US markets will offer some pretty interesting stuff on the calendar this week. As we transition from March to April, the labour market data will come back into the picture this week. That will keep markets on edge, having already to watch for the happenings in the Middle East still.

But to start things off, Fed chair Powell will also be making an appearance later today. And that will be the most notable item on the agenda, besides keeping an eye out for US-Iran headline risks.

Powell is set to participate in a moderated discussions at the Harvard University principles of economics class. The session is one that is typically part of the university’s introductory economics curriculum. While there isn’t a clear topic, one can expect Powell to cover a wide range of things from the economy to inflation and monetary policy.

I’m quite sure that he will sidestep any questions involving the politicisation of the Fed and what not. That being said, one can reasonably expect US president Trump to snap at Powell again after this engagement. That especially if we hear comments about the Fed wanting to pause on rates and keep their options open amid the situation in the Middle East.

The funny thing is that it will be Trump’s own doing that is leading to this scenario. Yet, you can be assured that he will still lay blame to Powell for not cutting interest rates.

The Fed chair is scheduled to speak at 1430 GMT. So, that will be the highlight of the agenda today. That as it will be a quiet one in Europe as well as a holiday-shortened one. The Easter holidays are coming soon and that markets in Europe will be closed by the end of the week in observance of Good Friday and then Easter Monday the following week.