Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Monday, December 29, 2025. Overview of the Macroeconomics and Global Stock Markets in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Russia for Investors.
The beginning of the last trading week of December is unfolding in a calm manner. Most major exchanges around the world are resuming operations after the holiday break, but there are currently no apparent drivers for the markets. Investor focus remains on the U.S. housing market data: on December 29 at 5:00 PM MSK, the National Association of Realtors will release the October Pending Home Sales report. The corporate sector is mostly silent: the earnings reporting period ended earlier, and no companies from the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, or the Moscow Exchange will announce results on Monday. Overall, global markets are preparing for a quiet week ahead of the New Year: low liquidity is limiting volatility, and participants are using this pause to reflect on the year and plan new strategies.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 08:30 — USA: Durable Goods Orders data (November), final GDP estimate for Q3, and corporate earnings.
- 09:15 — USA: Industrial Production for November.
- 10:00 — USA: Richmond Fed Business Activity Index (December), New Home Sales (November), and Consumer Sentiment (Michigan).
- 10:00 — USA: Preliminary expectations for Pending Home Sales for November.
- 13:00 — USA: Weekly Baker Hughes report on active oil rigs.
Corporate Reporting
Monday holds little promise for significant corporate surprises. As previously noted by Kiplinger, “no noteworthy earnings reports are scheduled for publication.” The only exceptions may be local, small-cap issuers. For instance, Taiwanese technology company OBOOK Holdings (NASDAQ: OWLS) has postponed its semi-annual results to a post-market call on December 29. In Russia and Europe, there are also no significant releases: major corporations have completed their quarters and will present reports in January. Thus, the news flow from the corporate sector remains neutral and does not impact overall market dynamics.
Global Markets
- USA: American markets begin the last shortened week of 2025. Following last week, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ remained nearly unchanged, with pre-holiday trading being slow and lacking new trends. On Monday, moderate trading activity is observed on Wall Street without sharp price shifts.
- Europe: After the weekend, European markets (London, Frankfurt, Paris) open as usual. Eurozone exchanges were closed on Friday (Christmas), so for most markets, this is the first active day following the pause. However, significant changes are not expected, as the overall sentiment on the continent remains “muted” due to the holidays.
- Asia: Trading continues in Japan and China. The Nikkei 225 index begins the week influenced by a stable yen, while the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges are also open. The broader Asian backdrop is supported by a “calm breather” – key 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 conclude by 10:00 MSK). There are no significant releases, and local indices are currently moving within narrow ranges. The ruble remains stable, and volatility in the Russian market is subdued.
Currencies and Commodities
In the currency markets, a New Year “silence” has set in: the dollar remains near recent local extremes against major currencies (euro, yen) without sharp movements. Oil and metal prices are holding steady – trading is taking place against a backdrop of low liquidity, without major drivers of demand or supply. Consequently, price and commodity fluctuations at the start of the week are limited, and no significant shocks are anticipated.
What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- Monitor forecasts for the last week of the year. Despite the lull, the “minutes” from the December Federal Reserve meeting will be released tomorrow evening (Publishing FOMC Minutes), which may alter rate expectations. Additionally, December’s PMI data from China will be available on Wednesday – their results could give a boost to risk assets.
- Use this time to review your portfolio. The pre-New Year week is a suitable moment to assess the year’s outcomes, adjust asset allocation, and review strategies 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 (gaps) even from minor news. Therefore, it is advisable to place limit orders, reduce risks for new positions if necessary, and avoid aggressive trading.
- Maintain a long-term approach. The absence of movements is only temporary. Once January arrives, a new earnings season will begin, and important macro data will be released. The key is to remain in the market and not succumb to panic due to short-term calm.
