Analytical Review of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Friday, December 12, 2025. Major Macroeconomic Publications, Reports from Major Companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, Market Impact for CIS Investors.
Friday wraps up a busy week for markets amid the Federal Reserve and ECB decisions. In Asia, there are no significant publications, as investors assess global signals following central bank announcements. In Europe, the focus is on the UK's economic indicators—new data on GDP and industrial production. In the US, the key reference point for the day will be the consumer confidence index from the University of Michigan, which evaluates household sentiments ahead of the holiday season. On the corporate front, several reports from major public companies will be released, including a trading update from US broker Charles Schwab, financial results from Swedish IT company Sectra, and Japanese retailer Kobe Bussan. It is essential for investors to evaluate all the data and reports comprehensively: Fed/ECB policy ↔ bond yields ↔ exchange rates ↔ commodity prices ↔ risk appetite.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 10:00 — UK: Economic growth rates (Monthly GDP) for October.
- 10:00 — UK: Industrial production for October.
- 18:00 — US: Consumer confidence index (preliminary, December) from the University of Michigan.
Europe: UK GDP and Industrial Production
- The UK: Today's release of Monthly GDP and industrial production estimates will reveal the state of the economy before the year-end. Stagnation or decline in activity will bolster expectations for the Bank of England's loose policy and pressure on the pound, while unexpected growth may support investor confidence. UK data sets the tone for European markets, which are particularly sensitive to consumption and export outlooks.
US: Consumer Confidence in Focus
- The US: The preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan for December serves as an important barometer of domestic demand. Improved sentiment suggests households are ready to spend during the holiday season, which is positive for retail and the economy. However, a weak index will heighten concerns about economic slowdown and inflation expectations, influencing Fed decisions and dollar dynamics. The market closely monitors this leading indicator to assess the outlook for the consumer sector.
Earnings Reports: Before Market Open (BMO, US, Europe, Asia)
- Charles Schwab (SCHW) — one of the largest American brokers will present its monthly operational performance report for November. Investors will focus on customer trading activity, inflows/outflows from brokerage accounts, and interest income on client balances. Strong metrics will indicate high retail investor engagement and steady commission revenues, while weak data may prompt reassessments across the brokerage sector.
- Sectra AB (SECT B) — the Swedish IT solutions provider for healthcare will report its results for the second quarter of the 2026 financial year. The market will evaluate revenue growth from healthcare software and cybersecurity services, as well as business profitability. Sectra's results will signal demand for medical IT services in Europe; positive dynamics will support sentiment in the regional tech sector.
- Kobe Bussan (3038.T) — the Japanese retailer and operator of the Gyomu Super discount chain will publish its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Investors are awaiting data on domestic consumer demand in Japan: sales growth will indicate household spending resilience despite inflation, while the business margin will reveal whether the company has managed to offset rising costs. Kobe Bussan's report has the potential to impact the retail sector in the Tokyo market.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: There are no major earnings reports from large "blue-chip" companies among the index components on December 12. Macroeconomic factors will play a leading role for European stocks—especially the reaction to the latest UK data and overall reflections on ECB decisions. The dynamics of the euro exchange rate and bond yields after the ECB meeting will continue to determine sector sentiment across European exchanges.
- Nikkei 225: The Japanese market is primarily oriented to external signals, as there are no significant local releases expected today. Following the stable stance of the Bank of Japan, investors' focus shifts to the external backdrop—outcomes from the US Fed meeting and sentiments in the tech sector. Fluctuations in the yen-to-dollar exchange rate remain a crucial driver for export-oriented companies within the Nikkei 225.
- MOEX: There are no major corporate earnings reports on the Russian stock market for December 12; therefore, external conditions and commodity prices are shaping investor mood. Fluctuations in oil prices following recent OPEC+ data and the dynamics of the ruble will impact the shares of energy companies and exporters. The overall risk appetite across global markets is crucial: a positive external backdrop could support the MOEX index, while heightened geopolitical risks or capital outflows would exert pressure.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- 1) Aftereffects of Central Bank Decisions: Markets are evaluating the outcomes of the Fed and ECB meetings, reflected in movements of government bond yields and exchange rates. It is crucial for investors to monitor how these changes affect sentiments in equities—especially in the financial and tech 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 confidence index from the US serve as indicators of economic health. Unexpected deviations lead to volatility: strong data will support risk assets, while weak results will heighten market caution.
- 3) Charles Schwab Report: Metrics from the major broker regarding customer activity and assets will signal private investor sentiments. Improved metrics may strengthen confidence in continued investment inflows into equity markets, while signs of decelerating activity may prompt portfolio reassessments and risk rebalancing.
