Detailed Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports for January 8, 2026. Orders in German Industry, Eurozone Producer Price Index (PPI), Consumer Confidence Indicators, Weekly Jobless Claims in the USA, Trade Balance, and Natural Gas Inventory Data, Along with Reports from Major Public Companies in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Thursday presents a moderately busy agenda for global markets. In Europe, the focus is on industrial statistics and pricing: fresh data on factory orders in Germany and the PPI for the Eurozone will indicate the state of the regional economy and inflationary pressure, which are important for the outlook of the ECB's policy. In the USA, attention is concentrated on the labor market and external trade balance: weekly jobless claims remain one of the indicators of the economy's strength, alongside a report on the trade balance. Investors will also evaluate consumer inflation expectations from the New York Fed, seeking confirmation of inflation stabilizing at moderate levels. The energy sector is observing the EIA's report on natural gas inventories amid the winter season. On the corporate side, the first reports of the year are expected: several American companies in the consumer goods and technology sectors will present quarterly results, while key retailers in Europe will report on Christmas sales. It is important for investors to consider these fragmented signals as a whole to adjust expectations regarding interest rates, currency rates, and sentiments in risky assets.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 10:00 — Germany: Factory orders (November).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: Producer Price Index (PPI) (November).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: Consumer confidence index (December).
- 13:00 — Eurozone: Consumer inflation expectations (December).
- 16:30 — USA: Initial jobless claims (weekly).
- 16:30 — USA: Trade balance (October).
- 18:30 — USA: Natural gas inventories (EIA) (weekly).
- 19:00 — USA: Consumer inflation expectations (NY Fed, 1-year) (December).
Europe: Orders in Germany, Producer Prices and Consumer Confidence
- Germany (Factory Orders): The indicator of new industrial orders for November will demonstrate whether the impulse for recovery in the leading economy of Europe is maintained. In the previous month, there was an increase in orders, partially supported by large contracts, which bolstered hopes for stabilization in the industry. Weak November data may confirm ongoing sluggish demand for goods and heighten expectations for stimulus, while an unexpected rise in orders would be a positive signal for the German economy and the entire Eurozone.
- Eurozone (PPI): The producer price index for November is likely to indicate the continuation of the trend of easing price pressure at the start of the production cycle. A slowdown or decrease in PPI year-on-year reflects a decline in energy and raw material prices compared to last year, which alleviates the burden on businesses. For the ECB, PPI dynamics serve as a leading indicator of future consumer inflation: consistently low PPI will enhance confidence that inflation will decrease, strengthening arguments for a paused increase in rates.
- Consumer Confidence and Expectations: Simultaneously published household sentiment indices in the Eurozone will provide insight into how Europeans are concluding the year. The consumer confidence index for December is expected to remain in negative territory but moderately improve amid slowing inflation and rising wages. An important component will be the population's inflation expectations: if expectations for the year ahead decrease or stabilize around recent levels, it will confirm that the ECB's efforts to instill confidence in price stability are working. Improved consumer sentiment has the potential to support the outlook for the retail and services sector in the EU, whereas pessimism could hinder the recovery of domestic demand.
USA: Labor Market, Trade Balance, and Inflation Expectations
- Jobless Claims: Weekly initial claims in the USA are traditionally viewed as an operational barometer of the labor market. In recent weeks, the number of claims has remained at historically low levels (~200k), signaling that companies are still inclined to retain employees despite high Fed rates. If the upcoming report for the first week of January again shows less than 220k claims, it would confirm the resilience of the labor market and may strengthen hawkish sentiment - a strong labor market allows the Federal Reserve to maintain a tight policy longer. Conversely, an increase in claims above expectations could be the first sign of weakened hiring and could reinforce discussions about an impending turning point in monetary policy.
