Overview of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for the Week of August 11-15, 2025: Inflation Data, GDP, Retail Sales, and Reports from Major Companies in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Russia. Analysis of Market Impact and Investor Recommendations.
The second week of August brings several important signals for investors. The corporate reporting season continues across the USA, Europe, and Asia, revealing second-quarter financial results. Simultaneously, key macroeconomic data will be published – from inflation figures in the USA, Europe, and Russia to preliminary GDP assessments and industrial indicators. Market attention is also focused on geopolitics: a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the USA is scheduled for the end of the week, likely to influence investor sentiment. Below is a detailed overview of events for each day (Monday to Friday), including schedules for major macroeconomic indicators and reports from leading public companies.
Monday, August 11, 2025: Holiday in Japan and Russia's Trade Balance
The new week begins relatively calmly. Activity in Asia is subdued due to the holiday in Japan, with only the significant statistical publication of Russia's trade balance standing out. Investors will evaluate this limited data flow while eyeing the first company reports that will set the tone for the week.
Key Economic Events:
- Holiday in Japan (Mountain Day): Financial markets in Tokyo are closed, leading to reduced trading volumes during the Asian session and potentially lowering global volatility at the start of the week.
- 16:00 (Russia) – Trade Balance for June: Statistics on Russia's exports and imports. A surplus or deficit in the trade balance signals currency flows into the country and may affect the ruble's exchange rate. A sustained surplus supports the ruble, while decreased exports may weaken the national currency.
Corporate Reporting:
- Before Market Open: Barrick Gold, Franco-Nevada. Morning reports from two major players in the gold mining sector will reflect how the precious metals sector is performing against the backdrop of fluctuating gold prices in recent months.
- After Market Close: AMC Entertainment, Celanese. The cinema chain AMC will present quarterly results following an active blockbuster summer season—investors will assess the extent of recovery in the entertainment industry. Chemical giant Celanese will report on profit and revenue, providing insights into demand for industrial raw materials and the state of the manufacturing sector in the global economy.
Commentary: Monday proceeds without major global releases, allowing markets to start cautiously. The absence of trading in Japan slightly reduces morning volatility, while the singular macro data (trade balance from Russia) is primarily of interest to regional investors and analysts focused on emerging markets. The main focus is on the first company reports: results from the gold miners will indicate trends in the commodity sector, while AMC Entertainment's financial performance may serve as an indicator of recovery in consumer activity within the entertainment sector. Investors should watch whether these reports establish a positive tone at the start of the week or intensify caution in the markets.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025: Inflation in the USA (CPI) and OPEC Report
On Tuesday, macroeconomic indicators take center stage. In the morning, focus will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy decision and European statistics; however, the most significant event of the day will be the publication of inflation data in the USA. Important reports regarding the commodity markets will complement the picture – OPEC's monthly review and forecasts from the US Department of Energy. Markets anticipate these indicators, attempting to ascertain the future direction of the Federal Reserve’s policy and the dynamics of energy prices.
Key Economic Events:
- 07:30 (Australia) – RBA Interest Rate Decision: The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its decision regarding the key interest rate. This action will influence the fluctuations of the Australian dollar and sentiments in Asian exchanges. A unchanged rate will lead investors to evaluate the accompanying statement for hints about future monetary policy.
- 09:00 (UK) – Unemployment Rate for June: A labour market report for Britain. A consistently low unemployment rate supports the pound and strengthens arguments for a hawkish stance by the Bank of England, while rising figures may indicate economic cooling and relieve some inflationary pressure.
- 12:00 (Germany) – ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (August): This survey reflects the sentiments of analysts and investors regarding the German economy. A decrease in the index will indicate rising recession concerns in Europe's largest economy, while improved sentiment may inspire the European markets.
- 14:00 – OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report: OPEC will publish its assessment of the oil market, including data on production, demand, and inventories. The oil market closely monitors the cartel's assessments: forecasts for global demand and production in this report may cause price fluctuations, especially amid OPEC+'s actions to restrict supply.
- 15:30 (USA) – Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July: A key inflation indicator in the USA from the previous month. The dynamics of CPI directly affect expectations regarding future actions by the Federal Reserve. An acceleration in inflation increases the likelihood of continued rate hikes, while a slowdown in price growth may support markets, confirming the effectiveness of already implemented measures by the regulator.
