Economic Events and Corporate Reports — 21 February 2026

Economic Events and Corporate Reports Overview for 21st February 2026: Global Markets, S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX Indices, Macroeconomic Data, and Investment Guidelines Ahead of the New Week

Saturday, 21st February 2026, is a day characterised by a minimal number of "classic" market drivers: the major exchanges in the US and Europe are closed, and corporate reports for the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX indices are typically not released over the weekend. Nevertheless, this day holds significance for investors as a critical portfolio adjustment point ahead of the new week: the market will be digesting the outcomes of Friday's session, the latest corporate reports, movements in oil and the dollar, as well as expectations surrounding the monetary policies of the major central banks.

The key focus on 21st February will be on isolated macroeconomic indicators and corporate communications (including calls/transcripts) that are released outside of the "prime-time" trading liquidity. At a global level, attention remains fixed on topics such as inflation and interest rates (Federal Reserve, ECB, Bank of Japan), the resilience of consumer demand, along with valuations in the technology sector, where reports from the largest companies set the tone for the entire market.

Market Context: Liquidity, Volatility, and the "Week's Vector"

On this day of limited trading, actual liquidity in stocks is restricted, yet:

• Futures and OTC indicators (commodities, currencies, crypto-assets) continue to shape expectations for Monday's opening.
• Rate expectations are shifting based on Friday's data and regulatory comments: investors are comparing inflationary trends with the risk of economic slowdown.
• The commodities sector (oil/gas) remains a marker of sentiment: price movements influence inflation forecasts, currencies of exporting nations, and stocks in the energy sector.

For the CIS audience, the ruble exchange rate, oil prices, and the overall risk appetite of global funds are also important, as these channels reflect the conditions of funding and risk demand in the region.

Economic Events of the Day: Macro Data Releases and Publications

Saturday sees a limited set of statistics. However, even "local" data can impact the currency market and risk appetite through cross rates and expectations regarding interest rates.

Asia and the Pacific Region: New Zealand

• New Zealand: Core Retail Sales, quarter on quarter (QoQ).

Why this matters:

• The indicator reflects the resilience of domestic demand and assists the market in assessing the inflation trajectory.
• Strong sales may bolster the New Zealand dollar and strengthen expectations for a more hawkish policy stance from the regulator, while weak sales could do the opposite, reducing rate expectations.
• Through the "Asian session" and cross rates NZD/AUD/JPY, the signal may indirectly reflect attitudes towards risk assets in the region.

US: Data Calendar and Regulators

For 21st February, no significant official releases for the US are typically scheduled due to the holiday format. However, investors should consider the inertia from Friday's publications and how the market will reassess by Monday:

• Expectations regarding Fed rates and the probabilities of a "higher for longer" scenario;
• The state of consumer sentiment (confidence surveys, components of inflation expectations), as demand continues to remain key to corporate profit forecasts;
• Drivers of the technology sector, where upcoming reports from major issuers will set the tone for the entire S&P 500.

Europe: Inflation Expectations, EUR, and Risk Premiums

In Europe, the holiday is also devoid of significant calendar events. The market will focus on overarching conditions:

• EUR/USD dynamics and the "revaluation" of European risk in light of ECB rates;
• Yield spreads on sovereign bonds and appetite for credit risk;
• Sensitive sectors of the Euro Stoxx 50 — banks, industry, consumer companies — act as a barometer for expectations regarding economic growth.

Russia and CIS: MOEX, Ruble, and Commodity Factors

For the Russian market, Saturday is a non-trading day, but it is crucial for investors to monitor factors shaping the opening of the following week:

• Oil and oil products as key external factors for the ruble and budget expectations;
• Dollar dynamics and global financial conditions (UST yields, risk appetite);
• Corporate news from MOEX issuers (management comments, dividends, operational performance), which are often released outside of trading hours.

Corporate Reports: What is Due on Saturday

During weekends, "mass" reporting is typically absent: companies in the S&P 500 and Euro Stoxx 50 usually release reports on weekdays to provide investors access to Q&A and ensure adequate market reaction. Nevertheless, for 21st February, specific calls/public communications are scheduled regarding the reporting period.

Pre-market

• US (S&P 500): no significant report publications are expected on Saturday; the market is preparing for the main wave of reports next week.
• Europe (Euro Stoxx 50): no significant report publications are expected on Saturday; attention is on the week's outcomes and ECB's rate expectations.
• Japan (Nikkei 225): standard reporting on Saturdays is rare; investors are concentrating on Yen dynamics and signals regarding the Bank of Japan's policy.
• Russia (MOEX): the exchange is closed; corporate announcements may occur outside trading hours, but financial reports "according to market schedule" typically emerge on weekdays.

Post-Market Close

• CoinShares International Limited: Communication/call regarding Q4 2025 outcomes (listed as an event on 21st February).
• QBE Insurance Group Ltd: Planned communication/call regarding the period's outcomes (listed as an event on 21st February), with official materials potentially published earlier.

How should an investor interpret such events:

• On a holiday, reactions in stocks may be delayed — key effects will manifest at the opening of the nearest trading session.
• Quality of management commentary takes centre stage: forecasts regarding margins, capital expenditures, risks, and demand are more critical than merely the results of the previous quarter.
• If a company is linked to the financial sector, commodities, or technology, investors additionally assess the business's sensitivity to rates, volatility, and currency fluctuations.

Key Events of the Day: What Could Shift Expectations

1. Macro Signal from New Zealand (retail sales) as an indicator of consumer resilience and interest rates.
2. Re-evaluation of Expectations for the Following Week: The market will prepare for major reports and publications/comments that could alter perceptions of inflation and rates.
3. Movement in Commodities and Currencies in the "thin" weekend liquidity — crucial for Monday's opening, especially for oil and the dollar.

Conclusion: Key Considerations for Investors Ahead of the New Week

Saturday, 21st February 2026, is a day lacking substantial data flow and a major wave of corporate reporting, yet it is beneficial for preparing for the upcoming week. Investors should focus on three key areas:

• Review the rate scenario (Fed/ECB/Bank of Japan): any shifts in expectations quickly reflect on growth stock valuations and the currency market.
• Assess profit quality based on the latest reports and management commentary: forecasts hold greater importance than just the quarterly figures.
• Align risk positioning considering oil, the dollar, and overall volatility: for CIS markets, this is directly related to currency rates, interest rates, and capital inflows.

If your strategy ties to global indices (S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225) and the Russian market (MOEX), the logic for the weekend is straightforward: minimise surprises at Monday's opening and pre-determine risk levels at which to increase or reduce positions.