In the US, job growth was disappointing at 103K but wages are rising at a faster pace. Fed officials seem determined to raise rates despite worries about trade wars that have been heating up between China and the US.

Major events in the coming week:

1. Halifax HPI: Monday, 7:30. HBOS reported a rise of 0.4% in February and the report for March is expected to show a more modest rise of 0.1%.
2. BRC Retail Sales Monitor: Monday, 23:01. The British Retail Consortium’s report on retail sales.
3. Andy Haldane talks: Tuesday, 18:30. The Chief Economist of the BoE will speak in Melbourne. Haldane has been relatively dovish in his previous public comments.
4. Manufacturing Production: Wednesday, 8:30. Output in the manufacturing sector has been on the rise for quite some time. A minor rise is expected for February.
5. Goods Trade Balance: Wednesday, 8:30. The UK reported a wider than expected trade deficit of 12.3 billion pounds in January. A slightly narrower deficit is on the cards now: 11.9 billion.
6. Construction Output: Wednesday, 8:30. After a sharp fall of 3.4%, a small rise of 0.8% is expected for February.
7. RICS House Price Balance: Wednesday, 23:01.
8. Ben Broadbent talks: Thursday, 6:30. The BOE Deputy Governor will speak in Sydney. Broadbent has been one of the more hawkish members of the Monetary Policy Committee.
9. BOE Credit Conditions Survey: Thursday, 8:30. This quarterly report by the BOE may show that credit expansion is growing at a fast pace due to low interest rates, thus justifying a hike.
10. Mark Carney talks: Thursday, 19:00. The BoE Governor speaks in Toronto.

(All times are GMT)