Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Sunday, February 8, 2026: Snap Elections in Japan, Budget Disputes in the U.S., and a Pause in Macroeconomic Statistics, Alongside Reports from S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX
The second Sunday of February 2026 is relatively calm, yet it contains important political elements and residual risks for the markets. On the global stage, the spotlight is on the snap parliamentary elections in Japan, the results of which could influence investor sentiment as the new week begins. Simultaneously, uncertainty persists in the United States due to budget disputes: the recent government shutdown has delayed the publication of key economic statistics, leaving markets without fresh guidance on the state of the world’s largest economy. Today's macroeconomic calendar is almost empty, providing market participants a breather to absorb the decisions made by central banks over the past week and prepare for upcoming data in the coming days. Meanwhile, the corporate reporting season continues: although no new reports are due on Sunday, investors are keenly awaiting results from several large companies (both in the U.S., such as Ford, and in Europe and Asia) in the coming week to assess the health of the corporate sector amid a slowing economy. For the Russian market, no significant events are scheduled today, so key references remain external factors — commodity price dynamics (oil remains at comfortable levels following the OPEC+ decision), the ruble exchange rate, and the geopolitical environment. Investors from the CIS countries should consider this global picture when formulating strategies ahead of the market opening on Monday.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- All Day – Tokyo, Japan: Snap general elections for the lower house of parliament. The voting will determine the power dynamics in the parliament and the future economic policy of the country. Results are expected by Monday morning: a decisive victory for the ruling coalition will ensure continuity of policy, while unexpected success for the opposition could heighten political uncertainty.
- All Day – Washington, D.C., USA: A partial shutdown of the federal government continues due to the unapproved budget. This has resulted in delays in important macroeconomic statistics — specifically, the labor market report (Nonfarm Payrolls) for January has not been released on time. Investors are waiting for a resolution to the budget crisis to obtain the delayed data and clarify the economic situation.
Politics: Elections in Japan
- Historic Voting. Snap elections for the lower house of parliament are taking place today in Japan — an event that could change the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Sanae Takichi is aiming to strengthen the mandate of his government after the dissolution of parliament; preliminary polls indicate that the ruling coalition is likely to retain a majority of seats, although intrigue surrounding seat distribution remains. The outcome of the voting will affect the continuation of the current economic course and reforms, including new economic stimulus policies, digitization, and potential changes in fiscal and budgetary policy.
- Market Impact. Investors are closely monitoring the elections, as the results will influence the dynamics of the Japanese yen and local company stocks. Political stability (the retention of the ruling party's majority) may boost confidence and increase risk appetite: a moderate strengthening of the Nikkei 225 index and the continuing course of the yen within the existing range is probable. Conversely, an unexpected political shift or coalition complications could trigger short-term volatility — the yen may strengthen as a "safe haven," while exporter stocks could temporarily decline due to concerns about changes in economic policy. The Bank of Japan, which previously signaled the continued maintenance of an ultra-soft monetary policy, will need to align its future steps with the election results and the new government's economic agenda.
Global Macroeconomic Statistics: A Pause in the USA and Hopes from China
- USA Without Fresh Data. The budget stalemate in Washington has led to a temporary vacuum of macroeconomic indicators: key employment reports for January have not been made available on time, along with a series of other statistical releases. This gap complicates the assessment of the current state of the U.S. economy and the trajectory of the Federal Reserve's interest rates. Even after the government resumes operations, it may take time to catch up on data releases, so investors must rely on previously published indicators at the beginning of the week. As a result, attention is increasingly focused on indirect signals — market indicators, statements from Federal Reserve representatives, and corporate reports — until official statistics begin to flow regularly again.
- Cautious Optimism from Asia. There are indications of economic stabilization in China, which supports sentiment in Asian markets. Following the release of official PMI indices for January, which indicated a moderate improvement in business activity, investors are hopefully awaiting new data next week. Statistics on industrial production and retail sales in China are expected in the coming days — these figures will clarify the strength of domestic demand ahead of the upcoming extended holidays (the lunar New Year falls on February 17). If the data confirms the recovery of the Chinese economy, it will bolster confidence in the Asian region and provide indirect support to commodity and emerging markets. Conversely, signs of deceleration could dampen sentiment, highlighting existing global risks.
