Comprehensive Review of Economic Events and Corporate Reports for January 8, 2026. Industrial Orders in Germany, Eurozone Producer Price Index (PPI), Consumer Confidence Indicators, Weekly Jobless Claims in the U.S., Trade Balance, and Gas Storage Data, as well as Reports from Major Public Companies in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Thursday presents a moderately busy agenda for global markets. In Europe, the focus is on industrial statistics and pricing: fresh data on factory orders in Germany and the PPI for the Eurozone will indicate the state of the regional economy and the dynamics of inflationary pressure, which are crucial for the outlook of the ECB's policy. In the U.S., attention is centered on labor market conditions and the trade balance: weekly jobless claims remain a key indicator of economic resilience, while the trade balance report is also being released. Investors will evaluate consumer inflation expectations from the New York Fed, looking for confirmations of inflation stabilizing at moderate levels. The energy sector is monitoring the EIA report on natural gas storage amid the winter season. On the corporate side, the first reports of the year will emerge: several American companies from the consumer goods and technology segments will present quarterly results, while key retailers in Europe will report on Christmas sales. It is important for investors to consider these discrete signals in aggregate to adjust their expectations regarding interest rates, currency valuations, and sentiments in risk assets.
Macroeconomic Calendar (Moscow Time)
- 10:00 — Germany: industrial orders (November).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: producer price index (PPI) (November).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: consumer confidence index (December).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: consumer inflation expectations (December).
- 16:30 — U.S.: initial jobless claims (weekly).
- 16:30 — U.S.: trade balance (October).
- 18:30 — U.S.: natural gas inventories (EIA) (weekly).
- 19:00 — U.S.: consumer inflation expectations (NY Fed, 1-year) (December).
Europe: Orders in Germany, Producer Prices, and Consumer Confidence
- Germany (Factory Orders): The figure for new industrial orders for November will show whether the momentum for recovery is maintained in Europe's leading economy. The previous month saw an increase in orders, partly due to large contracts, which supported hopes for stabilization in the industry. Weak November data could confirm a persistent weak demand for goods and reinforce expectations for stimulus, while an unexpected rise in orders would be a positive signal for the German economy and the entire EU.
- Eurozone (PPI): The producer price index for November is likely to indicate a continued trend of weakening price pressure at the input of the production cycle. A slowdown or decline in the PPI year-on-year reflects a decrease in energy and raw material costs compared to last year, easing the burden on businesses. For the ECB, PPI dynamics serve as a leading indicator of future consumer inflation: persistently low PPI will enhance confidence that inflation will decrease and strengthen arguments for a sustained pause in rate hikes.
- Consumer Confidence and Expectations: Simultaneously published indices of household sentiment in the Eurozone will provide insights into how Europeans are concluding the year. It is expected that the consumer confidence index for December will remain in negative territory but show a moderate improvement amid slowing inflation and rising wages. A crucial component will be the measure of inflation expectations among the population: if expectations for the year ahead decrease or remain around recent levels, it will confirm that the ECB's efforts to instill trust in price stability are working. Improvement in consumer sentiment could support the prospects for the retail and services sectors in the EU, while pessimism may restrain the recovery of domestic demand.
U.S.: Labor Market, Trade Balance, and Inflation Expectations
- Jobless Claims: Weekly initial jobless claims in the U.S. are traditionally viewed as a rapid barometer of the labor market. In recent weeks, the number of claims has remained at historically low levels (~200,000), signaling that companies are inclined to retain employees despite high Fed interest rates. If the upcoming report for the first week of January shows fewer than 220,000 claims again, it will confirm the resilience of the labor market and may strengthen hawkish sentiment – a strong labor market allows the Fed to maintain a tight policy for a longer period. Conversely, an increase in claims above expectations would be the first sign of hiring weakness and could bolster discussions about an approaching pivot in monetary policy.
