Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for the Week of February 2-8, 2026: Global PMI, Central Bank Decisions, US Nonfarm Payrolls, and Earnings Reports from Major Companies in the US, Europe, Asia, and Russia.
The new week of February 2-8, 2026 brings a rich agenda for the markets. Investors worldwide will be monitoring the continuation of the corporate earnings season (the reporting period for the fourth quarter of 2025 is concluding in the US, with about 75% of companies already exceeding earnings per share (EPS) forecasts) while also assessing important macroeconomic events. In focus are central bank decisions (Bank of England, ECB), fresh data on PMI, inflation, and labor markets, along with geopolitical factors. Below is a daily overview of what to expect each day of the week, with particular attention for Russian investors abroad.
Monday, February 2, 2026
- Macroeconomics: At the beginning of the week, indicators of business activity are crucial. Early in the morning, the Caixin Manufacturing PMI for China will be released, setting the tone for Asian markets. In Europe, Germany will publish data on retail sales for December, providing insight into consumer demand in the region's leading economy. During the day, investors will be anticipating a key report from the US – the ISM Manufacturing Index for January, reflecting activity in the US manufacturing sector. Strong or weak PMI values could influence sentiments regarding global growth at the start of the week.
- Corporate Reports (before market opens): The main event of the day will be the report from Walt Disney Co. (S&P 500) for the first financial quarter of 2026, which is set to be released before trading begins in New York. This is one of the most anticipated reports: investors will evaluate Disney's streaming business metrics and theme park attendance following the holiday season. Several industrial and food companies from the US will also report before the market opens, but their impact on the market will be less noticeable compared to Disney.
- Corporate Reports (after market close): Following the main trading session in the US, several technology companies will release their earnings results. Notably, quarterly results from Palantir Technologies (data analytics, S&P 500) and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors are expected. The market's reaction to their reports will help gauge investor appetite for the technology sector amid changing interest rates. Overall, Monday will set the first tone for the week, demonstrating whether the positive sentiment from previous reports persists.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Macroeconomics: On Tuesday, the focus shifts to the Asia-Pacific region. Early in the morning, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will hold its interest rate meeting. This is the first RBA decision of 2026, and investors will assess the regulator's rhetoric against the backdrop of Australia's economic dynamics and global commodity prices. Important labor market data for New Zealand for the fourth quarter of 2025 will also be released overnight, with employment and unemployment rates providing signals about the health of the NZ economy and indirectly regional demand. In Europe, the ECB's lending survey, reflecting credit conditions in the Eurozone, is anticipated. Additionally, data on new car registrations in Europe may be published, which is interesting for assessing demand for automakers. In the US, auto sales figures for January (Domestic Auto Sales) – an indicator of consumer activity in the automotive sector – will be available in the afternoon.
- Corporate Reports (before market opens): Tuesday is rich in reports from major companies, particularly in the healthcare and consumer sectors. Before US exchanges open, results will be presented by two pharmaceutical giants from the S&P 500 – Pfizer and Merck & Co. Their quarterly reports will reveal how the 2025 year concluded for the pharma sector, including vaccine and drug sales, and will provide forecasts for 2026. Also reporting before the US markets open is PepsiCo – a leader in the consumer sector, whose results for beverages and snacks sales for the fourth quarter will be indicators of consumer demand. European companies will be less active on Tuesday: no significant reports from Euro Stoxx 50 companies are planned, so European investors will primarily focus on macro statistics.
- Corporate Reports (after market close): After trading ends on Tuesday, a series of important reports from high-tech and other US companies will be released. A noteworthy report will come from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a major chip manufacturer, whose results will provide insights into semiconductor demand and industry health. Reports from biotech giant Amgen, restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, and video game developer Electronic Arts are also expected. Additionally, a fintech sector leader, PayPal Holdings, will publish its results (expected either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, depending on the schedule), which will be significant for assessing trends in electronic payments. The market's reaction to reports on Tuesday evening will show whether the trend of beating profit forecasts continues, as previously noted (about 75% of companies exceeded expectations), or if investors are becoming more selective.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Macroeconomics: Wednesday brings several key economic publications. In Asia, early in the morning, the Caixin Services PMI for China for January will be released, reflecting the state of the service sector in the world's second-largest economy. Next, the focus shifts to Europe: in the morning, the preliminary estimate of the consumer price index (CPI inflation) in the Eurozone for January will be released. Inflation in Europe remains an important benchmark for the ECB, so any deviations from the target level could impact expectations ahead of the ECB's meeting the following day. In the US, the ADP Employment Report for January will be released on Wednesday – this is a leading indicator prior to the official labor market data on Friday. Additionally, the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index for January, showing business activity in the largest sector of the US economy, will be published during the day. This data will help understand whether a steady growth in employment and services is maintained in the US at the beginning of the year.