- 19:00 (USA) – EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook: The US Department of Energy will present updated forecasts for oil and gas markets. The report reflects expectations for shale oil production, fuel consumption levels, and stock balances. These forecasts set the tone for the oil and gas sector, impacting oil prices and the stocks of energy companies.
- 19:00 (USA) – WASDE Report from the US Department of Agriculture: A monthly report on global agriculture (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates). The document contains forecasts for grain and oilseed production, stock estimates, and consumption. Any revisions to estimates for corn, wheat, soybeans, and other crops may reflect on agricultural commodity prices in global exchanges.
- 00:30 (Wed) – API Oil Inventories Report (Week): The American Petroleum Institute will publish unofficial data on weekly changes in commercial oil and petroleum product inventories. Although this report is released late in the evening in Moscow, it can cause volatility in the oil market ahead of the official EIA statistics on Wednesday.
Corporate Reporting:
- Before Market Open: Cardinal Health, Sea Ltd., Tencent Music. The morning block includes a range of international issuers. Cardinal Health will report on results in the healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution sector—its figures reflect the state of demand in the pharmaceutical market. Singapore tech giant Sea Ltd (e-commerce and online gaming) will provide data significant for understanding consumer activity and the digital economy in Southeast Asia. Tencent Music, a Chinese streaming service, is also expected to report, indicating revenue dynamics from online entertainment in China.
- After Market Close: Alcon, H&R Block, Lumentum. The evening session will highlight quarterly results from various sectors. Swiss company Alcon (a global leader in ophthalmological products) will report on sales of medical equipment and contact lenses—an indicator of stable demand for healthcare products. American H&R Block will present financial results that, despite being during the off-season for tax returns, will provide insight into the state of small businesses and households (through demand for financial services). Tech company Lumentum (a manufacturer of optical components and lasers, including for telecommunications) will report profit—its clients in technology and smartphones make this report a barometer for the semiconductor sector.
Commentary: Tuesday's data flow is expected to be substantial, potentially significantly adjusting investor sentiment. The key event of the day is the publication of the consumer price index in the USA. Any deviation in American inflation from expectations will immediately reflect on global markets: a lower CPI could stimulate growth in stocks and bonds, while an unpleasant surprise of accelerating inflation will intensify discussions about further actions by the Federal Reserve. Alongside this macro environment, global corporate reporting continues. Morning results from Cardinal Health and Sea Ltd will provide insights into demand resilience in healthcare and online commerce, while post-close results, including from Alcon and H&R Block, will add layers to the overall picture across various economic sectors. Investors should pay special attention to inflation data—it determines market direction, while corporate stories of the day will help assess whether the balance between consumer spending and the impact of high rates is maintained.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025: Inflation in Germany and Russia
Wednesday's attention is distributed between European and Russian inflation news and updates on the global oil market. The macroeconomic agenda is moderate: investors assess final consumer price data in Germany and fresh statistics on price growth in Russia. An IEA report due in the afternoon might impact oil prices. On the corporate front, intrigue will build towards the evening as one of the flagship technology firms in the USA presents its results, which may set the tone for the entire tech sector.
Key Economic Events:
- 02:50 (Japan) – Producer Price Index (PPI) for July: The indicator of wholesale prices in Japan. It helps assess cost pressures on enterprises: rising PPI may herald accelerated consumer inflation, while declining figures indicate weakening price pressure. This data is crucial for the Bank of Japan, which evaluates the need for changes in its ultra-loose monetary policy.
- 09:00 (Germany) – Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July (Final Assessment): Final inflation data in Germany. Confirmation of a high inflation level will strengthen expectations for further tightening by the ECB, while a downward revision may provide relief to the European markets and reduce pressure on eurozone bonds.
- 11:00 – IEA Monthly Oil Market Report: The International Energy Agency publishes its perspective on the balance of supply and demand in the oil market. The IEA report contains forecasts on production (especially in non-OPEC countries) and assessments of oil demand growth across regions. If the IEA indicates oversupply or slowing demand, oil prices may continue to correct downward; signs of demand shortages may push oil quotes upward.
- 17:30 (USA) – Official Oil and Petroleum Products Inventories from EIA (Week): The US Department of Energy publishes data on weekly changes in crude oil, gasoline, and distillate inventories. This is a regular marker for the energy market: significant inventory reductions often support oil price growth (signaling high demand or insufficient supply), while increasing inventories may cause a decline in oil prices.
