Comprehensive Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports for November 16, 2025: G20 Meeting, Preliminary GDP of Japan for Q3, Alongside Upcoming Reports from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Sunday presents a relatively calm agenda for global markets, yet there are several key focal points. The day's highlight is the G20 Sherpas' meeting in South Africa, where global economic issues and the final agenda for the upcoming leaders' summit are under discussion. The Asian session is preparing for the release of preliminary GDP data for Japan for Q3, which has the potential to influence the yen's exchange rate and the regional investors’ sentiment. In the U.S. and Europe, there are no major macroeconomic releases due to the weekend; hence, attention shifts towards the week's summary and signals from the G20. On the corporate front, the quarterly earnings season is nearly complete: no new reports are expected from S&P 500 or Euro Stoxx 50 blue chips, although some companies from Asia and emerging markets continue to publish their results. It is crucial for investors to assess limited weekend events within the broader context: geopolitical dynamics and G20 meetings ↔ data from Asia ↔ monetary policy expectations for the upcoming week.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MST)
- All day — G20: commencement of the final Sherpas meeting ahead of the leaders' summit (Johannesburg, South Africa, November 16–19).
- 02:50 (Mon) — Japan: Q3 GDP (preliminary estimate).
G20: Global Agenda and Policy Coordination
- The final G20 Sherpas meeting is aimed at finalizing the summit's communiqué; the focus is on measures to sustain global growth, reforms of international financial institutions, climate initiatives, and fostering development.
- The political backdrop has become more complex: the U.S. has announced the absence of an official delegation at the upcoming summit, highlighting divergences within the G20. Nonetheless, other participants are striving to demonstrate unity on key issues—from alleviating the debt burden for developing countries to coordinating energy policy.
- Markets are attentive to any statements emerging from Johannesburg: a G20 consensus on global economic stimulus or climate financing could bolster risk appetite, while signs of geopolitical tension could heighten demand for safe-haven assets (gold, yen).
Japan: Preliminary GDP Data for Q3
- Japan's economy, which reported a growth of +0.5% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025 (annualized +2.2% year-over-year), might have decelerated during July–September. Forecasts suggest the first quarterly GDP contraction in the past 18 months (~–0.5–0.7% quarter-over-quarter), attributed to a decline in exports, a slump in housing investments, and inventory reductions.
- Importantly, domestic demand remains relatively resilient: household consumption and business capital expenditures are projected to continue growing moderately. This indicates that the current downturn may be temporary—for instance, exports might have dropped after premature supply increases ahead of U.S. tariffs, and construction activity has adjusted post-regulatory changes.
- For the markets, the GDP data will act as an indicator for monetary prospects: a more pronounced downturn could heighten expectations for dovish policy from the Bank of Japan, weakening the yen and supporting shares of exporters. Conversely, if the economy unexpectedly avoided a downturn or if the decline is minimal, this would bolster confidence in the recovery, potentially leading to a rally in the Nikkei 225 and strengthening the yen.
Earnings Reports: U.S. and Europe
- In the U.S., the Q3 earnings reporting season is effectively concluded. Most S&P 500 companies have reported, generally exhibiting a recovery in profits from last year’s downturn. This holiday means no new reports will emerge, allowing investors to digest previously released results. Key trends include resilient consumer demand in the retail sector, a majority of tech companies exceeding expectations, and a recovery in industrial margins amid easing inflationary pressures.
- European markets are also experiencing a pause in corporate releases. In the Euro Stoxx 50, the vast majority of issuers have announced quarterly figures, with an overall tone of positive-neutrality: banks and energy companies are benefiting from rising interest rates and commodity prices, while the consumer sector is facing uneven demand. In the absence of new reports, European investors are relying on external signals—developments in China and outcomes from G20 meetings—to gauge their potential impact on the region's exporters' outlook.
Earnings Reports: Asia and Russia
- In Asia, the publication of selective corporate results continues. In China and other Asian markets, several companies with unconventional fiscal years or smaller-cap issuers are presenting reports for July–September during this period. For example, next week, investors anticipate financial results from major Chinese retailers and tech firms, which will contribute to volatility in the sector. On the Japanese market, most major corporations reported earlier in November, so no additional drivers are expected from reports on Sunday.
- In the Russian market (MOEX), the season for publishing results for the first nine months is nearing completion. Key blue chips—banks, oil and gas companies, and metallurgists—reported in the early weeks of November, showcasing predominantly revenue growth due to a weak ruble and high prices for export goods. Remaining reports are mostly from mid and small-cap issuers and do not significantly impact the index. Investors in Russia are shifting their focus to companies' dividend forecasts and operational performance in Q4, alongside external factors, including oil dynamics and sanctions risks.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: The lack of weekend statistical publications means that the mood of European markets will be shaped by global news. On Monday, European investors will assess the outcomes of the G20 meeting and any statements concerning global trade or climate policy. Furthermore, following weak macro data from China (slowdown in industrial production and retail sales in October), European exporters may come under pressure if signs of cooling demand are confirmed.
- Nikkei 225 / Japan: The Japanese market enters the new week considering GDP data and external factors. The Nikkei 225 has shown an upward trend in 2025, fueled by a weak yen and an influx of foreign investments. Attention now shifts to macro indicators: confirmation of GDP contraction may temporarily cool enthusiasm, particularly within the financial and real estate sectors. However, resilient domestic demand and the absence of surprises from the Bank of Japan will continue to support investors. Additionally, sentiment may be influenced by the upcoming report from the largest U.S. chip maker (Nvidia) this week—as a barometer of technology demand, which is crucial for Japanese export-oriented firms.
- MOEX / Russia: The Russian stock market concluded the week with gains, partly due to stable oil prices and a surge in retail investors. In the absence of external catalysts on Sunday, local market dynamics are determined by technical factors and expectations for the new week. The ruble has recently strengthened due to tax currency sales, which somewhat constrains the MOEX index, rich in exporters. Nonetheless, strong commodity market conditions and record dividend payouts will continue to support interest in Russian securities. Investors should monitor any potential announcements from authorities or companies over the weekend that could influence specific stock prices on Monday.
End of Day: What Investors Should Keep an Eye On
- G20 and Geopolitics: Any agreements or disagreements voiced during the G20 meeting will set the tone for the start of the week. Unity regarding global economic and trade support will bolster optimism in markets, while escalated rhetoric between major powers (such as the U.S. and China) may conversely drive demand for "safe havens."
- Data from Asia: Market reactions to Japan's GDP will be immediate—especially in the currency markets. A sharp deviation from forecasts could trigger significant movements in the USD/JPY exchange rate and create momentum for Asian indices. It is essential for investors to evaluate Asian dynamics on Monday morning to adjust their positions before Europe opens.
- Liquidity and Weekend Risks: On Sunday, the major global exchanges are closed, which could lead to low liquidity on certain platforms (e.g., the Middle East, where trading is ongoing) and sharp movements under unexpected news conditions. It is advisable to keep the portfolio protected: utilize stop orders and hedging, considering potential gaps when trading opens on Monday.
- Start of the New Week: The informational lull on weekends provides a good opportunity for investors to reassess macro and micro factors. The upcoming week will bring important events (Fed minutes, inflation data in Europe, key reports from individual companies), so it is prudent to set levels and strategies now. A calm Sunday can be leveraged for portfolio balancing and preparation for potential volatility.
