Investor Calendar for the Week of December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026: Key Macroeconomic Data (PMI, US Trade Balance, FOMC Minutes, EIA Oil and Gas Inventories), Holiday Trading Environment, and OPEC+ Events.
The week falls during the New Year holidays: many exchanges are closed or operate on reduced hours. Investors are particularly interested in PMI data from the US, Europe, and Asia, as well as the OPEC+ meeting regarding oil production. Corporate earnings reports are largely finished, but even a few remaining announcements can lead to localized fluctuations.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Today, the Russian PMI and the US trade balance will be released, along with EIA data on oil and gas inventories in the US. These figures will provide additional statistics ahead of the holidays.
- After market close: Micron Technology (US) – Q1 2026 financial year report. Micron reported record quarterly revenue of approximately $13.64 billion and earnings of $4.60 per share, reflecting high demand for memory and data center equipment.
Economic Events (Moscow time):
- 09:00 Russia – Manufacturing PMI (December).
- 16:30 US – Trade Balance (November).
- 18:00 US – Pending Home Sales (November).
- 18:30 US – Oil Inventories (EIA Petroleum Status Report).
- 19:00 Russia – Consumer Price Index (CPI, December, estimate).
- 20:00 US – Natural Gas Inventories (EIA Natural Gas Storage).
Investor Takeaway: Low volatility is expected: markets are in a "calm" before the holidays, and reactions will be muted. PMI and trade balance data will add to the economic picture, but the results from Micron and energy inventories may act as potential drivers. Investors should focus on global macro indicators as they prepare for the start of the year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The Central Bank of Russia will establish exchange rates for the holiday period, while the US will release Case-Shiller and FOMC minutes. These events could influence the ruble exchange rate and market expectations regarding inflation.
- Economic Events (Moscow time):
- 09:00 Russia – Services/Composite PMI (December).
- 17:00 US – S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index (October).
- 22:00 US – FOMC Minutes.
- 00:30 (Wed, Dec 31) US – API Oil Inventories (API Crude Oil Stock).
Investor Takeaway: The day is expected to pass without major upheavals: the FOMC minutes and housing data will provide signals about the sentiment in the US economy, while the decisions from the Central Bank of Russia will set the tone for the ruble. If metrics indicate a slowdown in inflation, this could support a positive outlook for January. The absence of substantial corporate news shifts focus to global trends.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Due to the holidays, many exchanges are closed or operate on reduced hours. Data on China's services PMI and US Jobless Claims, along with the Chicago PMI, are significant as they will provide insight into economic momentum going into the New Year.
- Economic Events (Moscow time):
- 04:30 China – Preliminary Business Activity Index: Services/Composite PMI (December).
- 16:30 US – Initial Jobless Claims (Weekly Initial Jobless Claims).
- 17:45 US – Chicago PMI (December).
Investor Takeaway: The last day of the year is traditionally characterized by a "holiday" mood – volumes are very low, and significant movements are not expected. Nonetheless, Chinese PMI and US labor market data will indicate how ready the economy is for growth. Investors should exercise caution: low liquidity means that any news could temporarily shake the market.
Thursday, January 1, 2026
New Year's Day – trading is minimal, but significant news will be released: VAT in Russia increases, the EU bans new gas contracts from Russia, and various countries are tightening cryptocurrency regulations.
- Russia – VAT rises to 22% as of January 1, 2026, putting pressure on consumption and supporting inflation.
- European Union – ban on new contracts for importing Russian gas, increasing uncertainty in the energy sector.
- Russia/UAE – UAE removed from Russia's "black" offshore list, simplifying capital flows.
- Sweden – lifting the ban on uranium ore mining, expanding prospects for the nuclear industry.
- United Kingdom – cryptocurrency exchanges are obligated to provide user and transaction data to tax authorities.
- European Union – directive on cryptocurrency company reporting comes into effect (fiscal information provision becomes mandatory).
- Uzbekistan – introduction of regulations for stablecoins as a payment method.
- Turkmenistan – from January 1, cryptocurrency mining and exchange activities are legalized.
Investor Takeaway: Thursday centers around political and economic news. Fiscal and energy changes set a long-term backdrop: VAT increases and Central Bank of Russia decisions affect economic fundamentals, while gas restrictions and cryptocurrency regulations shape strategic expectations. Investors are advised to consider these factors when reallocating assets, though rapid market effects are not expected.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Global manufacturing PMI reports resume: data from Australia to the US will indicate how the industry is growing at the start of the year. These figures will set the tone for markets and the first wave of corporate forecasts.
Economic Events (Moscow time):
- 01:00 Australia, 08:00 India – Manufacturing PMI (December).
- 09:00 Russia – Manufacturing PMI (December).
- 11:55 Germany, 12:00 Eurozone, 12:30 UK – Manufacturing PMI (December).
- 16:00 Brazil, 17:30 Canada – Manufacturing PMI (December).
- 17:45 US – S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (December).
- Before market open: no major corporate reports – companies will begin their annual filings later.
- After market close: no significant corporate earnings reports (Q3 2025 reports have already been released).
Investor Takeaway: Friday will determine the dynamics in global manufacturing – an increase in PMI will support industrial and commodity stocks, while a decline will prompt reassessments. Investors should compare market reactions across the US (S&P 500), Europe (Euro Stoxx 50, DAX), and Asia (Nikkei, Shanghai) and make decisions regarding capital reallocation.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Today, an OPEC+ meeting is expected to discuss oil production quotas. The cartel's decisions will set the trend for the oil market and influence the energy sector.
Investor Takeaway: The OPEC+ decision will define the short-term trend for oil: an extension of production cuts will support prices and energy sector stocks, while easing quotas may lead to declines. Investors should monitor the cartel's signals and futures reactions, as well as prepare for potential volatility upon the resumption of trading in early January.
Summary and Guidelines for the Week for Investors
During the week of December 29 – January 4, investors should pay attention to:
- Global PMI: These will indicate the momentum with which the economy begins the new year.
- Regulatory Changes: Decisions from central banks and fiscal policies (Russian VAT, gas restrictions) set key benchmarks.
- Oil Market: OPEC+ decisions and oil prices are critical factors for the energy sector.
The week will be transitional: markets will close the year in relative calm but will begin to eye major macroeconomic and geopolitical events. Capital allocation between safe assets (gold, cash) and riskier assets (growth stocks, commodity companies) this week may set the initial trend for 2026.