- 19:00 (Russia) – Consumer Price Index for July: Publication of inflation levels in Russia for the past month. An acceleration in annual inflation will heighten expectations for a stricter policy from the Bank of Russia (including the possibility of raising the key rate), which will influence the OFZ market and the ruble exchange rate. Conversely, a slowdown in price growth will be a positive signal for the regulator and financial markets in Russia, indicating the effectiveness of previous measures to curb inflation.
Corporate Reporting:
- Before Market Open: Brinker International, Performance Food Group. There are relatively few major reports in the morning. Brinker International – the operator of restaurant chains (including Chili’s) – will report on sales, allowing for an assessment of consumer demand in the dining sector in the USA. Performance Food Group (a major food distributor for restaurants and retail chains) will also present its results, adding to the picture of trends in the American food industry.
- After Market Close: Cisco Systems, Coherent. The focus of the evening session will be on the quarterly report from Cisco Systems, a leading technology sector player and component of the S&P 500. The company will present final results for the financial year: investors are expecting revenue growth, particularly due to new directions (the acquisition of software developer Splunk and demand for data center networking equipment). Any comments from Cisco regarding demand in corporate networks and cloud technology segments could significantly impact the entire tech sector. In addition to Cisco, Coherent (a manufacturer of lasers and optics) will present its figures—its results and demand forecasts for electronics equipment will provide extra insights into the condition of the electronics and semiconductor markets.
Commentary: Wednesday promises to be one of the defining days of the week in terms of corporate news. While the macroeconomic publications of the day, particularly final inflation figures in Germany and fresh CPI from Russia, are important, they are unlikely to radically shift global markets without significant surprises. Market participants will focus more keenly on Cisco Systems' report after the trading closes. This globally recognized tech corporation may set the tone for the entire Nasdaq: strong results and an optimistic forecast from Cisco will support confidence in the resilience of the IT sector even amid high-interest rates, while disappointment from the report will heighten investor caution regarding the growth of tech giants. Additionally, the oil sector will receive insights from the IEA report and EIA data—investors should pay attention to whether the IEA's assessments align with OPEC's views on the oil market. Overall, Wednesday is a day to focus on Cisco's report and reactions to inflation data, particularly in Europe, to promptly assess changes in market sentiment.
Thursday, August 14, 2025: GDP of the UK and Eurozone
Thursday's focus will be on growth rates across both sides of the English Channel. The first estimates of GDP for the UK and the entire Eurozone for the second quarter will be released in the morning—investors will gain fresh evidence of whether the European economy has managed to avoid a recession. In the afternoon, European statistics will be complemented by US data on inflation in the manufacturing sector, as well as the regular report on the gas market. The day is rich in corporate names: several global companies from the USA, Europe, and Asia will release their reports, promising a broad picture of corporate profits.
Key Economic Events:
- 09:00 (UK) – GDP for Q2 2025 (Preliminary): The first assessment of the growth of the UK economy in the second quarter. This indicator will be a sign of the impact of high-interest rates and inflation on economic activity. Stagnation or a decrease in GDP will heighten recession concerns in Britain, putting pressure on the pound and the stocks of British companies. Conversely, moderate growth will be a pleasant surprise and support expectations of a "soft landing" for the economy.
- 12:00 (Eurozone) – GDP for Q2 2025 (Preliminary): Combined GDP of 20 Eurozone countries for the quarter. European investors will closely compare this figure with forecasts. Weak growth rates (or a decline) will intensify discussions about stagnation in the EU and may prompt the ECB to consider relaxing monetary pressure. Higher growth numbers, on the other hand, will indicate resilience in the Eurozone economy despite high borrowing costs and prices, potentially supporting the euro and European exchanges.
- 15:30 (USA) – Producer Price Index (PPI) for July: Inflation indicator at the wholesale price level in the USA. PPI reflects changes in costs for producers and often precedes trends in consumer inflation. A decline in PPI may signal easing inflationary pressures in the future, while an unexpected spike will raise concerns at the Fed regarding inflation's persistence. Commodity and industrial stock markets react to this indicator as it affects company margins.
- 17:30 (USA) – Natural Gas Inventories by EIA (Week): Weekly report on natural gas inventories in underground storage in the USA. The summer cooling season is in full swing, and changes in inventories help assess supply-demand balance in the gas market. If inventory growth significantly exceeds normal levels, natural gas prices may decrease, signaling oversupply. Conversely, slow growth or declines in inventories will support prices and stocks of gas-producing companies.
