Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Monday, December 29, 2025. A Macroeconomic Overview and Global Stock Markets in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia for Investors.
The last trading week of December begins in a calm manner. Most major exchanges around the world resume operations after the holiday weekend, but there are currently no new catalysts for the markets. Investors are particularly focused on the U.S. housing market data: at 17:00 MSK on December 29, the National Association of Realtors will release the Pending Home Sales report for November. The corporate sector is largely quiet; the quarterly earnings reporting period had concluded earlier, and no companies listed on the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, or Moscow Exchange will announce results on Monday. Overall, global markets are preparing for a quiet week before the New Year: low liquidity limits volatility, and participants are using this pause to reflect on the year and plan new strategies.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 08:30 — U.S.: Durable Goods Orders (November), final GDP assessment for Q3, and corporate profits.
- 09:15 — U.S.: Industrial Production for November.
- 10:00 — U.S.: Richmond Fed Business Activity Index (December), New Home Sales (November), and Consumer Sentiment (Michigan).
- 10:00 — U.S.: Preliminary Pending Home Sales expectations for November.
- 13:00 — U.S.: Weekly Baker Hughes report on active oil drilling rigs.
Corporate Earnings Reports
Monday does not promise significant surprises from companies. As reported by Kiplinger, "no notable earnings reports are scheduled for publication." The only exceptions may be local, small-cap issuers. For instance, Taiwanese tech company OBOOK Holdings (NASDAQ: OWLS) has postponed its semi-annual results release until the post-market call on December 29. In Russia and Europe, there are no significant releases either, as major corporations have completed their quarterly reports and will present them in January. Thus, the news flow from the corporate sector remains neutral and does not influence the overall market dynamics.
Global Markets
- U.S.: American exchanges begin the final shortened week of 2025. Following last week's results, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ remained practically unchanged—trading before the holidays was sluggish and devoid of new trends. On Monday, Wall Street is experiencing moderate trading activity without sharp price fluctuations.
- Europe: After the weekend, European markets (London, Frankfurt, Paris) open as usual. Eurozone exchanges were closed on Friday (Christmas), marking this as the first active day for most markets after a pause. Nevertheless, significant changes are not expected—the overall sentiment on the continent remains "muffled" due to the holidays.
- Asia: Trading continues in Japan and China. The Nikkei 225 begins the week influenced by stable yen, while the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges are also open. The overall Asian backdrop is supported by a "quiet breather"—important data from China will be released later (PMI on December 31), and currently, volatility is low.
- Russia and CIS: The Moscow Exchange will conduct a short trading session on December 29 (trading will close before 10:00 MSK). There are no significant releases, and local indices are currently moving within narrow ranges. The ruble remains stable, and volatility in the Russian market is diminished.
Currency and Commodities
A New Year "silence" has descended on the currency markets: the dollar remains near recent local extremes against major currencies (euro, yen) without any sharp movements. Oil and metal prices remain stable—trading is occurring amidst low liquidity, without major demand or supply drivers. Thus, currency and commodity fluctuations at the start of the week are limited, and no significant shocks are anticipated at this time.
What Investors Should Watch For
- Monitor forecasts for the last week of the year. Despite the lull, the "minutes" from the December Fed meeting will be released tomorrow evening (Publishing FOMC Minutes), which may alter expectations regarding interest rates. Additionally, Wednesday will see the release of December's PMI data from China—results could provide momentum to risk assets.
- Utilize this time for portfolio revision. The pre-New Year week presents a favorable opportunity to evaluate the year's outcomes, adjust asset allocations, and review strategies for the upcoming year while volatility is low. Investors from the CIS should particularly focus on diversification across regions and currencies.
- Be prepared for low liquidity. A thin market increases the likelihood of sharp price gaps even from minor news. Therefore, it is advisable to set limit orders, reduce risks on new positions as necessary, and avoid being overly aggressive in trading.
- Maintain a long-term perspective. The lack of movement is temporary. Once January arrives, a new earnings season will begin, and important macro data will emerge. The key is to avoid completely exiting the market and not to succumb to panic due to short-term tranquility.
