Analytical Review of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Friday, December 12, 2025. Major Macroeconomic Publications, Reports from Large Companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, and Market Impacts for CIS Investors.
Friday marks the end of a busy week for markets, influenced by decisions from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. In Asia, there are no significant publications today as investors assess global signals following the central bank announcements. In Europe, the focus is on the economic indicators from the United Kingdom, particularly the latest data on GDP and industrial production. In the US, the key highlight of the day will be the Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan, which assesses household attitudes ahead of the holiday season. On the corporate side, several reports from major publicly traded companies are expected, including a trading update from US broker Charles Schwab, financial results from Swedish IT company Sectra, and Japanese retailer Kobe Bussan. Investors should evaluate all data and reports in the context of: Fed/ECB policy ↔ bond yields ↔ currency rates ↔ commodity prices ↔ risk appetite.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 10:00 — UK: Monthly GDP growth rate for October.
- 10:00 — UK: Industrial production for October.
- 18:00 — US: Consumer Sentiment Index (preliminary, December) from the University of Michigan.
Europe: UK GDP and Industrial Production
- The upcoming Monthly GDP and industrial production estimates from the UK will shed light on the economy's state as the year concludes. Any stagnation or decline in activity may increase expectations for a dovish stance from the Bank of England and create downward pressure on the pound, while unexpected growth could boost investor confidence. The UK data sets the tone for European markets, which are particularly sensitive to consumer and export outlooks.
US: Consumer Sentiment in Focus
- The preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan for December serves as an important barometer of domestic demand. Improved sentiment signals households' willingness to spend during the holiday season, which bodes well for retail and the economy. However, a weak index could raise concerns about economic slowdown and inflation expectations, impacting Fed decisions and currency dynamics. The market closely monitors this leading indicator to gauge the consumer sector's prospects.
Corporate Reports: Before Market Open (BMO, US, Europe, Asia)
- Charles Schwab (SCHW) — one of the largest American brokers will release its monthly operational report for November. Investors will focus on client trading activity, fund inflows/outflows on brokerage accounts, and interest income on client balances. Strong metrics will indicate high engagement among retail investors and robust commission revenues, while weak data may prompt a reevaluation of the entire brokerage sector.
- Sectra AB (SECT B) — the Swedish IT solutions developer for healthcare will report its second-quarter financial results for fiscal year 2026. The market will assess revenue growth from healthcare software products and cybersecurity, as well as overall business profitability. Sectra’s results will signal demand for medical IT services in Europe; positive trends could bolster sentiment in the regional tech sector.
- Kobe Bussan (3038.T) — a Japanese retailer and operator of the discount store chain Gyomu Super will publish its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Investors are anticipating data on domestic consumer demand in Japan: rising sales will indicate resilience in household spending despite inflation, while business margins will show whether the company managed to offset rising costs. The report from Kobe Bussan could influence the retail sector in the Tokyo market.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: There are no major corporate earnings reports from blue-chip companies on December 12 among the index components. Macro factors, particularly reactions to fresh data from the UK and overall interpretations of ECB decisions, will play a leading role in European stocks. The dynamics of the euro and bond yields post-ECB meeting will continue to shape sectoral sentiment in European markets.
- Nikkei 225: The Japanese market primarily focuses on external signals as no noteworthy local releases are expected today. Following stable policies from the Bank of Japan, investor attention is shifting towards international context — specifically, results from the US Fed meeting and sentiments within the tech sector. Fluctuations in the yen against the dollar remain a crucial driver for export-oriented companies within the Nikkei 225.
- MOEX: The Russian stock market will see no major corporate earnings reports on December 12, meaning that external conditions and commodity prices will determine investor sentiment. Volatility in oil prices following recent OPEC+ data and the dynamics of the ruble will influence shares of energy companies and exporters. The overall risk appetite in global markets will be in focus: a positive external backdrop could support the MOEX index, while heightened geopolitical risks or capital outflows could exert pressure.
Day's Summary: Key Points for Investors to Consider
- 1) Aftermath of central bank decisions: Markets are evaluating the outcomes of the Fed and ECB meetings, reflected in movements of government bond yields and currency rates. Investors should monitor how these changes affect sentiments in equities — especially within the financial and technology sectors of the S&P 500 index.
- 2) Macroeconomic data from the UK and US: Today's GDP/industrial production figures from the UK and the Consumer Sentiment Index from the US serve as indicators of economic health. Unforeseen deviations can spur volatility: strong data will support risk assets, while weak performance may heighten caution in the markets.
- 3) Charles Schwab report: Metrics from this major broker regarding client activity and assets will provide insights into retail investor sentiment. Improved figures could reinforce confidence in ongoing investment inflows into equity markets, while signs of slowing activity may prompt portfolio reviews and risk reallocation.