Corporate Reporting:
- Before Market Open: Deere & Co., JD.com, Tapestry, NICE Ltd.. Thursday morning has notable diversity and significance. American industrial giant Deere (manufacturer of agricultural and construction machinery) will present its quarterly results: investors will check for sustained high demand from farmers and builders amid rising interest rates. Chinese online retail leader JD.com will report on sales and profits—this figure is a key indicator of the health of the consumer market in China and the logistics sector amid regulatory challenges. Tapestry, parent company of luxury brands Coach and Kate Spade, will provide revenue data, reflecting trends in the premium goods market in the USA and China. Additionally, Israeli technology firm NICE Ltd. (specializing in software for contact centers and data analytics) will publish results, providing insight into business investments in customer service technologies.
- After Market Close: Applied Materials, Globant. The focus of the evening will be on the report from Applied Materials, a leading American manufacturer of semiconductor production equipment. Data from Applied Materials is critically important for assessing the global microchip industry’s health: increasing order volumes for their equipment signal chip production expansion, while a weak forecast may evoke concerns regarding electronic demand. Globant (Argentina/USA), providing IT services and digital solutions for businesses, will also report—its results will show whether corporations continue to increase expenditures on digital transformation amid economic uncertainty.
Commentary: Thursday offers several key narratives for investors. The macroeconomic backdrop will largely be determined by Europe: GDP figures from the UK and the Eurozone will set the mood in the markets in the morning. Weak growth in the European economy could negatively impact the banking and industrial sectors, whereas positive surprises would support the demand for risk assets. Afternoon US PPI data will provide information on the pricing environment in the US manufacturing sector—it will complement the previously released CPI data and help gauge inflation's entrenchment. The corporate reports of the day cover essential sectors: agriculture and industry (Deere), Chinese e-commerce (JD.com), consumer luxury (Tapestry), and high technology (Applied Materials). Investors will pay particularly close attention to JD.com’s morning data—as a barometer of consumption in China—and the evening report from Applied Materials, potentially influencing the entire tech segment. For instance, if Deere reports sustained demand for machinery, it will support confidence in investment activity in the real sector, while strong results from Applied Materials may elevate semiconductor company stocks globally. Thus, Thursday shapes up to be a day where both macro and micro factors could significantly shift market expectations ahead of the final session of the week.
Friday, August 15, 2025: Meeting Between Putin and Trump; US Retail Sales
The final day of the week promises to be busy and pivotal for investor sentiment ahead of the weekend. Early in the morning, important data will emerge from Asia—Japan's preliminary GDP and China’s industrial statistics will set the tone for the trading session. However, the main event will be the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump at the summit in Alaska: geopolitical factors take center stage. In the afternoon, the market will receive a series of strong indicators for the US economy—from retail sales to industrial output and consumer confidence. Collectively, Friday’s events will assist investors in evaluating the state of the global economy as it heads into the end of summer and the risks or opportunities that political negotiations may bring.
Key Economic Events:
- 02:50 (Japan) – GDP for Q2 2025 (Preliminary): The initial assessment of Japan's economic growth. The GDP of the Land of the Rising Sun for the quarter will show how sustainable recovery is following last year's downturns. Accelerated growth exceeding forecasts will support Asian markets, confirming the effectiveness of the government’s stimulus measures, while weak figures will reignite discussions about possible additional stimuli from the Bank of Japan.
- 05:00 (China) – Industrial Production for July: Data on output in China's industrial sector. This indicator reflects the health of the world's second-largest economy. Strong growth in production will indicate recovery in both domestic and external demand and may improve sentiment in commodity and currency markets among emerging nations. Conversely, a more significant slowdown in China's industry than expected will heighten concerns over global demand for raw materials and equipment.
- 15:30 (USA) – NY Empire State Business Activity Index (August): A regional leading indicator of manufacturing activity in New York State. Although the index covers only a portion of the US economy, it often serves as an early signal for the manufacturing sector for the current month. Growth in the index into positive territory will be a sign of production revival, while a decline will indicate ongoing difficulties for factories and plants.
- 15:30 (USA) – Retail Sales for July: One of the key indicators of the health of the US economy, reflecting consumer spending levels. Robust growth in retail sales means that American consumers continue to spend, supporting the economy which is positive for corporate profits in retail, services, and technology sectors. Conversely, weak sales may signal waning consumer demand influenced by previous rate hikes and inflationary pressures.