- US Trade Balance: The published data on external trade for October will reveal the size of the trade balance deficit at the start of the fourth quarter. In September, the goods and services deficit narrowed to ~$53 billion due to rising energy exports and decreased imports. However, in October, analysts do not rule out a renewed widening of the deficit amid revived domestic demand and increasing oil prices, which may have raised the cost of imported fuel. A significant deviation of the actual deficit from forecasts could impact the dollar's exchange rate and assessments of the contribution of external trade to the US GDP for the quarter. Investors will also focus on export trends: weakening global demand for American goods or the strengthening dollar could affect the revenues of industrial corporations.
- Inflation Expectations (NY Fed): The New York Fed's report on consumer expectations will be an important addition to the inflation picture. In November, the median expected inflation for the year ahead remained around 3.2%, significantly down year-on-year, but still above the target of 2%. The December survey will reveal how confident American households are in the slowdown of price growth: a further decline in expectations (e.g., to ~3.0%) would be a reassuring signal for the Fed, indicating strengthened confidence in long-term price stability. Conversely, if inflation expectations stay stubbornly above 3% or, worse, begin to rise, it would concern markets, as it may force the Fed to maintain high rates for longer. The behavior of consumer expectations directly impacts bond yields and, through them, influences the valuation of high-tech stocks sensitive to changes in the discount rate.
Energy Markets: EIA Report on Gas Stocks
- Natural Gas Stocks (EIA): The traditional weekly summary from the US Department of Energy on gas storage takes on increased significance in the midst of the winter period. Previous reports have shown that gas stocks in the US remain somewhat above the multi-year average due to a mild start to winter and record production. The new release will reflect the volume of gas drawn from storage during the last week of December: moderate declines in stocks due to pleasant weather may continue to exert pressure on natural gas prices, while an unexpected increase in consumption (e.g., due to cold spells) could drive prices upwards. Traders from Europe are also tracking this data given the global integration of gas markets through LNG: stable US stocks indirectly indicate the reliability of liquefied gas exports, which is vital for European countries experiencing winter. Ultimately, the balance of supply and demand in the gas market on both sides of the Atlantic will influence the shares of energy companies and the currencies of energy-exporting countries.
Corporate Earnings: Before Market Open (BMO, USA and Asia)
- Helen of Troy (HELE): The producer of consumer goods (brands OXO, Braun, Vicks, etc.) will report its results for the third quarter of the 2026 financial year before market open. Investors will focus on the dynamics of sales in the consumer goods and health segments during the holiday season and the recovery of margins. The company has previously faced higher costs and supply chain issues, so the market will await signals of profitability improvement and updated forecasts from management for the year.
- Neogen Corporation (NEOG): The biotechnology company specializing in food safety testing and veterinary diagnostics will report before the market opens. This will be the report for the second quarter of the 2026 financial year, the first full quarter after the integration of recently acquired divisions. Investors will assess revenue growth, synergies from the merger with 3M's food safety business, and the state of operational margins. Any comments from management about demand from the agricultural sector and food manufacturers will be crucial for forecasts of further growth.
- The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL): The producer of healthy food and snacks (brands Atkins, Quest) will present the financial results for the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. The holiday period traditionally supports snack demand, and analysts expect solid sales growth. A key question is margin dynamics: investors will watch to see if the company has managed to contain ingredient and logistics costs to maintain profitability amid raw material inflation. The company's forecast for the remainder of the year regarding trends in the demand for protein bars and low-carb products will also impact perceptions of the health food sector's outlook.
- TD SYNNEX (SNX): One of the largest distributors of IT equipment and solutions will report for the fourth quarter of the 2025 financial year (as well as for the entire FY2025) before trading in New York begins. TD SYNNEX's results will provide insight into the state of the global technology market and corporate IT spending at year-end. The focus will be on revenue volume and orders for electronics, computer hardware, and software amid ambiguous demand: previously some competitors indicated weakened purchasing from small businesses, but sustained demand for cloud solutions and corporate infrastructure upgrades may have supported sales. Investors will also analyze the company’s forecasts for the upcoming year and comments on the impact of macro factors (high rates, geopolitics) on the IT sector.
