Key Economic Events and Corporate Earnings Reports for Sunday, February 8, 2026: Snap Elections in Japan, Budget Disputes in the U.S., and a Lull in Macroeconomic Statistics, Along with Reports from S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX
The second Sunday of February 2026 is progressing relatively calmly but carries important political implications and residual risks for the markets. On the global stage, the spotlight is on the snap parliamentary elections in Japan, the outcome of which could influence investor sentiment as a new week begins. Concurrently, uncertainty remains in the United States due to budget disputes: the recent government shutdown delayed the publication of key economic statistics, leaving the markets without fresh indicators concerning the state of the largest economy in the world. Today's macroeconomic calendar is nearly empty, providing market participants with a breather to reflect on central bank decisions from the previous week and to prepare for upcoming data in the coming days. Meanwhile, the corporate earnings season continues: although there are no new reports on Sunday, investors are keenly awaiting results from several major companies (both in the U.S., such as Ford, and in Europe and Asia) over the next week to assess the health of the corporate sector amid economic slowdown. For the Russian market, no significant events are scheduled today, so the main guiding factors remain external ones—the dynamics of commodity prices (oil remains at comfortable levels following the OPEC+ decision), the ruble exchange rate, and geopolitical trends. Investors from CIS countries should take this global picture into account when formulating strategies ahead of Monday’s trading session.
Macroeconomic Calendar (Moscow Time)
- Throughout the Day – Tokyo, Japan: Snap general elections for the lower house of parliament. The voting will determine the power dynamics in parliament and the future economic policy of the country. Results are expected by Monday morning: a decisive victory for the ruling coalition will ensure continuity of course, while an unexpected success for the opposition could increase political uncertainty.
- Throughout the Day – Washington, U.S.: A partial government shutdown persists due to an unpassed budget. This results in delays in important macroeconomic statistics—the monthly labor market report (Nonfarm Payrolls) for January has not been published on time. Investors are waiting for a resolution to the budget crisis to access the postponed data and clarify the economic situation.
Politics: Elections in Japan
- Historic Voting. Snap elections for the lower house of parliament are underway in Japan today—an event that could alter the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Sanae Takichi is striving to strengthen the mandate of her government following the dissolution of parliament; preliminary polls indicate that the ruling coalition has a chance to maintain a majority, though intrigue regarding seat distribution remains. The election's outcome will determine the continuation of the current economic course and reforms, including policies for new economic stimulus, digitization, and potential changes in tax and budgetary matters.
- Impact on Markets. Investors are closely monitoring the elections, as the results will reflect upon the dynamics of the Japanese yen and shares of local companies. Political stability (if the ruling party maintains a majority) could enhance confidence and increase risk appetite: modest gains for the Nikkei 225 index and steady movement for the yen within the current range are expected. Conversely, an unexpected political shift or coalition challenges could instigate short-term volatility—the yen may strengthen as a "safe haven," while exporter stocks could dip due to concerns over a change in the economic course. The Bank of Japan, which previously signalled its intent to maintain ultra-loose monetary policy, will need to align its future moves with the election results and the new economic agenda of the government.
Global Macroeconomic Statistics: A Pause in the U.S. and Hopes from China
- The U.S. Lacking Fresh Data. The budget impasse in Washington has led to a temporary vacuum in macroeconomic indicators: the markets did not receive the key employment report for January on time, along with several other statistical releases. This gap complicates the evaluation of the current state of the U.S. economy and the trajectory of Federal Reserve interest rates. Even after the government’s operations resume, it may take time to catch up with the data releases, leaving investors to rely on previously published metrics. Consequently, attention is turning to indirect signals—market indicators, comments from Federal Reserve officials, and corporate reports—until official statistics begin flowing regularly once more.
- Cautious Optimism from Asia. In China, signs of economic stabilization are still present, supporting sentiment in Asian markets. Following the release of official PMI indices for January, which indicated a moderate improvement in business activity, investors are hopefully awaiting new data next week. Statistics on industrial production and retail sales in China are expected in the coming days—these indicators will clarify the strength of domestic demand ahead of the lengthy holiday period (Lunar New Year begins on February 17). If the data confirms the recovery of the Chinese economy, it will bolster confidence in the Asian region and lend indirect support to commodity and emerging markets. Conversely, if signs of a slowdown emerge, sentiments may worsen, reminding investors of persistently existing global risks.
