to add up to 14K jobs in April. The unemployment rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 7.2%. The inability to offset the previous month's job losses could signal that the economy may be losing momentum and could weigh on the Canadian dollar.

In preparation for the new trading week, here is the outlook for the Top 10 spotlight economic events that will move the markets around the globe.

1. USD- U.S. Personal Income and Outlays, a measure of consumer income and spending, released along with the PCE Price Index- the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, Mon., Apr. 29, 8:30 am, ET.

Consumer spending in the U.S. is forecast to register a smaller increase by 0.2% m/m in March, compared with 0.7% m/m in February. The Fed's preferred core PCE Index could show inflation inching slightly higher by 0.1% m/m, but not enough to convince the Federal Open Markets Committee to change the direction of its current monetary policy.

2. USD- U.S. Pending Home Sales, a leading indicator of housing market activity measuring pending home sale contracts, Mon., Apr. 29, 10:00 am, ET.

After dropping by 0.4% m/m in February, the pending home sales index is expected to get back on track with 0.3% m/m increase in March.

3. EUR- Euro-zone HICP- Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices, the main measure of inflation preferred by the European Central Bank, Tues., Apr. 30, 5:00 am, ET.

Inflation in the euro-area is forecast to subside further to 1.6% y/y in April from 1.7% y/y in March. With the inflation gauge dropping below the European Central Bank's 2% target, the formation of deflationary pressures could become one of the main factors that could prompt the ECB into additional monetary policy easing.

4. USD- U.S. Consumer Confidence, a measure of consumers' outlook on the economy, Tues., Apr. 30, 10:00 am, ET.

The outlook of U.S. consumers is forecast to remain optimistic, keeping the consumer confidence index above 60 with reading of 60.5 in April from 59.7 in the previous month.

5. USD- U.S. ADP Employment Report, a measure of job creation in the private sector of the U.S. economy, Wed., May 1, 8:15 am, ET.

Job creation in the U.S. private sector is forecast to be less than it was in the previous month with 145K jobs added in April, compared with 158K jobs in March.

6. USD- U.S. ISM Manufacturing Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring activity in the manufacturing sector, Wed., May 1, 10:00 am, ET.

Activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector is forecast to lose a bit of steam with a reading 51.1 in April from 51.3 in March.

7. USD- U.S. FOMC- Federal Open Markets Committee Interest Rate Announcement, Wed., May 1, 2:00 pm, ET.

Recent reports from the labor market and other sectors of the economy have sparked concerns that the U.S. may be losing momentum. In addition, the world's largest economy will be dealing with the impact from the sequestration in the months ahead. Such economic backdrop does not create a sense of urgency for the Fed to start tightening anytime soon. The FOMC will maintain the current monetary policy course at its May meeting, and probably into 2014. The majority of policy makers will be likely to reiterate their commitment to open-ended QE until the unemployment rate falls below 6.5% or inflation exceeds 2.5%. No end in sight to QE and "exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate" could weigh on the USD.

8. EUR- European Central Bank Interest Rate Announcement, Thurs., May 2, 7:45 am, ET.

Mired in recession and record high unemployment, the euro-zone economy continues to suffer from a chronic contraction in its manufacturing and services sectors. With economic growth still nowhere to be seen, it would not be shocking to witness the European Central Bank announcing additional monetary policy easing measures as early as the next meeting on May 2. The euro will be pushed back into the $1.20′s if the European Central Bank announces LTRO 3, reduces the benchmark rate or hints of an impending rate cut in the near future.

9. USD- U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls and Employment Situation, the main indicator of U.S. economic health measuring job creation and unemployment, Fri., May 3, 8:30 am, ET.

Following a dismal NFP report in March, job creation is expected to gain momentum in April. The U.S. economy is forecast to add 155K jobs compared with 88K in March, while the unemployment rate stays unchanged at 7.6%. An upbeat NFP report should help to dismiss last month's unexpected drop as a one-off event and could give the USD a boost on expectations that the Fed might take the first step toward monetary policy tightening sooner rather than later.

10. USD- U.S. ISM Non-Manufacturing Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring activity in the services sector, Fri., May 3, 10:00 am, ET.

Although at a slightly slower pace, activity in the U.S. services sector is forecast to expand for another month with an index reading of 54.1 in April from 54.4 in March.

In preparation for the new trading week, here is a list of the Top 10 spotlight economic events that will move the markets around the globe.

1. USD- U.S. Existing Home Sales, the main gauge of the condition of the U.S. housing market measuring the number of closed sales of previously constructed homes, condominiums and co-ops, Mon., Apr. 22, 10:00 am, ET.

The report could start a sequence of upbeat U.S. economic data with sales of existing homes forecast to increase to 5.01 million in April, compared with 4.98 million in March.

