Big Week Ahead: AI, Earnings and Central Banks Put Markets on Alert

After last week's sharp tech selloff, markets are heading into another potentially volatile week.

From NVIDIA's GTC Berlin to major U.S. earnings and a wave of central-bank decisions, traders have plenty to watch.

1. Jensen Huang Takes the Stage — Can AI Sentiment Recover?

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will deliver his GTC Berlin keynote on October 21, with markets watching for new AI architecture announcements and details on NVIDIA's expansion in Europe.

The timing matters.

AI stocks were hit hard last week as investors questioned valuations, debt and the enormous cost of AI infrastructure. That means Huang's message could have an outsized impact on NVIDIA and the NAS100.

Watch for: new chips, AI infrastructure spending and major European partnerships.

2. Earnings Put the AI Trade to the Test

Earnings season also shifts into high gear.

Netflix, Tesla and Meta are among the biggest names reporting this week, with Meta's AI spending outlook likely to attract particular attention. Around 70 S&P 500 companies are due to report, making corporate guidance a major source of market volatility.

For Meta, investors will want to know whether massive AI investment is translating into stronger growth.

For Tesla, attention turns to deliveries, margins and the company's outlook.

Markets to watch: NAS100, US500 and major tech stocks.

3. Asian Central Banks Could Shake Up FX

This is also a busy week for central banks.

The Bank of Korea is widely expected to hold rates at 3.00% after two consecutive hikes, while Bank Indonesia is also expected to stay on hold. The Philippines, however, is expected to raise rates again as inflation remains elevated.

With Asian currencies already sensitive to the stronger dollar and changing global rate expectations, any surprise could trigger sharp FX moves.

Markets to watch: USDKRW, USDIDR and USDPHP.

One More Thing: Trading Hours Are Changing

Europe switches back to standard time on October 25, one week before the U.S. does the same on November 1.

That one-week mismatch can temporarily change trading hours for some FX, precious metals, indices and commodity CFDs, depending on the broker.

So before next week's sessions begin, double-check your platform's trading schedule.

The Bottom Line

This week isn't just about individual events.

The bigger question is whether AI confidence can recover after last week's selloff, while central banks continue to navigate stubborn inflation and volatile currencies.

With NVIDIA, Meta, Tesla and multiple rate decisions all in play, expect volatility — especially across NAS100 and Asian FX.