Analytical Review of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Friday, December 12, 2025. Major Macroeconomic Publications, Reports of Major Companies from the USA, Europe, and Asia, Market Impact for CIS Investors.
Friday concludes a busy week for the markets amidst decisions from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. In Asia, there are no new significant publications, as investors assess global signals following the central banks' announcements. In Europe, the focus turns to economic indicators from the United Kingdom – fresh data on GDP and industrial production. In the USA, the key benchmark for the day will be the consumer confidence index from the University of Michigan, which provides insights into household sentiment ahead of the holiday season. On the corporate side, several reports from major public companies are on the agenda, including a trading update from US broker Charles Schwab, financial results from Swedish IT company Sectra, and Japanese retailer Kobe Bussan. It is crucial for investors to evaluate all data and reports collectively: the Fed/ECB policy ↔ bond yields ↔ currency rates ↔ commodity prices ↔ risk appetite.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 10:00 — United Kingdom: Monthly GDP growth rates for October.
- 10:00 — United Kingdom: Industrial production for October.
- 18:00 — USA: Consumer confidence index (preliminary, December) from the University of Michigan.
Europe: UK GDP and Industry
- The United Kingdom: today's reports on Monthly GDP and industrial production will illustrate the state of the economy approaching the year-end. Stagnation or a decline in activity could heighten expectations for a more accommodative Bank of England policy and put pressure on the pound, while unexpected growth might bolster investor confidence. British data sets the tone for European markets, which are particularly sensitive to consumption and export prospects.
USA: Consumer Confidence in Focus
- The USA: the preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan for December serves as an important barometer of domestic demand. An improvement in sentiment indicates households' willingness to spend during the holiday period, which bodes well for retail and the economy. However, a weak index would raise concerns about economic slowdown and inflation expectations, impacting the Fed’s decisions and dollar dynamics. The market closely monitors this leading indicator to assess the outlook for the consumer sector.
Corporate Reports: Before Market Open (BMO, USA, Europe, Asia)
- Charles Schwab (SCHW) — one of the largest US brokers will release its monthly operational metrics for November. Investors will focus on client trading activity, net inflows/outflows in brokerage accounts, and interest income on client balances. Strong metrics would indicate high retail investor engagement and stable commission income, while weak data could prompt a reassessment across the brokerage sector.
- Sectra AB (SECT B) — the Swedish IT solutions developer for healthcare will report for the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. The market will evaluate revenue growth from healthcare software and cybersecurity, as well as the profitability of the business. Sectra's results will provide signals about demand for medical IT services in Europe; positive dynamics could support sentiment in the region's tech sector.
- Kobe Bussan (3038.T) — the Japanese retailer and operator of the Gyomu Super discount store chain will publish its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Investors await data on domestic consumer demand in Japan: sales growth will indicate the resilience of household spending despite inflation, while business margins will reflect the company's ability to offset rising costs. Kobe Bussan's report has the potential to impact the retail sector in the Tokyo market.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: no major blue-chip earnings reports are expected on December 12 among the index components. Macroeconomic factors, particularly reactions to the latest UK data and overall analysis of the ECB's decisions, will play a leading role for European equities. The dynamics of the euro exchange rate and bond yields following the ECB meeting will continue to dictate sectoral sentiment on European exchanges.
- Nikkei 225: the Japanese market primarily looks towards external signals as no significant local releases are expected today. Following the steady course of the Bank of Japan, investor attention shifts to the external environment – outcomes from the US Federal Reserve meeting and sentiment in the tech sector. Fluctuations in the yen's exchange rate against the dollar remain a crucial driver for export-oriented companies within the Nikkei 225.
- MOEX: no major corporate reports are expected on December 12 in the Russian stock market; therefore, external conditions and commodity prices shape investor sentiment. Fluctuations in oil prices following recent OPEC+ data and the dynamics of the ruble will impact shares of energy companies and exporters. The general risk appetite on global markets is in focus: a positive external environment could support the MOEX index, while escalating geopolitical risks or capital outflows may exert pressure.
End of Day: Key Considerations for Investors
- 1) Post-Effect of Central Bank Decisions: markets are evaluating the outcomes of the Fed and ECB meetings, reflected in movements in government bond yields and currency exchange rates. Investors should monitor how these changes affect sentiment in equities, particularly in the financial and tech sectors of the S&P 500 index.
- 2) Macroeconomic Data from the UK and USA: today’s figures on GDP/industrial production from the UK and the confidence index from the USA serve as indicators of the economic states. Unexpected deviations may lead to volatility: strong data will support risk assets, while weak results will heighten caution in the markets.
- 3) Charles Schwab Report: metrics from the major broker regarding client activity and assets will signal private investors' sentiment. Improved metrics may bolster confidence in continued investment flows into equity markets, while signs of slowing activity could lead to portfolio reassessments and risk rebalancing.