- U.S. Trade Balance: The published data on external trade for October will reveal the size of the trade balance deficit at the beginning of Q4. In September, the U.S. trade deficit decreased to ~$53 billion due to increasing energy exports and a reduction in imports. However, in October, analysts do not rule out a renewed widening of the deficit amid invigorated domestic demand and rising oil prices, which could increase the cost of imported fuel. A significant deviation of the actual deficit from forecasts could impact the dollar exchange rate and estimates of external trade's contribution to U.S. GDP for the quarter. Investors will also pay attention to export trends: weakening global demand for U.S. goods or a stronger dollar could affect the revenues of industrial corporations.
- Inflation Expectations (NY Fed): The New York Fed's report on consumer expectations will become an important addition to the inflation picture. In November, the median expected inflation for the year ahead was about 3.2%, significantly down from a year ago, but still above the target of 2%. The December survey will reveal how confident American households are in the slowdown of price growth: further decreases in expectations (e.g., to ~3.0%) would be a reassuring signal for the Fed, demonstrating strengthened confidence in long-term price stability. Conversely, if inflation expectations remain stubbornly above 3% or, worse, begin to rise, this could alarm markets as it may compel the Fed to maintain high rates for a longer duration. Consumer expectation dynamics directly influence bond yields and, through them, the valuation of high-tech stocks sensitive to changes in the discount rate.
Energy Markets: EIA Report on Gas Storage
- Natural Gas Inventories (EIA): The traditional weekly summary from the U.S. Department of Energy on gas storages takes on special significance amid the winter season. Previous reports indicated that gas reserves in the U.S. remain somewhat above the historical average due to a mild start to winter and record production. The new release will reflect the amount of gas withdrawn from storage over the last week of December: moderate rates of inventory reduction due to warm weather may continue to pressure natural gas prices, while an unexpected increase in consumption (e.g., due to cold weather) could reverse prices upwards. Traders in Europe are also monitoring this data, given the global integration of gas markets via LNG: stable stocks in the U.S. indirectly indicate the reliability of liquefied gas export supplies, which is crucial for European countries experiencing winter. Ultimately, the balance of supply and demand in the gas market on both sides of the Atlantic will influence the stocks of energy companies and the currencies of energy-exporting countries.
Corporate Reporting: Before Market Open (BMO, U.S. and Asia)
- Helen of Troy (HELE): The consumer goods manufacturer (brands OXO, Braun, Vicks, etc.) will announce its results for Q3 of the 2026 financial year before market open. Investors will focus on sales dynamics in the household goods and health products segments amid the holiday season, as well as the recovery of profitability. The company has faced increased costs and supply chain issues in the past, so the market will be looking for signs of improvement in profitability and updated forecasts from management for the year.
- Neogen Corporation (NEOG): The biotech company specializing in food safety testing and veterinary diagnostics will report ahead of the market open. This will be the report for Q2 of the 2026 financial year, the first full quarter since the integration of recently acquired divisions. Investors will assess revenue growth, synergies from the merger with 3M's food safety business, and the state of operating margins. Any management commentary about demand from the agricultural sector and food producers will be crucial for forecasts of further growth.
- The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL): The manufacturer of healthy foods and snacks (brands Atkins, Quest) will present financial results for Q1 of the 2026 financial year. The holiday period traditionally supports demand for snacks, and analysts expect strong sales growth. A key question is the dynamics of margins: investors will be watching to see if the company has managed to keep ingredient and logistics costs under control to maintain profitability amid raw material inflation. The company's forecast for the remainder of the year regarding demand trends for protein bars and low-carb products will also influence perceptions of the healthy food sector's prospects.
- TD SYNNEX (SNX): One of the largest distributors of IT equipment and solutions will report for Q4 of the 2025 financial year (and the entire FY2025) before the market opens in New York. The results from TD SYNNEX will provide insights into the state of the global technology market and corporate IT spending at the end of the year. Focus areas include revenue volumes and orders for electronic devices, computer equipment, and software amid mixed demand: previously, some competitors reported weakened purchasing from small businesses, but robust demand for cloud solutions and corporate infrastructure upgrades may have supported sales. Investors will also analyze the company's forecasts for the next year and comments on the impact of macro factors (high rates, geopolitics) on the IT sector.