Corporate Reporting: Before Market Open (BMO, USA)
- Becton Dickinson (BDX). The largest medical technology company and a member of the S&P 500 index will report its results for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year (October–December 2025) before the U.S. market opens. Investors will closely examine revenue dynamics in the medical equipment and hospital supplies segments amid the gradual normalization of the healthcare system post-pandemic. Particular interest will be directed at the performance of the pharmaceutical systems division (including syringes and drug delivery systems) and diagnostic equipment: maintaining high demand for Becton Dickinson's products, along with the company’s ability to sustain profit margins in the face of cost inflation, will serve as indicators of resilience in the medical technology sector. If the report exceeds expectations for profit and sales, BDX shares and the entire healthcare sector may gain upward momentum, whereas weak results or cautious forecasts could lead to a correction, signaling potential budget cuts in hospitals and laboratories.
- Apollo Global Management (APO). One of the leading alternative investment firms globally (managing assets in private equity, credit, and real estate) will report before the market opens. Apollo's financial results for Q4 2025 will demonstrate how market volatility and rising interest rates have impacted its revenue from fees and investments. Focus will be on the inflow of funds into new funds and profitability indicators in the credit product segment: successful capital raising and growth in fee income will indicate investor confidence in private equity even amid tightening financial conditions, whereas lower portfolio asset valuations or fund outflows may signal increasing caution among institutional clients. The Apollo report will also serve as a barometer for the entire alternative investment sector: positive surprises will enhance confidence in its resilience, while negative results will heighten concerns about asset overvaluation and credit risks.
- Other Releases Before Market Open. Other companies reporting early on Monday include On Semiconductor (ON) and Loews Corporation (L). On Semiconductor, a chip manufacturer focusing on automotive electronics and industrial IoT, will provide data for the final quarter of 2025. Investors will assess whether high demand from the automotive sector and equipment manufacturers remains, and how the gradual recovery of semiconductor supply chains has impacted the business. Strong revenue growth from ON and optimistic forecasts on demand could support positive sentiment within the technology sector, while signs of order deceleration or margin pressure resulting from price competition may prompt sell-offs in chip manufacturers’ stocks. Meanwhile, Loews Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with interests in insurance, hospitality, and energy, will also report before the market session. In its report, investors will review the performance of its key subsidiary, CNA Financial (insurance), and its pipeline segment: an increase in insurance payouts due to natural disasters or decreased profits from energy projects could alarm the market. Overall, these early reports from major companies will set the tone for the day: if they indicate resilient profits and a confident management tone, U.S. indices may start the week with gains; conversely, disappointments could increase caution and the inclination toward profit-taking.
Corporate Reporting: After Market Close (AMC, USA)
- Releases After Regular Session. On Monday, following the market close, several mid-cap issuers will report their results. Among them are financial companies in the insurance sector (such as Cincinnati Financial) and second-tier technology firms. While these reports are unlikely to significantly affect the broader market, they will complement the overall picture of the earnings season. Specific trends emerging from these niche reports may attract special attention: for example, an increase in insurance payouts and a decrease in investment income for insurers may indicate the impact of natural risks and market volatility, while results from smaller technology companies will show whether they can maintain revenue and client growth amidst tightening competition and costs. Investors will use this information to refine their expectations before more significant reports are released mid-week.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): For European markets, Sunday is traditionally a calm day, and no major corporate results are due for release today. The main annual earnings season in Europe will begin later in February, so at the start of the week, Eurozone investors’ attention shifts to external factors and overall macro statistics. Key focuses will be the outcomes of the elections in Japan (important for sentiment in the global market and for European exporters connected to Asia), news from the U.S. regarding the budget situation, and signals from China. Regional economic indicators will be released later in the week: data on industrial production in Germany and trade in China are expected in the coming days, providing additional guidance. Earlier published preliminary inflation figures in the Eurozone for January confirmed a trend toward deceleration in price growth (annual CPI fell to approximately ~2.5%), bringing inflation closer to the ECB's target and strengthening expectations for a pause in rate hikes. The euro is hovering around the $1.10 mark, and yields on EU government bonds have stabilized — markets have priced in that the European central bank will pause following a series of rate increases. The absence of domestic corporate drivers means that European stock indices are likely to mainly follow global trends set by weekend news and the dynamics of futures on U.S. indices. Local news (for example, political events in specific EU countries or fluctuations in energy prices) may cause deviations, but without new data and reports, significant movements are not expected.
