Detailed Review of Economic Events and Corporate Reports for August 18, 2025. Meeting between Trump and Zelensky, Eurozone Trade Balance, Inflation Data from Poland, U.S. Housing Market Index, as well as Reports from Companies in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Brief Introduction
Monday presents a moderate agenda for the markets. The spotlight is on geopolitics: a one-on-one meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky is set to take place in Washington, marking their first personal encounter since the administration change in the U.S. In Europe, investors are evaluating statistics: the publication of the Eurozone trade balance for June will reveal export dynamics amid the global economic landscape, while inflation data from Poland will indicate price pressure trends in Eastern Europe. In the U.S., only a few significant macro reports are on schedule – of notable interest will be the NAHB Housing Market Index, reflecting builders' sentiments for August. On the corporate front, the day will feature several key releases: after market close, major tech company Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity) will report, while before the opening, results from Chinese automaker XPeng and other firms in Asia and the U.S. will be announced. It is crucial for investors to integrate these diverse signals: the geopolitical outcomes of the meeting, European economic indicators, and corporate forecasts collectively shape the market sentiment as the new week unfolds.Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
1. 01:30 — New Zealand: Services Business Activity Index (July) and Composite Business Activity Indicator. 2. 07:30 — Japan: Services Activity Index (June). 3. 09:00 — Switzerland: Industrial Production for Q2 2025. 4. 09:00 — Czech Republic: Producer Price Index (PPI) (July). 5. 11:00 — Spain: Trade Balance (June). 6. 12:00 — Eurozone: Trade Balance (June). 7. 14:00 — Poland: Core Inflation (July). 8. 15:30 — Canada: Number of New Housing Starts (July) and Volume of Foreign Purchases of Canadian Securities (June). 9. 17:00 — U.S.: NAHB Housing Market Index (August).Geopolitics: Trump and Zelensky Meeting
- Discussions on Security and Peace: U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18. Discussions are expected to cover the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, security guarantees, and further military support. Any hints of progress in peace talks could reduce the geopolitical risk premium in the markets.
- Market Reactions: A softening of rhetoric or agreements in Washington could support European stocks and strengthen regional currencies, while defense sector stocks and oil prices may experience downward pressure due to eased tensions. However, if the meeting yields no results or exacerbates disagreements, demand for defensive assets may rise.
- Allies' Participation: Following the bilateral conversation, representatives from the EU and NATO will join the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders. The demonstration of unity among Western allies or discrepancies in their positions will be closely analyzed by investors, considering its impact on future sanctions, energy dynamics, and the currency markets in Europe.
Europe: Trade Balances and Inflation
- Eurozone Trade Balance: Statistics for June will showcase the export-import relationship within the region. A sustained surplus will signal the competitiveness of European exports and a rebound in external demand, which is positive for the Euro Stoxx 50 industrial sector. A shrinking surplus (or deficit) may indicate weak global demand or increasing energy imports, heightening concerns over economic growth in the EU.
- Inflation in Poland (core CPI): The core consumer price index for Poland in July is due out during the day. A continued deceleration in inflation towards the NBP’s target range is expected. A decrease in core inflation could bolster expectations for further rate cuts in the Eastern European region, supporting bonds and equities in Poland and neighboring markets. Conversely, if inflation remains stubbornly above expectations, it may prompt a more cautious approach from regulators, potentially dampening risk appetite in local markets.
- Other Indicators: Also released in the morning will be Switzerland's industrial production and the Czech PPI, which reflect post-pandemic industrial trends, while Spain's trade balance will provide additional insights into European export dynamics. Collectively, the European data for this day will assist in understanding whether the economic slowdown persists in the region or if there are signs of stabilization in the second half of the year.
Corporate Earnings: Before Market Open (BMO, U.S. and Asia)
- Bitdeer (BTDR) — cryptocurrency mining (U.S./Singapore). Focus: Bitcoin mining volumes for the quarter and revenue dynamics amid price volatility in crypto assets. Investors will assess the efficiency of energy cost management and the company's plans ahead of the upcoming Bitcoin halving.
- Riskified (RSKD) — fintech platform for preventing fraud in e-commerce (NASDAQ). Key point: growth in transaction volumes processed by online retailers and the company’s progress in reducing losses. Maintaining a high revenue growth rate while narrowing operational losses will strengthen confidence in RSKD’s business model.