Corporate Reporting: After Market Close (AMC, U.S.)
- WD-40 Company (WDFC): The iconic manufacturer of lubricants and household chemicals will announce its results for Q1 of the 2026 financial year after the close of the U.S. market. Shareholders are interested in whether the company managed to increase sales volumes of its flagship WD-40 aerosol and related products in key markets (U.S., Europe, Asia) amid economic uncertainty. In the last quarter, WD-40 showed double-digit revenue growth in the Asian region, and the continuation of this trend would be a positive sign. Also in focus will be the gross margin, given the volatility of raw material and packaging prices: margin improvement will indicate pricing effectiveness and cost-reduction measures. The management's forecast for the remainder of the financial year regarding demand from industrial and consumer sectors will set the tone for the company's stock.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: On January 8, there are not many major corporate reporting publications from companies in the pan-European index; the tone of trading in Europe will be set by macroeconomic data (German orders, Eurozone price statistics) and the reaction of currency and commodity markets. Additionally, updates from the largest British retailers will be of interest to investors: on this day in London, Christmas sales reports will be presented by giants such as Marks & Spencer (MKS) and Tesco (TSCO). A successful holiday season in UK retail could support positive sentiment in the European consumer market, while weak results would heighten concerns about household spending cuts.
- Nikkei 225: In Japan, the corporate calendar on January 8 is not rich in events, with the main reporting season starting later in January. Trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange will primarily focus on external signals – the dynamics of Wall Street from the previous day, fluctuations in the yen exchange rate, and investor sentiment regarding the technology sector. The absence of domestic drivers means that the Nikkei 225 index will likely move in line with global trends in risk appetite. Asian markets, in general, will continue to monitor the prospects of U.S. and Chinese monetary policy, which dictate capital flow into the region.
- MOEX: The Russian market on this Thursday continues to experience low activity due to the New Year holidays (official public holidays in Russia have been extended until January 8 inclusive). No significant corporate reporting is scheduled on the Moscow Exchange, so trading sentiments will be shaped by external factors – prices for oil and gas, trends in global stock indices, and currency rates in the forex market. Investors in the Russian market will focus on how global data and corporate reports could influence risk appetite and will prepare for an increase in trading activity next week when the holidays conclude.
End of Day: Key Focus Areas for Investors
- 1) European Indicators: Morning data from Germany and the Eurozone will set the tone for the session in the EU. Strong industrial orders from German firms and low PPI could support the euro and stocks in the industrial sector, reinforcing hopes for a soft landing for the economy. However, weak statistics are likely to heighten expectations for stimulus policy, potentially weakening the euro and increasing interest in exporters on the exchange.
- 2) Signals from the U.S.: The block of daily publications in the U.S. (labor market, trade balance, inflation expectations) will serve as a key driver for dollar-denominated assets in the latter half of the day. Special attention will be paid to jobless claim numbers: new confirmation of labor market strength could trigger a rise in Treasury yields and put pressure on tech stocks. However, if the data indicates economic cooling (increase in unemployment, rising trade deficit, heightened inflation expectations), investors may shift into a cautious mode, favoring bonds and defensive sectors.
- 3) Corporate Reports and Forecasts: The first releases of company results for 2026 will provide localized ideas for individual stock movements. Reports from Helen of Troy and other consumer companies will clarify the state of consumer demand in key markets, while results from TD SYNNEX will illustrate trends in corporate IT spending. In Europe, reports from retail chains (M&S, Tesco) will serve as indicators of consumer behavior during the holiday period. Successful corporate releases may enhance investor sentiment in their respective sectors, while disappointments could limit stock index growth.
- 4) Energy Factor: Data on gas storage in the U.S. and any changes in energy prices will remain in focus, especially for investors in European and Russian markets. A decrease in gas or oil prices due to a mild winter and high inventories could support the transportation and chemical industries but might pressure the stocks of oil and gas companies. Conversely, a sudden jump in energy prices would immediately reflect on inflation expectations and the profitability of energy-intensive businesses. Therefore, investors should consider the energy markets when balancing their portfolios on this day.