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese stock market enters the new week awaiting the results of today’s elections, with no significant new corporate reports scheduled for Sunday. Most leading Japanese corporations have already released their financial results for the first half of 2025, and the main wave of reports for Q3 2025 financial year (October–December) will occur in the first half of February — a number of tech giants will present their results from February 5 to February 12. The macroeconomic backdrop in Japan remains relatively stable: inflation in Tokyo holds around 2.4% year-on-year, slightly above the Bank of Japan's target, but still allows the regulator to maintain an ultra-loose monetary policy. Interest rates remain near zero levels, and the central bank continues its yield curve control (YCC) policy, keeping long-term rates low. This contributes to the yen's weakness — the Japanese currency hovers around ¥158 per U.S. dollar, which is beneficial for exporters and has kept the Nikkei 225 index at high levels for the past several months. In the absence of domestic news today, the further trajectory of the Nikkei will depend on external factors and the election results. The morning opening of the market on Monday is likely to react to the voting outcome: a positive, predictable result (such as a decisive victory for the incumbent government) could drive the Nikkei higher on relief, while political uncertainty from an unexpected outcome may lead to corrections and increased demand for safe-haven assets. Overall, Japanese investors will look for signals from Wall Street (Friday's close in the U.S. was mixed) and news from China — any positive surprises (such as strong data from PMI or incentives from Chinese authorities) may improve sentiment in Tokyo's trading.
- MOEX (Russia): The Russian MOEX index (IMOEX) concluded the first week of February near local maxima, consolidating around the 3300 points level due to favorable conditions in commodity markets and relative calm in external politics. On February 8, no major corporate events are scheduled in Russia: the season for publishing annual financial results for 2025 will begin for most issuers only at the end of February and March. Consequently, today and Monday, market participants will primarily be guided by external signals. The key external factors are political news and commodity prices. The price of Brent crude remains around $65 per barrel after the recent OPEC+ meeting, which is favorable for shares of Russian oil and gas companies (such as Lukoil, Rosneft) and supports the revenue side of the federal budget. The Russian ruble shows relative stability: the exchange rate is maintained within the range of 88–90 rubles per U.S. dollar, supported by high export earnings and the absence of new sanction shocks. The recently concluded tax period in January removed some short-term support for the ruble, but the balance of power in the currency market remains in favor of exchange rate stability — exporters continue to sell foreign exchange earnings, compensating outflows of capital. In the Russian bond market, yields on 10-year government bonds hover around 10.5–11%, reflecting expectations that the Bank of Russia will refrain from changing the key rate (currently at 15% per annum) at the upcoming meeting on February 13. The slowdown in inflation in the country (price growth in January estimated to be below 0.5% month-on-month) and a strong ruble create conditions for a more dovish rhetoric from the regulator. Thus, in a neutral external context, Russian indices are likely to follow global trends today. Individual corporate stories (operational reports from specific companies or statements from top managers) may cause only point fluctuations without setting broad dynamics. The main task for domestic investors now is to keep focus on external factors (the outcomes of the elections in Japan, U.S. budget decisions, macroeconomic data from China) and assess their potential impact on the Russian market before the new trading week begins.
Day Summary: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- Japanese Elections and Market Reaction. The main event of the weekend is the Japanese elections, and their outcome will become one of the first reference points for Asian markets on Monday. Investors need to quickly assess the results: if the ruling coalition confidently retains power and no political surprises occur, this will lower the level of global uncertainty and support demand for risk assets at the beginning of the week. A moderate rally in the Japanese market and a positive response in other Asian platforms may occur, while safe-haven assets (gold, yen) will likely remain stable. However, in the event of an unexpected outcome (such as loss of the majority or complex coalition negotiations), short-term volatility may increase: a strengthening yen, corrections in the stocks of Japanese exporters, and cautious dynamics in equity markets globally may follow. In the first hours after the elections, it is crucial to closely monitor the yen's exchange rate and Nikkei 225 index futures — these will be the first to reflect investor sentiment regarding political news.
