When it comes to navigating the world of foreign exchange and international payments, knowledge is your best ally. That's why we've compiled a guide to the key dates and financial events in December 2025 to be aware of when making cross-border payments.
Whether you're a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into the financial waters, understanding these economic indicators can make a significant impact, and allow you to make informed financial decisions.
Read on to stay informed and discover how we can empower your international financial transactions, or visit our Economic Calendar for December.
December kicks off quietly with final PMIs across the UK, Eurozone and US, which are usually non-events as the flash prints carry the real information. Markets remain in wait-and-see mode ahead of the big central-bank decisions later in the month. The US ADP and ISM Services prints offer the first taste of how the US economy is closing out the year, but with the Fed in blackout mode, the bar for meaningful USD moves is high unless the numbers materially surprise. Eurozone inflation has already firmed slightly, reinforcing the “no-cut” narrative for now, while GBP trades tactically as UK data stays mixed.
This is where December comes alive. The US CPI release sets the tone early in the week, and any deviation from the disinflation trend will directly feed into expectations for the Fed’s December meeting. The Fed decision itself is the headline risk for the entire month — markets broadly expect a steady hand and a 25bp cut, but the tone of the statement and Powell’s presser will dictate whether the dollar ends the year bid or bruised.
Attention shifts back to domestic stories as the UK delivers its key data cluster, including CPI, labour market indicators and retail sales. The BoE is expected to deliver a 25bp rate cut, and further dovish rhetoric could keep GBP on the defensive. On the same day, the ECB rolls out its own decision. No change is expected, but fresh staff projections on growth and inflation will steer EUR sentiment into year-end. The combination of Fed/ECB in the same week typically injects plenty of volatility across USD and EUR pairs.
The US follows up with PPI, retail sales and regional manufacturing surveys, giving markets a deeper read on underlying momentum after the Fed. Eurozone releases such as industrial production and trade will help flesh out the growth narrative, particularly as investors look for signs the bloc is stabilising into Q1.
The final stretch of December is typically where fundamentals take a back seat to year-end flows. Liquidity thins dramatically, books are squared, and rebalancing flows can create sharp one-way moves in otherwise quiet markets. The US still drops housing data, jobless claims and a GDP revision, but with most desks running light into the holidays, reactions may be exaggerated.
GBP and EUR often see outsized swings during this period as UK corporates wrap up year-end hedging and Eurozone investors rebalance portfolios. With volatility elevated and liquidity patchy, the final week of December tends to be more about flow than data — a classic year-end grind to the finish line.
Now that you're aware of the key economic events taking place in 2025, let's talk about how Equals Money can elevate your international payments experience. Our service is designed to make your life easier and transactions smoother.
In conclusion, staying informed about key economic calendar indicators, events, and dates is vital for making informed financial decisions. Whether you're monitoring GBP, EUR, or USD, these dates can significantly impact your currency exchange rates.
For the dates, events, and economic indicators that matter most to businesses, investors, and economic enthusiasts. Our Economic Calendar offers comprehensive insights into the meaningful indicators influencing market movements and FX rates across the UK, US, and EU.
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