2. EUR- Euro-zone Composite PMI- Purchasing Managers Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring activity in the manufacturing and services sectors, Tues., Apr. 23, 4:00 am, ET.

Mired in recession, the euro-zone economy is expected to continue to suffer from a chronic contraction in its manufacturing and services sectors, as the Composite PMI stays in contraction territory below the 50 boom/bust line for another month with a reading of 46.3 in April from 46.5 in March. With economic growth still nowhere to be seen, the report could weigh on the EUR by increasing the odds that the European Central Bank might be forced to announce additional monetary policy easing measures as early as the bank's next meeting on May 2.

3. USD- U.S. New Home Sales, an important gauge of housing market conditions measuring sales of newly-constructed homes, Tues., Apr. 23, 10:00 am, ET.

Similar to the existing home sales, a small increase is also expected in the U.S. new home sales, with consensus forecasts estimating a reading of 420K in March compared with 411K in February.

4. NZD- Reserve Bank of New Zealand Interest Rate Announcement, Tues., Apr. 23, 5:00 pm, ET.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand joined "currency wars" in February with the Governor making it clear that intervention is being considered as an option to curb the persistent strength of the New Zealand dollar. In a world where competitive currency devaluation has become the norm, the New Zealand central bank will not be in a hurry to start tightening monetary policy. The Kiwi could weaken if the Reserve Bank of New Zealand issues another warning that its currency should not be considered as a "one way bet."

5. EUR- Germany IFO Business Climate Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring the outlook of businesses, Wed., Apr. 24, 4:00 am, ET.

This could become another economic report that fails to instill confidence that the euro-area is on a path to recovery. The business outlook in the euro-zone's largest economy is forecast to be less optimistic with a decline in the Ifo index to 106.2 in April, compared with a reading of 106.7 in the previous month.

6. GBP- U.K. GDP- Gross Domestic Product, the main measure of economic activity and growth, Thurs., Apr. 25, 4:30 am, ET.

Following three consecutive quarters of contraction, the U.K. returned to growth in Q3 2012, only to see its economy contracting again by 0.3% q/q in the final quarter of last year. As a result, fears of unprecedented triple-dip recession in the U.K. escalated and could become a reality if the economy unexpectedly contracts in the first quarter of 2013. The consensus forecasts suggest that such scenario could be averted with the U.K. economy expected to dodge the triple-dip recession bullet and grow by 0.1% q/q in Q1. On the other hand, should the report signal a triple-dip recession, pressure on the GBP would mount on expectations of more QE by the Bank of England.

7. JPY- Japan CPI- Consumer Price Index, the main measure of inflation preferred by the Bank of Japan, Thurs., Apr. 25, 7:30 pm, ET.

The Japanese national core inflation gauge is forecast to drop by -0.4% y/y in March from -0.3% y/y in February. With the index sinking deeper into deflation territory and heading further away from the Bank of Japan's 2% inflation target, the report could accelerate the trend of JPY weakness on expectations that the Bank of Japan might resort to even more aggressive measures to fight deflation and to spur economic growth by devaluing its currency.

8. JPY- Bank of Japan Interest Rate Announcement, Fri., Apr. 26, around 12:00 am, ET.

Since the Bank of Japan already gave the markets the "shock and awe" treatment earlier this month by doubling the size of asset purchases, the Japanese central bank will probably not rush to deliver even more fireworks. Policy makers will be likely to reaffirm their open-ended commitment to aggressive QE until the 2% inflation target is in sight. If the Bank of Japan does not announce anything we don't already know, we could see the yen correcting some of its losses.

9. USD- U.S. GDP- Gross Domestic Product, the main measure of economic activity and growth, Fri., Apr. 26, 8:30 am, ET.

After the U.S. economy avoided contraction in the final quarter of last year, the preliminary GDP estimate is forecast to show the U.S. growing at a faster pace by 3.0% q/y in the first quarter of 2103, compared with 0.4% q/y in Q4 2012. The USD could benefit from accelerating U.S. economic growth report which could raise the odds that the Fed might take the first step toward monetary policy tightening sooner rather than later.

10. USD- U.S. Consumer Sentiment, the University of Michigan's monthly survey of 500 households on their financial conditions and outlook of the economy, Fri., Apr. 26, 9:55 am, ET.

The final April reading of the U.S. consumer sentiment index is forecast to be revised higher to 74.3 from a preliminary estimate of 72.3. The report will wrap up what is expected to be a week of positive U.S. economic data that could boost investor sentiment and risk appetite.

In preparation for the new trading week, here is the outlook for the Top 10 spotlight economic events that will move the markets around the globe.

1. CNY- China GDP- Gross Domestic Product, the main measure of economic activity and growth, Sun., Apr. 14, 10:00 pm, ET.