- Budget Crisis in the U.S. and Data. The funding situation for the U.S. government remains at risk: while significant portions of the departments may have resumed operations after the brief shutdown, any delays in publishing economic indicators complicate life for market participants. Investors should keep track of news from Washington regarding potential agreements on the budget — achieving such agreements would alleviate nervousness and allow the market to receive the missing data (including the employment report). Until then, the scenario of uncertainty persists: the absence of fresh statistics increases reliance on corporate reports and Federal Reserve announcements. **Attention**: if withheld figures (for example, Nonfarm Payrolls) are suddenly published in the coming days, the market's reaction may be sharp, as investors have long been deprived of this information. Strong employment data amidst a hiatus in statistics could revive discussions about further tightening by the Fed, whereas weak data could strengthen hopes for a more dovish stance from the regulator. The correct strategy is to be prepared for both scenarios, keeping key support/resistance levels for major indices in mind, and swiftly adapting the portfolio to new information as necessary.
- Corporate Reports Set the Tone. The start of the new week continues the quarterly earnings season, and on Monday, investors will receive a batch of corporate results both before the opening and after the market closes. Reaction to the morning reports (Becton Dickinson, Apollo, etc.) will reflect sentiment in various sectors — from healthcare to high finance — and could set the overall tone for the session. If companies report profits above expectations and provide confident forecasts for 2026, the market will interpret this as a sign of economic resilience, supporting further growth in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. For instance, unexpectedly strong indicators from a chip manufacturer could confirm ongoing demand in the industry, boosting stocks in the technology sector. Conversely, disappointments in reports (missed profit expectations, margin reductions, or cautious management commentary on future sales) may spur profit-taking among investors after recent stock price increases. The market will respond particularly sensitively to forecasts: any mention of declining demand, cost pressures, or economic uncertainty could elevate caution. With significant reports from giants (such as Coca-Cola, Ford, Cisco, and large European banks) on the horizon this week, Monday's results will merely serve as early indicators. Investors need to "read" these early signals and adjust their exposure accordingly: increasing allocations to sectors that demonstrate unexpected resilience and cutting positions where signs of weakness emerge.
- Macroeconomic Benchmarks for the Week. After a relatively quiet weekend, focus will shift to the upcoming economic data in the coming days. The first half of February is rich in statistics, and although part of it has been delayed, markets will prepare for key indicators. In the latter half of the week, fresh inflation data is expected — including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the U.S. for January (if the publication proceeds as planned). In addition, figures on retail sales and industrial production in major economies (U.S., China, UK) will be released, along with decisions from several central banks in emerging countries. Investors should pay special attention to whether the new figures confirm the "soft landing" scenario for the global economy. If inflation continues to decelerate toward target levels while activity indicators remain positive, this will provide a favorable backdrop for risk assets: expectations for a long pause (or even the beginning of rate cuts by the end of the year) will strengthen. However, unexpected inflation growth or indications of sharp cooling in the economy (such as disappointing job or consumption figures) could quickly increase volatility. In the event of adverse surprises, capital rotation into safe instruments — reliable bonds, gold, yen, and franc — is likely, while cyclical stocks and high-risk assets may face sell-offs. With a Bank of Russia meeting scheduled (February 13) and a series of geopolitical events on the horizon, it is recommended to prepare a plan of action for any developments in the macro sphere.
- Strategy for Investors from the CIS. The calm Sunday serves as a suitable moment to assess investments before a series of significant events. Investors from CIS countries would do well to review their portfolio balance: ensuring that risky and safe assets are appropriately weighted amidst current volatility. The start of a new month is a time when global funds often redistribute capital, which may lead to additional inflows or outflows in local markets (including the Moscow Exchange). Given the ongoing uncertainties (geopolitics, macro statistics, corporate reports), it is beneficial to establish clear stop-loss and take-profit levels for the most volatile positions. It's crucial to have a comprehensive plan in place for unexpected news: whether it involves breakthroughs in negotiations (for example, regarding Ukraine) or, conversely, the escalation of conflict; the imposition of new sanctions; unforeseen inflation spikes; or abrupt central bank decisions. Having a scenario for each of these contingencies will help preserve capital and even capitalize on emerging opportunities. As we enter a new trading week, investors from the CIS should be ready to respond promptly to external signals while avoiding emotional decisions — a thoughtful, disciplined approach remains the best defense and guarantee of success in the markets.