- 16:15 (USA) – Industrial Production for July: A composite indicator of manufacturing output, mining, and utilities. The data will show how the production side of the US economy is performing at the beginning of the third quarter. Growth in production will maintain optimism about GDP, while a decline in output may strengthen fears of recessionary trends.
- 17:00 (USA) – University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (August, Preliminary): A crucial indicator of American households’ sentiments. Rising index and particularly the components (assessment of current conditions and expectations) indicate consumer confidence in the economy and are favorable for markets. A decline in sentiment may signify that consumers are starting to worry about the future—this signal could foreshadow decreased consumer spending.
- 17:00 (USA) – Consumer Inflation Expectations (August, Preliminary): Data from the University of Michigan survey indicating what inflation consumers expect in the coming year. It is a subtle indicator closely monitored by the Fed: rising inflation expectations may prompt the regulator to maintain a hawkish stance, while declining expectations will signal public trust in the Central Bank’s measures to curb inflation.
Corporate Reporting:
- Before Market Open: On the last day of the week, very few major public companies will release quarterly reports. Primarily, results from mid-level companies unrelated to the market's global "heavyweights" will be released. The focus remains on macroeconomic events and policy.
- After Market Close: No significant corporate reporting publications are scheduled.
Commentary: Friday wraps up a news-rich week, and its events will assist investors in summarizing. In the morning, Asia will set the tone: if data from Japan and China indicate economic strengthening, this will support a risk appetite at the opening of trading. The main focus, however, is on the meeting between Putin and Trump—any statements from this summit could trigger bursts of volatility, particularly in energy markets and in the currency segments of emerging markets. Investors from the CIS will be especially sensitive to signals from Alaska: discussions on sanctions, trade, or conflict resolution directly impact regional assets. In the afternoon, the focus will shift to the USA, where a series of consumption and production data will be released. Retail sales and industrial production for July will demonstrate the resilience of the US economy in the face of high rates—strong figures will confirm a scenario of a soft landing and support stock indices, while weakness in the figures will revive discussions about an impending downturn. In the absence of major corporate reports, markets will digest the information accumulated over the week: by the end of the day, investors will attempt to piece together a comprehensive picture—whether inflation expectations were met, whether key countries surprised positively or negatively in growth, and what the geopolitical negotiations at the highest level may lead to. The concluding week’s data (for example, consumer confidence in the USA) will provide a final touch: they will help gauge household sentiment and demand prospects. Overall, Friday is a day when readiness for sharp market movements is advisable, influenced by both political and economic factors while also capturing the week’s results before initiating a new trading five-day cycle.
What Investors Should Focus On
The week from August 11 to 15, 2025, encompasses a variety of macroeconomic and corporate events, and it is crucial for investors to identify key influencing factors. Central to attention are inflation data: CPI reports in the USA, Europe, and Russia will illustrate how effectively inflation pressures are being contained and will guide central bank rhetoric. No less significant are signals regarding economic conditions: preliminary GDP estimates for the UK, Eurozone, and Japan, along with statistics on US industrial production and retail sales, will help evaluate the trajectory of global growth. The global reporting season continues, but this week the emphasis shifts: the technology sector (Cisco report), industry (Deere), and consumer market (JD.com, Tapestry) will provide essential benchmarks for corporate profits. Investors should monitor how companies’ reports meet elevated expectations—any surprises could lead to capital reallocations between sectors.
Additionally, the geopolitical backdrop must be considered: the meeting between Putin and Trump at the end of the week may introduce extra volatility. Any agreements or, conversely, arising disagreements between the two leaders may impact commodity markets (oil, gas) and currency exchange rates in emerging markets. In such conditions, it is important for investors to remain vigilant and agile: respond promptly to released data while also assessing them collectively. Balancing macroeconomic signals with corporate results will yield a clearer understanding of market prospects. If inflation shows a trend toward slowing while the economy continues to grow, this bodes well for risk assets. However, any signs of overheating prices or sharp GDP deceleration will provide grounds for strategy reassessment.
Therefore, the key markers of the week—inflation, GDP, and leaders’ negotiations—will shape investor sentiment. A careful watch over these events and readiness to adjust the investment portfolio in response to new data is recommended. A well-rounded combination of statistical analysis and corporate news will assist investors in timely identifying emerging trends in the markets and making informed decisions amidst the uncertainties of the late summer of 2025.
