Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Sunday, October 12, 2025. Preparing Investors for U.S. Inflation Data and the Start of Earnings Season for Major Global Companies.
Today is Sunday, October 12, 2025, and global markets are relatively quiet. Most exchanges are closed, but investors are taking advantage of this pause to assess the outcomes of the past week and prepare for upcoming events. The focus is on the publication of key macroeconomic indicators (particularly U.S. inflation) and the start of a new earnings season that could set the market direction for the foreseeable future.
Global Markets and General Sentiment
The end of last week saw a rise in major stock indices. The U.S. S&P 500 has approached record levels due to demand for technology shares and a slight decline in bond yields. The European Euro Stoxx 50 also remains near its highs, supported by solid corporate results and hopes for a more accommodative ECB policy. Simultaneously, gold prices have reached a historical record, exceeding $4,000 per ounce, as some investors prefer safe-haven assets amid ongoing uncertainties. Brent crude oil is consolidating around recent highs: OPEC+ production cuts are supporting prices, although concerns about demand are limiting further rallies. Overall, the sentiment in global markets can be described as cautiously optimistic.
Macroeconomic Events: The Calm Before Significant Data
The economic calendar for Sunday is devoid of major statistical publications. However, starting Monday, the situation will pick up. On Tuesday, October 14, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September is expected to be released – a key indicator that could affect expectations for the Fed's interest rate and spark increased volatility. Concurrently, the ongoing budget shutdown in the U.S. could delay the publication of some data, so the market is monitoring news regarding the resumption of government work. Besides the U.S., a series of important data is set to be released globally: China will publish export and import figures, followed by its own CPI index, which investors will use to gauge the recovery pace of the world's second-largest economy. On Monday, the monthly OPEC report is also anticipated, containing forecasts for oil production and demand, which is crucial for the oil market. In Europe, the beginning of the week is relatively tranquil; among the notable indicators is the ZEW Economic Sentiment Index for Germany on Tuesday. It's also essential to consider the weekend factor: Japan will observe a national holiday on October 13 (the Tokyo Stock Exchange will be closed), while Columbus Day in the U.S. will limit activity in the American market.
U.S.: The Start of Earnings Season
The U.S. stock market is entering the earnings season for the third quarter of 2025. There are no major publications on Sunday, but starting Monday, leading companies will begin reporting their results. Traditionally, the first reports come from banks: major financial giants like JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are set to disclose their earnings over the next few days, which will set the market tone. Investors are eager to see how high interest rates have impacted credit activity and bank profits and will be looking for signals regarding the economy's health in management’s commentary. In addition to banks, some companies from the consumer sector (for instance, major retailer Albertsons Companies) will report early in the week, showcasing the level of domestic demand in the U.S. Individual American corporations have already shared some results: for instance, PepsiCo reported revenue growth and announced an increase in dividends last week, while carrier Delta Air Lines reaffirmed its profit forecast, noting strong demand for premium services. Strong reports from such companies instill optimism among investors ahead of the mass release of new results.
Europe: Corporate News and Expectations
In Europe, October 12 is a public holiday, and no new corporate reports are being released. Meanwhile, the market is preparing for the start of the European earnings season. Last week, a negative signal came from French luxury conglomerate LVMH, which reported a decline in sales due to weak demand in China, putting pressure on the entire luxury goods sector. In the coming days, focus will shift to European banks and industry, as investors await reports from several major financial institutions and industrial conglomerates. Given the impact of high-interest rates and energy costs, profit forecasts for European companies are subdued. This means that any results exceeding expectations could support stock price growth, while disappointments could intensify corrections. Overall, European investors are adopting a cautious stance and will be seeking signs of business resilience amid challenging conditions in the reports.
Asia: Reports and Regional Events
The Asia-Pacific region is returning to active work following a holiday pause. Corporate news from India is in focus. On October 13, one of India’s leading IT companies, HCL Technologies, will kick off the earnings season, followed by results from other tech giants like Infosys and Wipro over the week. Additionally, by the end of the week, financial results from India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, are expected, providing insights into trends in the energy and telecom sectors. The Japanese market will be closed on Monday (national holiday), so the main reaction to external news will manifest on Tuesday. The Nikkei 225 index approached the weekend at multi-decade highs, reflecting the strong positions of exporters amid a weak yen. In China, after celebrating the Golden Week, exchanges have reopened, and market participants are hopeful for signs of a revival in domestic demand and are waiting for statistics confirming the stabilization of the Chinese economy.
Russian Market: Internal Situation and Expectations
The Russian stock market is closed on Sunday. By the end of last week, the Moscow Exchange index held steady around the 2600 points mark: early October optimism (driven by stable oil prices and a strengthening ruble) saw a slight decline at the end of the week due to profit-taking. The ruble has stabilized after its summer decline and has even regained some ground – it now fluctuates around 94 ₽ per dollar, supported by exports and measures from the Central Bank. Major Russian companies are not yet releasing reports (third-quarter results will come closer to the end of October), so investors are focusing on other signals. For instance, on October 13, shares of Polyus and Gazprom Neft will start trading without dividends, which may impact their prices. Furthermore, rising domestic inflation and budget deficits heighten expectations that the Central Bank of Russia will continue its tight monetary policy. Overall, the situation in the Russian market will largely depend on external factors (oil price fluctuations, geopolitics) and on how favorable the upcoming corporate reports are at the month’s end.
What Investors Should Pay Attention To
This calm Sunday presents an excellent opportunity to analyze positions and prepare for the new week. Key factors to monitor in the coming days include:
- Inflation Data. On Tuesday, October 14, the U.S. CPI for September will be released. Any deviation from the forecast could alter expectations for the Fed's rate decisions and trigger a spike in volatility. Additionally, inflation figures from China and other major economies will be published throughout the week.
- Corporate Earnings. The start of quarterly reports from major companies (U.S. banks, Indian IT firms, European manufacturers) will set the market tone. Strong results will support stock price appreciation, while weak reports could prompt sell-offs in specific sectors.
- Central Bank Policies. Any statements from representatives of the U.S. Fed, ECB, or actions by the Central Bank of Russia will be closely scrutinized by investors. Signals regarding future monetary policy directions can significantly influence currency rates and market sentiment. Moreover, ending the shutdown in the U.S. would eliminate uncertainty and restore statistical publication.
- Commodity Markets. The dynamics of oil and gold prices remain indicators of market sentiment. The OPEC report and news about potential changes to OPEC+ agreements could affect oil quotes and the stocks of commodity companies. Rising gold prices signify demand for safe-haven assets amid increasing global risks.
- Geopolitical Risks. Unexpected political events (escalations in conflicts, trade disputes) could adjust risk appetites at any moment. Given elevated asset valuations and the nearing year's end, investors should maintain caution and diversification.
In conclusion, the current day of market silence should be used productively – to evaluate investment strategies and ensure that your portfolio is prepared for potential market fluctuations. The new week brings numerous signals, and careful monitoring of key events will help investors respond timely to changes and make informed decisions.