Corporate Earnings: Before Market Open (BMO, U.S.)
- Becton Dickinson (BDX). The largest medical technology company and member of the S&P 500 will report its results for the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year (October–December 2025) before market open in the U.S. Investors will closely examine revenue trends in medical equipment and hospital supplies against the backdrop of the gradual normalization of the healthcare system post-pandemic. Special attention will be on the performance of the pharmaceutical systems division (syringes, drug delivery systems) and diagnostic equipment: maintaining strong demand for BD products and the company’s ability to maintain profit margins in the face of rising cost inflation will indicate the resilience of the medical technology sector. If the report surpasses expectations on earnings and sales, BDX shares and the entire healthcare sector may gain upward momentum; conversely, weak results or cautious forecasts may lead to a correction, signaling potential budget cuts in hospitals and laboratories.
- Apollo Global Management (APO). One of the world’s leading alternative investment firms (managing assets in private equity, lending, and real estate) will report prior to market opening. Apollo’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 will reveal how market volatility and rising interest rates have affected its income from fees and investments. The focus will be on inflows into new funds and profitability in the credit products segment: successful capital-raising and growth in fee income will indicate investor confidence in private equity even amid tightening financial conditions, while declining valuations of portfolio assets or capital outflows may signal increased caution among institutional clients. Apollo’s report will also serve as a barometer for the entire alternative investment sector: positive surprises will bolster faith in its resilience, while negative surprises will heighten concerns about asset overvaluation and credit risks.
- Other Releases Before Market Open. Other companies reporting early Monday morning include On Semiconductor (ON) and Loews Corporation (L). On Semiconductor, a chip manufacturer focusing on automotive electronics and industrial IoT, will present its data for the final quarter of 2025. Investors will assess whether high demand from the auto sector and equipment manufacturers has been maintained, as well as the impacts on business from the gradual restoration of semiconductor supply chains. Strong revenue growth for ON and optimistic demand forecasts could support positive sentiment in the technology sector, while signs of order slowdown or margin pressure from price competition may invoke sell-offs in chipmaker stocks. Loews Corporation—a diversified conglomerate with assets in insurance, hospitality, and energy—will also report prior to market opening. Investors will scrutinize the performance of its key subsidiary CNA Financial (insurance) and the pipelines segment: a rise in insurance payouts due to natural disasters or declining profits from energy projects may cause concern in the market. Overall, morning reports from major companies will set the tone: if they show resilient profits and confident management, U.S. indices may begin the week with gains, while disappointments may intensify caution and profit-taking.
Corporate Earnings: After Market Close (AMC, U.S.)
- Releases After Main Session. On Monday after trading concludes, earnings reports will come from several mid-cap issuers. This will include financial companies from the insurance sector (e.g., Cincinnati Financial) and second-tier tech firms. While these reports are unlikely to significantly impact the broader market, they will complement the overall earnings season mosaic. Particular attention may be drawn to trends evident in these niche reports: for instance, an increase in insurance payouts and reduced investment income from insurers could indicate the impact of natural events and market volatility, while the results from smaller tech companies will show whether they can maintain revenue and customer growth against a backdrop of tightening competition and costs. Investors will use this information to refine their expectations ahead of the release of more significant reports mid-week.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): For European markets, Sunday is traditionally a quiet day, and no new earnings reports from major companies are available today. The main annual reporting season in Europe will start later in February, so at the beginning of the week, Eurozone investors' attention will shift to external factors and overall macroeconomic statistics. Focus remains on the outcomes of the elections in Japan (important for global market sentiment and for European exporters tied to Asia), news from the U.S. regarding the budget situation, and signals from China. Regional economic indicators will be released later in the week: data on industrial production in Germany and trade in China are expected imminently, providing additional benchmarks. Previously released preliminary inflation data for the Eurozone in January confirmed the trend of slowing price growth (annual CPI dropped approximately to ~2.5%), bringing inflation closer to the ECB’s target and bolstering expectations for a pause in interest rate hikes. The euro is stable around the $1.10 mark, and yields on EU government bonds have stabilized—the markets have priced in that the European Central Bank will take a pause after a series of rate hikes. The absence of domestic corporate drivers means that on Monday, European stock indices are likely to generally follow global trends set by weekend news and movements in U.S. index futures. Local news (e.g., political events in certain EU countries or fluctuations in energy prices) may cause deviations, but significant movements without new data and reports are not anticipated.
