Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports on Sunday, January 18, 2026. China's GDP, Asian Macroeconomic Statistics, and Global Sentiment for Investors in International Markets.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, global financial markets are expected to experience a relatively calm day. Major exchanges in the U.S. and Europe are closed for the weekend (additionally, the U.S. is observing a long weekend in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day), thus no new macroeconomic statistics or corporate reports from these regions are scheduled for release. However, the spotlight remains on important publications from Asia and a series of reports from large companies in emerging markets that could provide insights into industry conditions and set the tone for trading sessions at the week’s start. Investor sentiment in the CIS and around the world remains cautious: key global indices (S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and the Moscow Exchange index (MOEX)) ended the previous week without sharp changes, focusing instead on forthcoming signals for their strategies.
USA (S&P 500 Index)
- The American markets will remain closed on January 18, with no new economic releases or corporate reports from S&P 500 companies scheduled for this Sunday. Investors continue to digest data from the past week: the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) for December slowed down, confirming the trend of easing price pressures, and industrial production slightly exceeded forecasts, indicating some stabilization in the manufacturing sector. The lack of news on a weekend, along with the upcoming holiday, shifts focus toward events in the coming week — discussions will center around the prospects for the Federal Reserve's monetary policy after the recent rate cut cycle and the continuation of the corporate reporting season in the U.S.
Europe (Euro Stoxx 50 Index)
- The European region will also see no significant events on Sunday: markets are in a state of pause, and no financial reports from companies within the Euro Stoxx 50 will be released this day. European investors are using this quiet period to prepare for upcoming statistical reports early in the week. On Monday, the final inflation estimate for the Eurozone in December will be disclosed, which preliminary data suggests has decreased to just over 2% year-on-year — strengthening expectations that the European Central Bank will refrain from tightening policy at the next meeting. Additionally, the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 19-23) will commence on Monday, where global leaders and corporate heads will discuss global economic risks and prospects — statements from this forum may shape the informational backdrop for European markets in the upcoming week.
China: Q4 2025 GDP and December Statistics
- In China, key macroeconomic indicators are scheduled for release on Monday morning, which market participants will evaluate on Sunday. First, China's GDP growth for Q4 2025 will be published — a moderate increase of approximately +4.8% year-on-year is expected, comparable to the dynamics of the previous quarter. This indicator will show whether the world's second-largest economy has managed to maintain its expansion pace amid declining exports and limited stimulus. Concurrently, data on industrial production and retail sales for December will be released. According to forecasts, factory output in China continued to demonstrate solid growth (around +4-5% year-on-year), while consumer spending remains restrained (retail sales are expected to grow by only ~1% year-on-year). The results of Chinese statistics will set the tone for Asian markets and commodity prices: stronger figures may increase risk appetite and support oil and metal prices, while weak reports will heighten concerns over global economic slowdown.
Japan: Machinery Orders
- In Japan, statistics on machinery orders for November 2025 will be released on the night of January 19 (Monday). The previous month showed a significant decrease in this indicator (-4% month-on-month in October), reflecting business caution regarding capital expenditures. November's expected data may indicate a recovery in orders — preliminary estimates suggest a rise of around +7% month-on-month, signaling a return to investment by companies. Although Japanese markets are closed on Sunday, the release of this indicator just before the opening of trading in Tokyo could impact the Nikkei 225 index and the yen's exchange rate: improved statistics may strengthen investor confidence in the stability of Japan's economy and support demand for industrial sector stocks.
South Korea: Producer Price Index
- The Bank of Korea will present data on the Producer Price Index (PPI) for December. It is expected that manufacturing inflation in South Korea remained at a moderate level: estimated growth in the PPI for December is around +2% year-on-year, only marginally accelerating from 1.7% in November. Moderate growth rates in producer prices indicate subdued price pressures in supply chains and may signal stabilization of inflationary trends in the region. Although the South Korean PPI itself rarely has a noticeable impact on global markets, its dynamics are of interest as a leading indicator for consumer inflation and the state of the industrial sector in one of Asia's largest economies.
India: Major Quarterly Corporate Reports
- In India, the active corporate reporting season continues, with several large public companies releasing financial results for October-December 2025 (the third quarter of fiscal year 2026). Among these are Hindustan Zinc (mining sector), Punjab National Bank (one of the largest state-owned banks), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (engineering and power equipment), and Havells India (consumer electronics). Investors are carefully analyzing these reports to assess the state of key sectors of the Indian economy: for instance, PNB's results will indicate trends in lending and asset quality within the banking system, while Hindustan Zinc's figures will reflect the impact of metal prices on the profits of resource companies. The local market's reaction (BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 indices) to these reports will manifest on Monday, setting the tone for other emerging markets.
The Middle East and Other Markets: Reports from Qatar Islamic Bank, Almarai, Nanya, and Virbac
- Among other notable corporate events on Sunday are the publication of results from Qatar Islamic Bank (the largest Islamic bank in Qatar) and the Saudi company Almarai (a leading dairy producer in the region) for Q4 2025. These reports will reveal the state of the Gulf financial sector and consumer demand in the Middle East amid stable oil prices. In Asia, quarterly results from Taiwan’s Nanya Technology, a major memory chip manufacturer, will serve as an indicator for the technology sector — investors are anticipated to look for signals of demand recovery for semiconductors after a downturn. In Europe, it's worth noting the report from the French pharmaceutical company Virbac, which will disclose revenue data for the fourth quarter. Although Virbac's report has a localized impact, the cumulation of corporate news from different regions provides a broader view of the state of global business at the start of the year.
Russia (MOEX Index)
- For the Russian market, January 18 is a holiday: trading on the Moscow Exchange is not conducted, and financial reporting from major companies (listed in the MOEX index) is not published on this date. However, it remains crucial for Russian investors to monitor the external environment shaping up on Sunday. Primarily, the results of Chinese statistics and corporate news from Asia will serve as benchmarks: a strengthening Chinese economy can support oil and metal prices, which is positive for the stocks of resource companies and the ruble. Oil prices remain around $62-64 per barrel for Brent, and their relative stability over the weekend provides the Russian market with a breather. Nevertheless, any unexpected statements at the global level or changes in the geopolitical landscape could affect investor sentiment by the time trading opens in Moscow on Monday.
Overall, the current Sunday is sparse in events; however, individual Asian releases and reports create an important informational backdrop for global investors. Special attention is recommended for the publication of China's GDP — its results will help assess the growth trajectory of the world's second-largest economy and sentiment in commodity markets. Additionally, the initiation of the World Economic Forum will come into focus: starting tomorrow, statements from global leaders in Davos can set the tone for regional markets. Any unexpectedly strong (or weak) data may adjust expectations regarding further actions of central banks and influence risk appetite. As the new week begins, a combination of macroeconomic indicators and corporate reports will dictate the dynamics of key indices and investor sentiment from the CIS and around the world.
