Overview#

As traders prepare for another significant day in the financial markets, several key economic reports are set to be released on Thursday, April 23, 2026. These reports will provide insights into the U.S. economy and could influence trading decisions across various asset classes.

Major Economic Reports#

  • 8:30 AM ET - Initial Jobless Claims: Expected to rise to 212,000 from the previous 207,000. This report measures the number of individuals filing for unemployment benefits for the first time, serving as an early indicator of labor market health.
  • 8:30 AM ET - Continuing Jobless Claims: Previous figure was 1.818 million. This tracks the number of individuals who are still receiving unemployment benefits.
  • 9:45 AM ET - Services PMI: Forecasted to increase to 50.1 from 49.8. The Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) surveys over 400 service sector executives to assess business conditions, with readings above 50 indicating growth.
  • 9:45 AM ET - Manufacturing PMI: Expected to rise to 52.5 from 52.3. This index measures the activity of purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector, providing a leading indicator of economic performance.

Additional Economic Indicators#

  • 9:45 AM ET - S&P Global Composite PMI: Previous reading was 50.3. This index combines data from both the manufacturing and service sectors to give a comprehensive view of private sector performance.
  • 4:30 PM ET - Reserve Balances with Federal Reserve Banks: Previous amount was $2.980 trillion. This report shows the funds that banks hold in their accounts at the Federal Reserve.
  • 4:30 PM ET - Fed’s Balance Sheet: Previous figure was $6.706 trillion. This weekly report details the assets and liabilities of the Federal Reserve.

Other Notable Data Releases#

  • 8:30 AM ET - Chicago Fed National Activity Index: Previous reading was -0.11, which tracks economic activity across several Midwestern states.
  • 8:30 AM ET - Jobless Claims 4-Week Average: Previous average was 209,750, smoothing out weekly fluctuations in jobless claims.
  • 9:30 AM ET - Natural Gas Storage: Previous change was 59 billion cubic feet, reporting weekly changes in natural gas reserves.
  • 10:00 AM ET - KC Fed Manufacturing Index: Previous reading was 11, monitoring manufacturing activity in the Tenth Federal Reserve District.
  • 10:30 AM ET - 4-Week and 8-Week Bill Auctions: Previous yields were 3.595% and 3.615%, respectively, representing short-term government borrowing costs.

For the latest updates, please refer to our Economic Calendar.