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese stock market is approaching the start of the week with expectations surrounding today’s election results and without significant new corporate reports on Sunday. Most major Japanese corporations have already released their financial results for the first half of 2025, while the main wave of reports for the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year (October–December) will occur in early February—with several tech giants set to disclose results between February 5 and 12. The macroeconomic backdrop in Japan remains relatively stable: inflation in Tokyo hovers around 2.4% year-on-year, slightly above the Bank of Japan's target level, but still allowing the regulator to maintain ultra-loose monetary policy. Interest rates remain near zero, and the central bank continues yield curve control (YCC), keeping long-term rates low. This environment contributes to the yen's weakness—the Japanese currency fluctuates around ¥158 against the U.S. dollar, which benefits exporters and has supported the Nikkei 225 index at high levels in recent months. In the absence of domestic news today, the further trajectory of the Nikkei will depend on external factors and the election outcomes. Likely, Monday morning's market opening will react to the election result: a positive, predictable outcome (e.g., a decisive victory for the current authority) could push the Nikkei up on a wave of relief; whereas political uncertainty stemming from an unexpected result could lead to a correction and increased demand for defensive assets. Overall, Japanese investors will look to signals from Wall Street (Friday's close in the U.S. was mixed) and news from China—any positive surprises (e.g., strong PMI data or stimulus from Chinese authorities) could improve sentiment in Tokyo trading.
- MOEX (Russia): The Russian stock market index (IMOEX) wrapped up the first week of February near local highs, consolidating around the 3300 points level amidst favorable conditions in the commodity markets and relative calm in external politics. No major corporate events are planned in Russia for February 8; the season for publishing annual financial results for 2025 will only begin for most issuers towards the end of February and into March. As a result, today and tomorrow participants in the market will primarily lean on external signals. The key external factor comprises political news and commodity prices. Brent crude oil is holding around $65 per barrel following the recent OPEC+ meeting, positively impacting Russian oil and gas company stocks (such as Lukoil, Rosneft) and supporting the federal budget's revenue component. The Russian ruble is demonstrating relative stability, fluctuating in the 88-90 rubles to the U.S. dollar range, bolstered by high export revenues and the absence of new sanctions shocks. The recent tax period in January removed some short-term support for the ruble, but the balance of power in the currency market remains in favor of exchange rate stability—exporters continue to sell foreign currency proceeds, offsetting capital outflow. On the Russian bond market, yields on 10-year OFZ bonds hover around 10.5-11%, reflecting expectations that the Bank of Russia will refrain from altering the key rate (currently at 15% annual) at its upcoming meeting on February 13. The slowdown in inflation in the country (with a modest uptick in prices in January estimated below 0.5% month-on-month) and a strong ruble create premises for a more dovish rhetoric from the regulator. Thus, in a neutral external context today, Russian indices are likely to move in line with global trends. Specific corporate stories (operational reports from certain companies or executive statements) may trigger only localized fluctuations without setting broader direction. The primary task for domestic investors is to maintain focus on external factors (the outcomes of elections in Japan, budget decisions in the U.S., macroeconomic data from China) and assess their potential impact on the Russian market ahead of the new trading week.
Summary of the Day: What to Pay Attention to as an Investor
- Japanese Elections and Market Reaction. The main event of the weekend is the Japanese elections, and their outcome will be one of the first benchmarks for Asian markets on Monday. It is essential for investors to quickly assess the results: if the ruling coalition maintains power decisively and no political surprises arise, it will reduce global uncertainty and sustain demand for risk assets early in the week. A moderate rally on the Japanese market and positive reactions across other Asian markets may occur, while defensive assets (gold, yen) remain largely unchanged. However, a surprising outcome (e.g., loss of majority or challenging coalition negotiations) could lead to a short-term increase in volatility: strengthening yen, corrections in shares of Japanese exporters, and cautious dynamics across global equity markets are expected. In the hours following the elections, close attention should be paid to the yen exchange rate and futures on the Nikkei 225 index—as these will be the first to reflect investor sentiment regarding political news.