- Corporate Reports (Europe morning): On Wednesday, major companies will release reports across several continents. Prior to the opening of European markets, one of Europe's banking sector leaders – UBS Group (Switzerland, part of Euro Stoxx 50) – will present its results. UBS will publish its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the entire year, and this will be the first full quarter following the integration of Credit Suisse assets, so investors will closely study the profitability and stability metrics of the newly merged bank. Also in the morning on February 4, the final annual results of Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk (part of Euro Stoxx 50) will be released. Novo Nordisk is one of the most valuable companies in Europe, and its report for 2025 (especially sales of diabetes and obesity drugs) could impact the entire European healthcare market.
- Corporate Reports (before US market opens): As the New York session begins on Wednesday, the series of important reports from American companies will continue. Results are expected from pharmaceutical firms such as AbbVie and Biogen, as well as reports from industrial and consumer goods representatives (for example, General Motors may publish profitability data amid the shift to electric vehicles if they choose this date). Although the exact schedule may change, Wednesday morning will set the tone, especially if the reports are mixed – investors will compare the successes of pharma and industry with the previously seen results from the tech sector.
- Corporate Reports (after market close): The highlight of Wednesday will be the block of reports from tech giants following market closure in the US. Firstly, Alphabet (Google) – one of the largest companies in the S&P 500 – will publish its quarterly report. Investors expect data from Alphabet on advertising revenue and cloud services, as well as any management commentary regarding spending on artificial intelligence – all of which will impact the communications services sector. In addition to Alphabet, other technology firms will report on Wednesday evening, including mobile chip manufacturer Qualcomm and several smaller companies. Reports from the communications and media sectors are also anticipated: for instance, Fox Corporation or News Corp traditionally release quarterly results during this week. Consequently, Wednesday evening will be indicative of the high-tech and media segments of the market. Reactions to these reports will set the mood ahead of crucial events on Thursday.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Macroeconomics – Central Banks: Thursday promises to be one of the most important days of the week due to two meetings of key central banks in Europe. In the morning, the Bank of England (BoE) will hold its interest rate meeting. The British regulator will decide on interest rates: investors will be waiting to see if the BoE will keep rates unchanged or make adjustments based on inflation dynamics and the UK economy. Around noon Moscow time (morning in London), the European Central Bank (ECB) will meet, also concerning monetary policy. The ECB will discuss interest rates and possibly future actions regarding stimulus or tightening – this meeting is especially significant given the recent inflation data released the day before. Any comments from Christine Lagarde regarding price forecasts or economic growth may cause significant fluctuations in the euro and European stocks. Additionally, in the Eurozone, early in the morning, data on retail sales for December will be released, allowing for an assessment of consumption health at the year-end. In the US, macro statistics for this day are relatively quiet: traditionally, weekly unemployment claims data will be released, providing a current assessment of the labor market before the major report on Friday.
- Geopolitics: February 5 marks the expiration of the US-Russian Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). While this event is not economic in nature, it creates a backdrop of geopolitical tension. Investors consider this factor, as the absence of a new arms control agreement could heighten uncertainty in US-Russia relations. Any statements from the parties regarding the extension or terms of a new treaty will be closely monitored. Geopolitical stability is a crucial aspect for global markets, so February 5 is a date that warrants heightened vigilance.
- Corporate Reports (before market opens): On Thursday morning, the series of European corporate publications will continue. Specifically, energy giant Shell plc (UK/Netherlands, part of FTSE 100, and significantly influential on Euro Stoxx 50) will present its report for Q4 2025. Oil and gas companies posted high profits in 2025, thanks to steady oil prices, and Shell's results will provide insights into the year's outcomes and plans for capital returns to shareholders. Before the US markets open, reports from some US industrial and service sector companies may also be released, but primarily the market will be anticipating evening publications.
- Corporate Reports (after market close): On Thursday evening, following the close of US markets, one of the most significant reports of the season is expected – the quarterly results of Amazon.com Inc. (part of the S&P 500, one of the 'Magnificent 7'). Amazon will report for its key holiday quarter, showing online retail sales dynamics, as well as profitability in its AWS cloud business and developments in artificial intelligence initiatives. Given Amazon's scale, the market's reaction to these figures could substantially influence sentiments in the tech sector and on Nasdaq overall. In addition to Amazon, other well-known companies will report on Thursday evening. For example, Uber Technologies (a leader in ride-hailing and delivery) will publish its financial results – investors will examine how growth in rides and deliveries affects revenue and whether the company has moved closer to profitability. Reports from Detroit automakers may also emerge: while Ford and General Motors plan to officially disclose results next week, any preliminary data or comments may leak and affect sector stock dynamics. Thus, Thursday evening will conclude the main wave of reports for the week, with success or disappointment in these publications setting the tone for the final trading day.