- XPeng (XPEV) — Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer (NYSE). Market attention will be on the number of EVs delivered for Q2 and the level of profitability. Management comments regarding collaboration with Volkswagen and plans for entry into European markets will also be crucial. Strong sales and reduced losses will support the entire EV sector, while a weak report from XPEV could heighten investor caution regarding the Chinese automotive industry.
Corporate Earnings: After Market Close (AMC, U.S.)
- Palo Alto Networks (PANW) — cybersecurity (S&P 500). One of the most anticipated reports of the day: the company will present its results for Q4 FY2025. Focus: revenue growth in the cloud and AI security solutions segment (Platinum/Prisma), expansion of contract portfolio (RPO), and margin forecast. Sustained growth in subscriptions to next-generation services and an upward revision of annual forecasts will bolster PANW’s stock and may set a positive tone for the entire tech sector the following day.
- Fabrinet (FN) — manufacturer of optical components and electronics (NASDAQ). The company addresses demand for data center, telecom, and automotive equipment. Investors will pay attention to order trends from major cloud technology and AI customers. Sustained high demand for optics and improved operational margins will be viewed as a sign of resilience in the high-tech supply chains.
- XP Inc. (XP) — Brazilian investment platform (NASDAQ). Key metrics: growth in assets under management, influx of new clients, and trends in commission income amid declining rates in Brazil. The results from XP will signal the state of the financial sector in emerging markets: an optimistic forecast or increased profitability could draw interest towards the banking and brokerage sectors in Latin America.
- Blink Charging (BLNK) — electric vehicle infrastructure (NASDAQ). The company will report on network growth of charging stations and revenues for the quarter. In a competitive environment with high costs, market attention will be on station utilization rates and cash burn rates. Any signs of nearing breakeven or successful partnerships (e.g., with automakers or municipalities) could support investor confidence in BLNK, whereas weak figures might raise questions about the business's long-term viability.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: As of August 18, no major earnings reports are expected from large Eurozone companies. Thus, external factors and macro data will dictate market direction: participants will evaluate the Eurozone trade balance and the outcomes of the meeting in Washington, as well as monitor euro dynamics and energy prices. European stock indices are expected to start the week in a cautious mode, primarily reacting to geopolitics and statistics.
- Nikkei 225 / Japan: The quarterly earnings season for April-June continues. Various reports from medium-sized industrial and consumer companies, including equipment manufacturers and auto parts suppliers, are anticipated. Their results will indicate the state of domestic demand and exports in Asia. Overall, the Japanese market maintains a moderately positive outlook; however, significant catalysts may be lacking on the first day of the week, and investors will be vigilant for external signals from the U.S. and China.
- MOEX / Russia: The agenda includes the release of interim and operational results from Russian issuers in the energy and retail sectors. For example, financial statements from several regional energy companies for the half-year are expected. The impact of these reports on the broader market is limited, but they provide an early glimpse into half-year financials. Typically, the peak of major Russian companies’ half-year results falls at the end of August and the beginning of September, so investors are preparing for a series of important releases in the coming weeks.
End of Day: What Investors Should Focus on
- Trump and Zelensky Meeting: The main geopolitical trigger of the day. Any agreements on a ceasefire or enhanced support for Ukraine could significantly impact market sentiment: the potential for conflict de-escalation would be positive for risk assets in Europe, while tough rhetoric might increase demand for safe-haven instruments (gold, franc) amid ongoing uncertainty.
- European Economic Signals: Trade and inflation data from the EU will provide insights into the region's economic health. Improvement in the trade balance and a deceleration in inflation could reinforce expectations of looser ECB policies, potentially supporting the euro and European stocks. Conversely, weak figures would remind the markets of recessionary risks and could enhance volatility in local markets.
- Corporate Earnings in Focus: After the U.S. market closes, Palo Alto Networks’ report will attract particular attention — results in the cybersecurity sector and management forecasts could set a tone for the entire technology sector. The morning reports from XPeng and other companies are also significant; successes or challenges in their earnings could redistribute investor interest among sectors (EV, fintech, industrial) even when macrostatistic data is scarce.
- Start of the Week and Risk Management: Monday is relatively calm in terms of publications, but sharp movements are not ruled out due to news on the political arena. Investors should exercise caution at the week's beginning: pre-determine exit levels and hedges in case of unexpected statements. Moderate trading activity on the first day allows for portfolio reallocation ahead of a busier schedule in the following days, including central bank leaders’ speeches at the symposium in Jackson Hole later in the week.
