Financial markets eye confirmation hearings for two new Fed officials as well as CPI and GDP data from Europe and Japan in the week ahead.

US Dollar Forecast: US Dollar May Resume Rally on Fed Hearings, External News Flow

The US Dollar may return to the offensive as incoming Fed officials voice support for rate hikes and external news flow cools bets on hawkish policy outside the US.

British Pound Forecast: A Bargain or a Bear Trap?

With little UK data of note next week, sterling traders may be wise to let the charts unfold as long and short GBP positions both hold potential risks.

Japanese Yen Forecast: Yen Weakness in the Spotlight with Japan Inflation Numbers On Deck

Yen weakness becomes a theme of interest for FX traders again, as next week brings the release of April inflation numbers out of Japan. March saw inflation fall back after an earlier spike in January and February. Continued calm from inflation keeps the door open for Yen bears.

Australian Dollar Forecast: Australian Dollar's Slide May Pause, But It's Probably Not Over

The Australian Dollar has benefited from the US Dollar rethink which came with last week's weaker inflation print. It may continue to do so, for a while at least.

New Zealand Forecast: NZD/USD Awaits Fed Speak, Positioning and Perhaps Profit Taking

Amidst a more neutral RBNZ, the New Zealand Dollar will look to external event risk next week such as Fed speak. NZD/USD positioning warns prices may turn higher. Profits could be booked.

Crude Oil Forecast: Trump Drops Iran Deal, Bulls Remain In Charge

The happy group of crude oil bulls got what they wanted on May 12 as the US formally withdrew from the Iran accord to likely tighten an already supportive market for higher prices.

Equities Forecast: S&P 500, DAX & FTSE – Rally More, or Due for a Test of Strength?

In the week ahead, global markets will look to try and tack on further gains, but may find some opposition in doing so.