The world's second-largest economy was expected to hum right along with 8.0% q/y expansion in the first quarter of 2013, after growing by 7.9% q/y in the final quarter of last year. However, the GDP report disappointed with slower pace of growth by 7.7% q/y in Q1 2013. The weak Chinese data brought down commodity prices and dragged lower the higher-yielding commodity currencies, the AUD and NZD.

2. GBP- U.K. CPI- Consumer Price Index, the main measure of inflation preferred by the Bank of England, Tues., Apr. 16, 4:30 am, ET.

Inflationary pressures in the U.K. are forecast to remain at 2.8% y/y in March, same as the 2.8% y/y reading in the previous month. If the threat of a triple-dip recession in the U.K. materializes, inflation will not be an obstacle for the Bank of England to ease monetary policy further in upcoming months.

3. EUR- Euro-zone ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, a leading indicator of economic conditions measuring the outlook of financial experts, Tues., Apr. 16, 5:00 am, ET.

After a few months of improvement in the economic outlook, the ZEW index is expected to pull back with a reading of 45.6 in April compared with 48.5 in the previous month. A new sign that economic conditions in the euro-area are deteriorating could weigh on the EUR as the market begins to price expectations that the European Central Bank might start to play "QE catch-up" with the Fed and the Bank of Japan as early as the next meeting on May 2.

4. USD- U.S. Housing Starts, an important gauge of housing market activity measuring new home construction, Tues., Apr. 16, 8:30 am, ET.

Housing starts for the month of March are expected to be a bit higher to 924K from 917K in February. The report carries a risk of a negative surprise following another leading indicator of housing market activity, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index, which fell to 42 in April from 44 in March, the third consecutive month of decline.

5. USD- U.S. Industrial Production, the main gauge of industrial activity measuring the output of factories, mines and utilities, Tues., Apr. 16, 9:15 am, ET.

Industrial production is forecast to increase for another month, but at a slower pace, by 0.3% m/m in March, after rising by 0.8% m/m in February.

6. GBP- Bank of England Meeting Minutes, a detailed report of the bank's latest meeting containing an outlook on monetary policy and the economy, Wed., Apr. 17, 4:30 am, ET.

Bank of England sat on the sidelines at its April meeting and has made it clear in recent months that policy makers are not in a hurry to do more easing. However, the GBP could see pressures rising if the minutes reveal that more Monetary Policy Committee members, including the Governor Mervyn King, voted for an increase of the Asset Purchase Program from 375 billion to 400 billion pounds, and if the option of additional rate cuts was once again placed on the table.

7. CAD- Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcement, Wed., Apr. 17, 9:00 am, ET.

With the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, starting to show signs of a slowdown, the Bank of Canada will not be in a position to make any changes to its existing monetary policy and will more than likely leave the benchmark rate at the current 1.0% level. Compared with the rest of the major central banks, the Bank of Canada still remains as the most likely candidate to tighten monetary policy. However, with the world in the midst of a "currency war" as competitive currency devaluation heats up, the decision to call the end of the accommodative monetary policy would probably be pushed further into 2014/2015.

8. JPY- Japan Trade Balance, an important gauge of economic activity measuring the difference between imports and exports, Wed., Apr. 17, 7:50 pm, ET.

Despite of the yen's weakness, the consensus forecasts point to another month of trade deficit by 494 billion yen in March from a deficit of 777 billion yen in February. Signs that the Japanese economy is not improving will keep the yen under pressure on expectations that the government and the Bank of Japan could step up their efforts to devalue the currency and to spur export growth.

9. USD- U.S. Jobless Claims, an important gauge of labor market conditions measuring claims for unemployment benefits, Thurs., Apr. 19, 8:30 am, ET.

Recovering after the unexpected spike, the U.S. jobless claims are forecast to remain in a range with a reading of 447K, close to last week's 446K. If the forecast is accurate, the spike to 388K could be dismissed as a one-off event. On the other hand, another surprising increase could trigger concerns that a new trend of rising claims for unemployment benefits could be in its early stages of development.

10. JPY- G20 Meeting, Thurs., Apr. 18, and Fri., Apr. 19, two-day event.

Finance ministers and central bankers from the 20 most-developed industrialized nations in the world will gather as traders pay close attention to any statements or agreements that could be made during the G20 meeting on the issues of "currency wars" and competitive currency devaluation. The G20 did not directly criticize Japan at the last meeting. However, with the yen depreciating rapidly due to the unprecedented measures taken by the Bank of Japan, it would be interesting to see if the efforts of Japanese officials to weaken their currency will be criticized by their G20 colleagues this time around. The JPY negative trend is still intact, but we could see some unwinding of short yen positions ahead of the meeting.