Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for the Week of February 2-8, 2026: Global PMI, Central Bank Decisions, U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls, and Earnings Reports from Major Companies in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia
The week of February 2-8, 2026 brings a packed agenda for the markets. Investors worldwide will be closely monitoring the continuation of the corporate earnings season (the reporting period for the fourth quarter of 2025 is coming to an end in the U.S., with around 75% of companies exceeding earnings per share (EPS) forecasts) while simultaneously evaluating important macroeconomic events. Key focus areas include central bank decisions (Bank of England, ECB), fresh data on PMI, inflation, and labor markets, along with geopolitical factors. A daily overview is provided below detailing expected events throughout the week and particular points of interest for Russian investors abroad.
Monday, February 2, 2026
- Macroeconomics: At the start of the week, indicators of business activity are crucial. Early in the morning, the China Caixin Manufacturing PMI will be released, setting the tone for Asian markets. In Europe, Germany will publish data on retail sales for December, offering insights into consumer demand in the Eurozone's leading economy. During the day, investors will look forward to a key report from the U.S. – the January ISM Manufacturing index reflecting U.S. industrial activity. Strong or weak PMI figures could influence sentiments regarding global growth at the beginning of the week.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Opening): The highlight of the day will be the quarterly report from Walt Disney Co. (S&P 500) for the first financial quarter of 2026, which will be released before the New York trading session begins. This is one of the most anticipated reports: investors will evaluate Disney's streaming business performance and theme park attendance following the holiday season. Additionally, several U.S. industrial and food companies will report before the market opens, but their market impact will likely be less significant compared to Disney.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): After the main U.S. trading session, results from several technology companies will be released. Specifically, quarterly results from Palantir Technologies (data analytics, S&P 500) and chip manufacturer NXP Semiconductors are expected. The market's reaction to their reports will help gauge investor appetite for the technology sector amid changing interest rates. Overall, Monday will set the tone for the week, demonstrating whether positive sentiment from previous reports persists.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Macroeconomics: Attention shifts to the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday. Early in the day, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will hold a monetary policy meeting concerning interest rates. This will be RBA's first decision of 2026, and investors will evaluate the regulator's rhetoric given the dynamics of the Australian economy and global commodity prices. Additionally, important data on New Zealand's labor market for Q4 2025 will be released at night, including employment figures and unemployment rates, signaling New Zealand's economic health and indirectly reflecting regional demand. In Europe, the ECB's bank lending survey is expected to be published, reflecting lending conditions in the Eurozone. Moreover, new car registration data in Europe may also be disclosed, providing insights into demand for automobile manufacturers. In the U.S., January Domestic Auto Sales figures will be released in the afternoon, a key indicator of consumer activity in the auto sector.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Opening): Tuesday boasts a wealth of reports from major companies, especially in the healthcare and consumer sectors. Before the U.S. markets open, two pharmaceutical giants from the S&P 500 – Pfizer and Merck & Co. – will present their results. Their quarterly reports will show how the pharmaceutical sector wrapped up 2025, including vaccine and drug sales, and provide forecasts for 2026. Additionally, PepsiCo will also report before trading begins – a leading player in the consumer sector, and its results for beverage and snack sales in Q4 will serve as an indicator of consumer demand. European companies will be less active on Tuesday: no significant reports from Euro Stoxx 50 companies are scheduled, so European investors will largely focus on macro statistics.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): After Tuesday's trading concludes, a series of important reports from technology and other companies in the U.S. will be released. The spotlight will be on Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a major microchip manufacturer whose results will provide insight into semiconductor demand and industry health. Reports from biotech giant Amgen, restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, and video game developer Electronic Arts are also anticipated. Additionally, one of the fintech industry leaders, PayPal Holdings, is expected to release results (either on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, depending on the schedule), which will be important for assessing trends in electronic payments. The market's reaction to reports on Tuesday evening will indicate whether the trend of exceeding profit expectations observed earlier (around 75% of companies have beaten forecasts) continues, or if investors become more selective.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Macroeconomics: Wednesday carries several key economic releases. In Asia, the Caixin Services PMI for China will be published early in the morning, reflecting the state of the services sector in the world’s second-largest economy. Then, the focus shifts to Europe: a preliminary estimate of the consumer price index (CPI inflation) in the Eurozone for January will be released in the first half of the day. Inflation in Europe remains a vital reference point for the ECB, so any deviations from the target level may influence expectations ahead of the ECB meeting the following day. In the U.S., the ADP report on private sector employment for January will be released on Wednesday – this serves as a preliminary indicator before the official labor market data comes out on Friday. Additionally, the ISM Non-Manufacturing index for January, showing business activity in the largest sector of the U.S. economy, will also be published during the day. These data will help assess whether sustained growth in employment and services in the U.S. continues into the new year.