Corporate Earnings: After Market Close (AMC, USA)
- WD-40 Company (WDFC): The iconic producer of lubricants and household chemicals will announce results for the first quarter of the 2026 financial year after the US market closes. Shareholders are interested in whether the company has been able to increase its sales of the signature WD-40 aerosol and related products in key markets (USA, Europe, Asia) amid economic uncertainty. In the last quarter, WD-40 showed double-digit revenue growth in the Asian region, and continuation of this trend would be a positive signal. There will also be a focus on gross margin, given the volatility in the prices of chemical raw materials and packaging: improving margins will indicate effective pricing and cost-reduction measures. Management’s outlook for the remainder of the financial year regarding demand from industrial and household consumers will set the tone for the company's shares.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: For the date of January 8, there are virtually no major corporate earnings publications from companies within the pan-European index; the tone for trading in Europe will be set by macroeconomic data (German orders, Eurozone pricing statistics) and reactions from currency-commodity markets. Additionally, trading updates from major British retailers will be in focus: on this day, Christmas sales reports from giants such as Marks & Spencer (MKS) and Tesco (TSCO) will be presented in London. A successful holiday season in UK retail could bolster positive sentiment in the European consumer market, while weak results might intensify concerns about household spending cuts.
- Nikkei 225: In Japan, the corporate calendar for January 8 is sparse with events, as the main earnings season is set to begin later in the month. Trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange will primarily focus on external signals - dynamics from Wall Street the previous day, changes in the yen exchange rate, and investor sentiment towards the technology sector. The lack of internal drivers means that the Nikkei 225 index will likely follow global trends in risk appetite. Asian markets, in general, will continue to monitor the prospects of monetary policy from both the US and China, which determine capital inflows into the region.
- MOEX: The Russian market this Thursday remains in low activity conditions due to the New Year holidays (in Russia, official holidays are extended until January 8 inclusive). No significant corporate earnings are scheduled on the Moscow Exchange, so trading sentiments will be formed under the influence of external factors - prices for oil and gas, dynamics of global stock indices, and currency rates on forex. Investors in the Russian market will focus on how global data and company reports may affect risk appetite, preparing for renewed trading activity next week when the holidays conclude.
Daily Summary: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- 1) European Indicators: The morning data from Germany and the Eurozone will set the tone for the session in the EU. Strong orders from German enterprises and low PPI may support the euro and stocks in the industrial sector, bolstering hopes for a soft landing in the economy. However, weak statistics may heighten expectations for stimulating policies, which could simultaneously weaken the euro and increase interest in exporters on the exchange.
- 2) Signals from the USA: The block of daily publications in the USA (labor market, trade balance, inflation expectations) will be a key driver for dollar-denominated assets in the latter half of the day. Particular attention should be paid to the number of jobless claims: new confirmation of the strength of the labor market could trigger an increase in treasury yields and weigh on technology stocks. If the data indicates a cooling economy (rising unemployment, larger trade deficits, increasing inflation expectations), investors may switch to caution, supporting bonds and defensive sectors.
- 3) Corporate Reports and Forecasts: The first earnings publications in 2026 will provide local ideas for movements in individual stocks. Reports from Helen of Troy and other consumer companies will clarify the state of consumer demand in key markets, while the results from TD SYNNEX will showcase trends in corporate IT spending. In Europe, the reports from retail chains (M&S, Tesco) will serve as indicators of consumer behavior during the holiday period. Successful corporate releases may enhance the mood of investors in the relevant sectors, while disappointments could limit stock index growth.
- 4) Energy Factor: Data on gas stocks in the US and any changes in energy prices will remain in focus, especially for investors in European and Russian markets. Decreased gas or oil prices due to a mild winter and high inventories will support the transportation and chemical sectors but may pressure shares of oil and gas companies. Conversely, a sudden price surge in energy resources will immediately reflect on inflation expectations and profitability in energy-intensive enterprises. Thus, investors should consider energy markets when balancing their portfolios on this day.
