Detailed Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports on 25 January 2026. A Calm Weekend in the Markets, Baker Hughes Report, Saudi Arabia's Trade Balance Data, National Holiday in Australia, and Anticipations Ahead of Key Decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan.
Sunday is relatively calm for global markets as major exchanges in the US and Europe are closed, and trading activity in the Asia-Pacific region is subdued. Investors are taking stock of the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, preparing for a busy new week ahead. Central to this is the upcoming meetings of central banks: on Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision, followed by potential adjustments to monetary policy by the Bank of Japan. Additionally, the energy sector is highlighted by the report from oilfield services company Baker Hughes, published unusually on a Sunday. The release of macroeconomic statistics regarding Saudi Arabia's trade balance signals the state of oil exports at the end of the year. In these circumstances, it is crucial for investors to utilise this market pause to reassess risks and prepare for the volatility expected in the forthcoming week.
Macroeconomic Calendar (GMT+3)
- 06:00 — Saudi Arabia: trade balance for November.
- All day — Australia: National holiday (Australia Day, 26 January; Australian markets closed).
Central Banks: US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan
- The US Federal Reserve will hold its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, 28 January. Markets expect the base rate to remain unchanged, yet the regulator's rhetoric will be closely scrutinised. Any signals regarding future tightening or easing plans from the Fed will impact the yields on Treasury bonds and the dynamics of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices.
- The Bank of Japan is scheduled to meet towards the end of the week, where it may reconsider its yield curve control (YCC) policy. With Japanese 10-year bond yields reaching multi-year highs, expectations of widening the allowable corridor have intensified. Any adjustments to YCC parameters could trigger fluctuations in the yen's exchange rate and influence global bond markets.
Oil and Commodities
- The Baker Hughes report emerges amid stable oil prices (Brent remains around the mid-$60 per barrel mark) and a moderately volatile natural gas market. As a leading player in the oilfield services sector, Baker Hughes provides early indicators of activity in the oil industry. Investors will assess the dynamics of new orders for the company's equipment and services, alongside management's commentary on industry prospects in light of pricing conditions.
- Saudi Arabia's foreign trade data for November reflects the state of oil exports from the world's largest exporter. A sustained trade surplus signals stable oil revenues and may support OPEC+ nations' outlooks. However, a contraction in the surplus could indicate reduced export volumes or pricing, which is critical for oil market forecasts. Gold prices remain high (over $3300 per ounce), pointing to ongoing demand for safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties.
Corporate Earnings: United States
- Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), a major oilfield services company within the S&P 500, will release its Q4 2025 earnings report after trading concludes on Sunday. Analysts forecast earnings per share of about $0.67 and revenue of approximately $7.1 billion. The focus will be on service business margins and the volume of new orders for oil extraction equipment. The results from Baker Hughes will set the tone for the energy sector ahead of the American markets opening on Monday.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: In Europe, Sunday traditionally sees a lull in corporate releases, prompting investors to shift their focus to macroeconomic factors. Early in the upcoming week, data on business climate and the first reports from industrial giants in the Eurozone are expected, which could influence movements in the Euro Stoxx 50 index. The EUR/USD and GBP/USD exchange rates maintain relative stability, reflecting expectations regarding decisions from the Fed and the Bank of England.
- Nikkei 225 / Japan: In Tokyo, the reporting season for Q3 of the 2025 financial year continues. Several technology and industrial companies (including electronics and equipment manufacturers) will report in the early days of the week, with their results likely influencing the dynamics of the Nikkei 225. Additionally, the approaching Bank of Japan meeting keeps the Japanese bond market and banking sector on edge.
- MOEX / Russia: The Russian market (MOEX index) has no significant publications over the weekend. Major blue-chip companies are preparing to disclose their annual results closer to the end of the quarter; therefore, the focus remains on external benchmarks — oil prices, geopolitical context, and the ruble's exchange rate movements. Investors in the region will look to global signals and decisions by the Fed to assess potential impacts on commodity markets and developing country currencies.
Day's Summary: Key Points for Investors
- 1) Baker Hughes: The unexpected release of the report on Sunday makes BKR's results a crucial indicator for the entire oil and gas sector. Strong performance (exceeding earnings or revenue expectations) could support the shares of energy companies, while disappointment could heighten market caution ahead of the week.
- 2) Fed and Macroeconomic Policy: A critical event lies ahead — the Fed meeting on 28 January. Investors should prepare for potential volatility: any hints at changes to US monetary policy could prompt a reassessment of risk assets, from technology stocks to developing market currencies.
- 3) Bank of Japan and Global Bonds: A potential adjustment to the Bank of Japan’s yield control policy could impact not only the Nikkei 225 and the yen's value but also the global debt markets. Increasing Japanese yields might translate into rising rates for debts in other countries, a factor global investors should account for.
- 4) Oil Market: The combination of data from Saudi Arabia and the Baker Hughes report will provide fresh insight into supply-demand balances in the oil market. If the statistics indicate robust exports and optimistic service forecasts, oil prices could receive support, which would be positive for commodity-related assets and exporter currencies.
- 5) Strategy for the New Week: The current trading pause presents an opportune time for portfolio reassessment. In light of upcoming events (the Fed, corporate reports, macro data), investors are advised to predefine acceptable volatility ranges and entry/exit points. Employing stop orders and hedging risks will aid in entering the new week better prepared, especially considering that Monday will commence with reduced activity (no trading in Australia) and markets will require time to react to the range of news.