- Corporate Reports (Europe Morning): On Wednesday, earnings reports from major companies will be released across several continents. Before the European markets open, one of the leading banks in Europe – UBS Group (Switzerland, part of Euro Stoxx 50) – will present its results, including financial outcomes for Q4 2025 and the entire year. This will be the first full quarter following the integration of Credit Suisse's assets, so investors will closely examine profitability and stability indicators of the newly merged bank. Additionally, on the morning of February 4, year-end results from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk (part of Euro Stoxx 50) will be released. Novo Nordisk is one of Europe’s most valuable companies, and its report for 2025 (particularly on diabetes and obesity drug sales) could influence the entire European healthcare market.
- Corporate Reports (Before U.S. Market Opening): Before the New York session on Wednesday, the series of important reports from American companies will continue. Results are expected from pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie and Biogen, along with reports from industrial and consumer goods sectors (e.g., General Motors may release profitability data amid the transition to electric vehicles if it selects this date). While the exact schedule may change, Wednesday morning will set the tone, especially if the reports are mixed – investors will compare the pharmaceutical sector's successes and industrial performance with the previously observed results of the tech sector.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): The highlight of Wednesday will be the block of reports from technology giants after U.S. markets close. Primarily, Alphabet (Google) – one of the largest companies in the S&P 500 – will publish its quarterly report. Investors expect data from Alphabet regarding advertising and cloud service revenues, along with any comments from management on artificial intelligence spending – all of which will impact the communications services sector. In addition to Alphabet, other technology firms are also scheduled to report on Wednesday evening, including mobile chip manufacturer Qualcomm and several smaller companies. Reports in the communications and media sectors are also expected, such as those from Fox Corporation or News Corp, which typically release quarterly results this week. Thus, Wednesday evening will be indicative for the tech and media segments of the market. Market reactions to these reports will set the mood ahead of Thursday's crucial events.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Macroeconomics – Central Banks: Thursday promises to be one of the most significant days of the week with two key central bank meetings in Europe. In the morning, the Bank of England (BoE) will convene. The British regulator will decide on interest rates: investors will be watching to see whether the BoE maintains current rates or makes adjustments based on inflation and the UK's economic dynamics. Around noon Moscow time (morning in London), the European Central Bank (ECB) will hold its meeting on monetary policy. The ECB will discuss interest rates and possibly future steps regarding stimulus or tightening – this meeting is particularly crucial given fresh inflation data released the day before. Any comments from Christine Lagarde regarding price forecasts or economic growth could evoke notable fluctuations in the euro and European stocks. Additionally, preliminary data on retail sales for December will be released in the Eurozone, permitting an assessment of consumption health towards the end of the year. In the U.S., macroeconomic data will be relatively calm: traditional weekly claims for unemployment benefits will be published, providing an up-to-date assessment of the labor market ahead of Friday's significant report.
- Geopolitical Factors: February 5 marks the expiration of the Russian-American New START treaty on strategic offensive arms. Although this event does not have an economic nature, it creates a context for geopolitical tension. Investors factor in this development as the absence of a new nuclear arms control agreement may heighten uncertainty in U.S.-Russia relations. Any statements from the parties regarding the extension or terms of a new treaty will be closely monitored. Geopolitical stability is a crucial aspect for global markets, so February 5 will be a date of heightened attention in this regard.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Opening): Thursday morning will see the continuation of European corporate earnings reports. Specifically, energy giant Shell plc (UK/Netherlands, part of FTSE 100 and significantly influential in Euro Stoxx 50) will present its Q4 2025 results. Oil and gas companies recorded high profits in 2025 due to steady oil prices, and Shell's results will provide insight into the year's outcomes and plans for returning capital to shareholders. Furthermore, some U.S. companies from the industrial sector and services may report before the U.S. markets open, but the market will primarily await evening publications.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): Thursday evening, after U.S. market close, one of the most significant reports of the season is expected – quarterly results from Amazon.com Inc. (part of S&P 500, one of the “Magnificent 7”). Amazon will report for the key holiday quarter, showcasing sales dynamics in online retail, profitability for its cloud business AWS, and developments in artificial intelligence initiatives. Given Amazon's scale, the market's reaction to these figures could substantially influence sentiments in the technology sector and the Nasdaq overall. Additionally, other notable companies are expected to report on Thursday evening. For example, Uber Technologies (a leader in ride-hailing and delivery) will publish financial results – investors will assess how growth in rides and deliveries affects revenue and whether the company is edging closer to profitability. Preliminary data or comments may also emerge from automakers in Detroit: although Ford and General Motors plan to officially disclose results next week, any leaked or early data could impact sector stock dynamics. In total, Thursday evening will wrap up the primary wave of the week's reports, and success or disappointment in these publications will set the tone for the final trading day.