Friday, February 6, 2026
- Macroeconomics: The concluding working day of the week is centered on labor market data, which could be a decisive factor for short-term investor sentiments. At 16:30 (Moscow time) on Friday, the long-awaited Nonfarm Payrolls report for January will be released in the US. This report is expected to include the number of jobs created, unemployment rate, and changes in average wages. This report traditionally triggers strong fluctuations in equity, bond, and currency markets, as it provides a comprehensive picture of the health of the world's largest economy at the start of the year. Considering that the US Federal Reserve closely monitors the labor market in shaping its policy, strong data could reinforce expectations for tighter policies, while weak numbers might do the opposite. Simultaneously with the US report, a similar employment report for Canada for January will be published, which is important for the Canadian dollar exchange rate and the oil market (through perspectives on the Canadian economy). Additionally, at 18:00 (Moscow time), the preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for February will be released in the US – a gauge of household sentiments impacting forecasts for consumer spending. In Asia, on Friday morning, leading economic indicators from Japan (leading index for December) will be known, although these rarely significantly move markets. Thus, Friday is the number one macroeconomic day this week, and the US labor market data is particularly important.
- Corporate Reports: On Friday, the flow of corporate reports decreases significantly, as companies less frequently choose the last day of the week to release important results. Nevertheless, there are noteworthy events. In Tokyo, the financial report from Toyota Motor Corp. – the largest automaker, part of the Nikkei 225, is expected. Toyota will disclose results for October-December 2025 (the third quarter of its financial year 2026). These figures will show how the company is coping with global challenges – shortage of microchips, transition to electric vehicles, and currency fluctuations. Additionally, other industrial leaders in Japan may report – for instance, electronics companies (with Sony having provided its presentation the previous day, February 5, and the market will play off its outcomes). In Europe and the US, no major publications are planned for Friday, so investors will focus more on overall conclusions from the concluded wave of reports and macro statistics.
- Special Events: Beyond the numbers, an important global event begins at the end of the week – the XXV Olympic Winter Games officially open in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) on Friday evening. While the Olympics are primarily a sporting and image event, they will attract the attention of global media and may indirectly influence the stocks of some companies (for example, sponsors, broadcasters, and the tourism sector in Italy). No direct effects are expected on the financial markets, but the very act of starting the Olympic Games symbolizes global cooperation and may improve market sentiment against the backdrop of geopolitical risks.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Rest Day – Analysis and Informal Meetings: Global financial markets are closed on Saturday, and no economic publications are scheduled. This day allows investors and analysts to reflect on the week's outcomes. Informal meetings or officials' statements may occur in the margins, for example, following the central banks' meetings on Thursday-Friday, regulators' leaders may provide additional comments in interviews that could appear in weekend newspapers and set the tone for markets next week. Furthermore, earlier initiated events will continue – the Olympic sporting competitions and other forums. No financial news is expected on Saturday, allowing investors to evaluate their strategies and prepare for the new week without immediate trading pressure.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Political Events: Concluding the week, attention shifts to political events that could impact markets at the start of the following week. In Thailand, early parliamentary elections will be held, combined with a referendum on a new constitution. The results of these elections are important for Asian markets: a potential shift in political course or instability within the coalition may reflect on the Thai stock market and the baht currency, and through sentiment – on other emerging markets in Southeast Asia. An even more significant event is the early elections in the lower house of Japan's parliament. The Sunday vote in Japan will determine the balance of power in the government. If there are changes in the ruling coalition or political course, it could affect economic policy, including possible incentives or reforms. On Monday morning, the Japanese Nikkei 225 index will react to the election outcome, so global investors will be paying close attention to news over the weekend. Overall, Sunday’s political news could create after-hours volatility and will be factored in when markets open on Monday, February 9.
Conclusion: The week of February 2-8, 2026, promises to be rich in information for market participants. Investors should pay particular attention to central bank decisions (on Thursday) and the US employment report (on Friday) – these events may determine the trajectories of currency exchange rates and bond yields, as well as set overall risk appetite. Simultaneously, the ongoing earnings season will drive dynamics in individual stocks and sectors: strong results from tech giants or banks may support the entire market, whereas disappointments could lead to sell-offs in specific sectors. In the US, most companies have already reported results better than expectations, instilling confidence in investors – it will be important to see if this trend continues in the remaining reports of the week. Equally significant are the geopolitical factors: the expiration of the New START treaty between the US and Russia and elections in several countries serve as reminders that besides economics, issues of security and politics impact the markets. For Russian investors conducting activities abroad, it is recommended to pay attention to external signals throughout the week – global macro statistics and comments from financial authorities will largely determine domestic drivers (e.g., ruble dynamics or oil prices). Overall, the strategy for the week should be diversification and careful responses to incoming data. This week presents both opportunities (on positive surprises) and risks (in the case of negative news), so preparation and a plan of action for various scenarios of global market developments are crucial.