- Budget Crisis in the U.S. and Data. The situation with U.S. government funding remains at risk: although many departments may have resumed operations after a brief shutdown, any delays in the publication of economic indicators complicate matters for market participants. Investors should keep an eye on news from Washington regarding possible budget agreements—achieving these would ease nervousness and allow the market to obtain the missing data (including the employment report). Until this happens, the scenario of uncertainty persists: the absence of fresh statistics increases dependency on corporate reports and Federal Reserve commentary. **Attention**: If delayed indicators (e.g., Nonfarm Payrolls) are suddenly published in the coming days, the market reaction could be sharp as investors have been deprived of this information for some time. Strong employment data amid a pause in statistics could reignite discussions regarding further tightening of Fed policy, while weak numbers would bolster hopes for a more dovish stance from the regulator. The sound strategy entails preparedness for both scenarios, keeping key support/resistance levels for major indices in mind, and swiftly adjusting portfolios per new information.
- Corporate Earnings Set the Tone. The new week continues the quarter earnings season, and already on Monday, investors will receive a slew of corporate results before and after the market opens. The reaction to morning reports (Becton Dickinson, Apollo, and others) will indicate sentiment across various sectors—from healthcare to high finance—and may set the overall tone for the session. If companies report earnings above expectations and share confident forecasts for 2026, the market will interpret this as a sign of economic resilience, fostering further growth in S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. For instance, unexpectedly strong results from a chip manufacturer could confirm sustained demand in the industry, pushing tech sector stocks upward. Conversely, disappointments in reports (missed earnings, margin declines, or cautious management outlooks) could trigger profit-taking from investors following recent price increases. The market will react particularly sensitively to forecasts: any mention of a demand slowdown, cost pressure, or economic uncertainty could raise alerts. Given that significant reports are due later in the week from giants like Coca-Cola, Ford, Cisco, as well as major European banks, Monday's results will serve only as a preliminary indicator. It is crucial for investors to "decode" these early signals and adjust exposure as necessary: boosting allocations in sectors showing unexpected resilience and reducing positions where signs of weakness appear.
- Macroeconomic Benchmarks of the Week. After a relatively quiet weekend, the focus will shift to upcoming economic data over the next few days. Early February is rich in statistics, and even though some have been delayed, markets will prepare for key indicators. In the second half of the week, fresh inflation data is expected, including the consumer price index (CPI) for January in the U.S. (if the publication timetable is adhered to). Furthermore, indicators on retail sales and industrial production in major economies (U.S., China, U.K.) will be released, along with decisions from several central banks in emerging markets. Investors should pay particular attention to whether the new figures reinforce the narrative of a "soft landing" for the global economy. If inflation continues to slow to target levels while activity indicators remain positive, this will provide a favorable backdrop for risk assets: expectations for a prolonged pause (or even the start of rate cuts toward the end of the year) will become stronger. However, unexpected inflation increases or signs of a sharp economic cool-off (e.g., collapse in employment or consumption) could quickly heighten volatility. In the event of adverse surprises, there may be a rotation of capital into defensive assets—reliable bonds, gold, yen, and Swiss franc—while cyclical stock and high-risk assets could face selling pressure. With a Bank of Russia meeting (February 13) and several geopolitical events on the horizon, it is advisable to plan responses to any macro developments.
- Strategy for CIS Investors. A quiet Sunday presents an opportune moment to assess investments ahead of a series of significant events. Investors from CIS countries should consider reviewing their portfolio balance: ensuring that risk and defensive assets are appropriately weighted against current volatility. The start of a new month is often a time when global funds redistribute capital, potentially leading to additional inflows or outflows in local markets (including the Moscow Exchange). Given the prevailing uncertainty (geopolitics, macro statistics, corporate earnings), it would be prudent to establish clear stop-loss and take-profit levels for the most volatile positions. It is crucial to have a well-thought-out action plan in case of any unexpected news: whether it be a breakthrough in negotiations (e.g., regarding Ukraine) or, conversely, an escalation of conflict; imposition of new sanctions; unexpected inflation surges; or sharp central bank decisions. Having contingencies for each of such scenarios will help preserve capital and even exploit emerging opportunities. As we enter the new trading week, CIS investors should be ready to respond swiftly to external signals while avoiding emotional decisions—a measured, disciplined approach remains the best defense and the cornerstone of success in the markets.