Friday, February 6, 2026
- Macroeconomics: The final working day of the week concentrates on labor market data, which could be a decisive factor for short-term investor sentiment. At 16:30 (MSK) on Friday, the long-awaited Nonfarm Payrolls report for January will be released. This report is expected to include figures on job creation, the unemployment rate, and average wage growth. Traditionally, this report induces significant volatility in stock, bond, and currency markets, as it provides the most comprehensive picture of the largest economy's status at the year's outset. Given that the U.S. Federal Reserve closely monitors the labor market in shaping policy, strong data could bolster expectations of a tighter monetary stance, whereas weak data could generate the opposite effect. Simultaneously, a similar Canadian employment report for January will be released, significant for the Canadian dollar and the oil market (through prospects for the Canadian economy). Additionally, at 18:00 (MSK), a preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan for February will be published – a household sentiment indicator influencing forecasts of consumer spending. In Asia, early Friday, leading economic indicators from Japan (leading indicator index for December) will also be released, though these rarely move markets significantly. Thus, Friday is the number one macroeconomic day of the week, with a particular focus on the U.S. labor market.
- Corporate Reports: On Friday, the flow of corporate reports significantly decreases, as companies are less likely to choose the last day of the week for publishing important outcomes. Nevertheless, some events are noteworthy. In Tokyo, the financial report from Toyota Motor Corp. – the largest car manufacturer, also part of the Nikkei 225 – is expected. Toyota will disclose results for October-December 2025 (Q3 of its financial year 2026). These figures will demonstrate how the company is coping with global challenges – chip shortages, the transition to electric vehicles, and fluctuations in the yen's value. Other industrial leaders in Japan, such as Sony (which had its presentation earlier on February 5), may also report. In Europe and the U.S., no major reports are scheduled for Friday, so investors will likely focus more on the overall conclusions of the completed earnings wave and macro statistics.
- Special Events: Beyond the numbers, an important global event kicks off at the end of the week – the official opening of the XXV Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) on Friday evening. Although the Olympics are primarily a sports and image event, they will attract global media attention and could indirectly affect the stock of certain companies (e.g., sponsors, broadcasters, and the tourism sector in Italy). No direct effects are anticipated for the financial markets, but the mere commencement of the Olympic Games symbolizes global collaboration, which may enhance investors' spirits amid geopolitical risks.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Day Off – Analysis and Informal Meetings: With global financial markets closed on Saturday and no scheduled economic publications, this day is utilized by investors and analysts to reflect on the past week. Informal meetings or officials' statements may take place behind the scenes. For example, following the recently concluded central bank meetings, regulatory leaders may provide additional comments in interviews that could appear in weekend newspapers, setting the tone for markets in the following week. Additionally, ongoing events such as Olympic competitions and other forums continue. Financial news is not expected on Saturday, so investors may evaluate their strategies and prepare for the new week without immediate trading pressure.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Political Events: As the week concludes, Sunday shifts focus to political developments that could impact markets at the start of the following week. Early elections will take place in Thailand, coinciding with a referendum on a new constitution. The results of these elections are significant for Asian markets: a potential change in political direction or coalition instability may reflect on the Thai stock market and the baht currency, and through sentiment, on other emerging markets in Southeast Asia. An even more consequential event will be the snap elections in Japan's House of Representatives. The Sunday vote in Japan will determine the power dynamics within the government. If changes occur in the ruling coalition or political direction, this could affect economic policy, including possible stimulus or reforms. The Japanese Nikkei 225 index is expected to react to the election results on Monday morning, so global investors will be attentive to news over the weekend. In general, Sunday’s political news could generate volatility overnight and will be considered upon market openings on Monday, February 9.
Conclusion: The week from February 2 to February 8, 2026, promises to be rich in information for market participants. Investors should pay particular attention to central bank decisions (on Thursday) and the U.S. employment report (on Friday) – these events could determine currency trajectories and bond yields, as well as general risk appetite. Simultaneously, the ongoing earnings season will shape the dynamics of individual stocks and sectors: strong results from tech giants or banks may support the entire market, while disappointments could lead to sell-offs within specific sectors. In the U.S., most companies have already reported better-than-expected earnings, boosting investor confidence – it is crucial to understand whether this trend persists in the remaining reports for the week. Equally important are geopolitical factors: the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the U.S. and elections in several countries remind us that, alongside the economy, security and political issues influence the markets. Russian investors operating abroad are advised to monitor external signals throughout the week – global macro statistics and officials' comments – as internal drivers (such as ruble dynamics or oil prices) are likely to depend significantly on the external backdrop. Overall, the strategy for the week should focus on diversification and careful responses to emerging data. This week presents both opportunities (on positive surprises) and risks (in the case of negative news), making it vital to be prepared and to have an action plan for various global market scenarios.
