Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Monday, December 29, 2025. Overview of Macro Economics and Global Stock Markets in the US, Europe, Asia, and Russia for Investors.
The last trading week of December begins in a calm manner. Most major exchanges worldwide are resuming operations after the holiday break, yet no new market drivers have emerged. Investors remain focused on the US housing market data: on December 29 at 17:00 Moscow time, the Realtors Association will release its report on pending home sales for November. The corporate sector is relatively quiet; the earnings reporting period has concluded, and no companies from the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, or Moscow Exchange are announcing results on Monday. Overall, global markets are bracing for a quiet week leading up to the New Year: low liquidity is limiting volatility, and participants are using this pause to reflect on the year's performance and plan new strategies.
Macroeconomic Calendar (Moscow time)
- 08:30 — USA: Durable goods orders (November), final GDP assessment for Q3, and corporate profits.
- 09:15 — USA: Industrial production for November.
- 10:00 — USA: Richmond Federal Reserve business activity index (December), new home sales (November), and consumer confidence (Michigan).
- 10:00 — USA: Preliminary expectations for pending home sales for November.
- 13:00 — USA: Weekly Baker Hughes report on active oil rigs.
Corporate Earnings
Monday does not promise major surprises from companies. As reported by Kiplinger, no notable earnings reports are scheduled for today. The only exceptions may be local, small-cap issuers. For instance, the Taiwanese tech company OBOOK Holdings (NASDAQ: OWLS) has postponed its semi-annual results release to an after-market call on December 29. In Russia and Europe, there are also no significant releases; major corporations have completed the quarter and will present reports in January. Thus, the news flow from the corporate sector remains neutral and does not influence overall market dynamics.
Global Markets
- USA: American exchanges are entering the last shortened week of 2025. Following last week, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ remained virtually unchanged, with trading before the holidays being sluggish and devoid of new trends. On Monday, moderate trading activity is observed on Wall Street without significant price fluctuations.
- Europe: After the weekend, European markets (London, Frankfurt, Paris) are opening as usual. Eurozone exchanges were closed on Friday (Christmas), making this the first active day for most markets after the pause. However, major changes are not expected—the overall sentiment on the continent remains "muted" due to the holidays.
- Asia: Trading continues in Japan and China. The Nikkei 225 starts the week under the influence of a stable yen, and both the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges are open. The overall Asian market is supported by a "calm breather"—important data from China will be released later (PMI on December 31), and current volatility is low.
- Russia and CIS: The Moscow Exchange will conduct a short trading session on December 29 (trading will end by 10:00 Moscow time). There are no significant releases, and local indices are moving within narrow ranges for now. The ruble remains stable, with reduced volatility in the Russian market.
Currencies and Commodities
A "quiet" New Year search is upon the currency markets: the dollar remains around recent local extremes against major currencies (euro, yen) without sharp movements. Oil and metal prices are stable—trading takes place amid low liquidity, without major supply or demand drivers. Thus, currency and commodity fluctuations at the start of the week are limited, and significant shocks are not expected at this time.
What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- Keep an eye on the forecast for the last week of the year. Despite the lull, the “minutes” from the Fed’s December meeting will be released tomorrow evening (Publishing FOMC Minutes), which could alter rate expectations. Additionally, the December PMI data from China will be released on Wednesday—the results could provide a boost to risk assets.
- Use this time to reassess your portfolio. The pre-New Year week is an opportune moment to evaluate the year’s outcomes, adjust asset allocation, and review your strategy for the upcoming year while volatility is low. Investors from the CIS should particularly focus on diversification across regions and currencies.
- Be prepared for low liquidity. A thin market increases the likelihood of sharp price gaps even from minor news. Therefore, it is advisable to place limit orders, manage risks for new positions, and avoid engaging in aggressive trading.
- Maintain a long-term approach. The absence of movements is only temporary. As January arrives, a new earnings season will begin, and significant macro data will be released. The key is not to exit the market entirely and to resist the urge to panic due to temporary calmness.
