
Detailed Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports on 27 January 2026
Tuesday promises to be eventful for global markets: attention will be fixed on diplomatic initiatives in the morning (diplomatic breakfast of Sergei Lavrov with ambassadors from CIS countries and the EU-India summit in New Delhi), while the midday focus will shift to a series of data releases from the US — covering employment, housing, and consumer sentiment, alongside discussions on cryptocurrency regulation in the US Senate. In the second half of the day, markets will assess the rhetoric from ECB President Christine Lagarde and public statements from Donald Trump. Concurrently, the corporate earnings season is in full swing: investors will receive results from several leading companies across the US (from the industrial sector to technology and healthcare), major European conglomerates (including leaders in luxury and industrial segments), Asian corporations, and select Russian issuers. It is crucial for investors to evaluate all events in relation to one another: signals from US macro data ↔ expectations about rates and bond yields ↔ dynamics of the dollar and commodity prices (oil, metals) ↔ risk appetite in equity markets; strong corporate reports can also shift focus toward specific sectors.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 04:30 — China: Industrial profits (December).
- 09:00 — Russia: Breakfast meeting of Foreign Minister S. Lavrov with ambassadors from CIS countries (cooperation priorities for 2026).
- Throughout the day — India–EU: Summit in New Delhi on a comprehensive trade and investment agreement.
- 16:15 — USA: ADP Employment Report (weekly private labor market indicator).
- 16:30 — USA: Speech by Donald Trump (public address, political and economic commentary).
- 17:00 — USA: S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index (November).
- 18:00 — USA: Consumer Confidence Index (CB) (January).
- 18:00 — USA: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Manufacturing Activity Index (January).
- 18:00 — Eurozone: Speech by ECB President Christine Lagarde.
- 18:00 — USA: Senate Agriculture Committee – Voting on the cryptocurrency regulation bill (Digital Commodities Act).
- 00:30 (Wed) — USA: Weekly oil inventories (API).
Geopolitics: CIS and EU–India Summit
- CIS – Cooperation Priorities: The working meeting between Sergei Lavrov and ambassadors from CIS countries sets the tone for regional diplomacy. The focus is on coordinating economic initiatives, trade ties, and integration projects for 2026. Investors in the CIS region will be looking for signals regarding the further easing of business barriers and potential joint infrastructure projects, which could support export/import-related companies.
- EU–India Summit: In New Delhi, leaders of the European Union and India are discussing the conclusion of a major free trade agreement. Key aspects include reducing tariffs and barriers on goods (such as textiles, auto components, pharmaceuticals), investment cooperation, and coordination in technology and energy. A breakthrough in the negotiations could provide momentum for exporters in both the EU and India, support European car manufacturers and the Indian IT sector, and strengthen global sentiment towards the development of world trade.
USA: Labour Market and Consumer Confidence
- ADP and Employment Dynamics: The weekly ADP report will provide a timely assessment of the state of the US labour market. High hiring numbers will indicate sustained demand for labour, potentially heightening expectations for a more stringent Federal Reserve policy, while a slowdown in hiring would ease pressure on rates. The trend is critical for investors, as the labour market remains a key indicator influencing bond yields and the banking sector.
- Consumer Sentiment and Housing Market: The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index for January will reflect household confidence in the economy following the holiday season. Improvements in sentiment signal the potential for increased consumer spending (supportive for retailers and the services sector), while a decline in the index could indicate consumer caution and pressure on cyclical sectors. Concurrently, the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index will be released: ongoing house price growth amid limited supply supports homeowner wealth, while price declines could cool the construction sector. Together, data on sentiment and housing will shape the picture of internal demand in the US, impacting shares of consumer sector companies and construction firms.
Speeches by Leaders: Donald Trump and Christine Lagarde
- Donald Trump: The former President of the United States will deliver a public address (potentially an election speech or commentary on economic policy). Investors will pay close attention to his rhetoric: criticism of the current economic course or statements on trade policy/tariffs could short-term influence the market (especially stocks of companies sensitive to regulation and tariffs, or those related to infrastructure and energy, which Trump often comments on). Any political signals will be assessed by the market concerning the outlook for the 2026 elections and associated risks.
- Christine Lagarde: The head of the European Central Bank will speak at a forum in the afternoon. The focus will be on assessing the eurozone economy and inflation risks in the new year. If Lagarde hints at further rate hikes or expresses concern over high inflation, this could strengthen the euro and elevate yields on European bonds, putting pressure on the Euro Stoxx 50. Conversely, a more dovish tone (such as signs of a pause in tightening policy amid an economic slowdown) would support European stocks and bonds of peripheral countries. Currency and equity markets in the EU will analyse each of Lagarde's statements for hints on future regulatory policy.
Cryptocurrencies: Legislation in the US Senate
- Regulation of Digital Assets: The US Senate Agriculture Committee is conducting a 'markup' – a discussion and voting on the Digital Commodities Act concerning the regulation of digital assets. The key focus is delineating the powers of the SEC and CFTC over the cryptocurrency market, requirements for crypto exchanges, and investor protection measures. If the legislation moves forward, the market will perceive this as a step towards establishing clear rules for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins in the US. This could increase price volatility of bitcoin and altcoins: positive clarity on regulation could short-term support prices and shares of crypto companies, whereas stringent restrictions or delays in adoption could trigger sell-offs. Investors dealing in crypto assets should prepare for rapid price fluctuations during discussions of the legislation.
Asia: Industrial Profits from China
- Industrial Profits in China: China has published data on profits from major industrial enterprises for December. Against the backdrop of moderate economic recovery, this indicator shows how effectively the industrial sector is coping with the repercussions of last year's downturn. Notably, for the first 11 months of 2025, total profits barely exceeded the previous year's level (~+0.1% YoY), and any further growth, even by small margins, will serve as a hopeful signal. An improvement in factory profitability would indicate a revival of domestic demand and the efficacy of government stimulus, which would be positive for industrial metal prices and shares of Chinese companies. Conversely, if profits stagnate or decline, this would heighten concerns about the slowdown in the world's second-largest economy and could exert pressure on commodity markets (especially metallurgy) and the Hang Seng/Shanghai Composite Index.
Oil Market: API Inventories
- Oil and Inventories: The American Petroleum Institute (API) will publish an estimate of changes in commercial stocks of crude oil and petroleum products for the week. This unofficial report is released late in the evening and sets the tone before the official EIA statistics are released on Wednesday. Traders will focus on the trend: a continued reduction in US oil inventories would indicate sustained demand and support for Brent/WTI prices, while an unexpected rise in stocks could trigger a short-term price drop. The oil market currently exhibits a sensitive balance: geopolitical risks and demand from China hold prices up, whereas rising inventories or production in the US may constrain the rally. The reaction of oil futures to the API data may also reflect on the currencies of commodity-exporting countries (e.g., the Canadian dollar) and shares of oil and gas companies.
Earnings Reports: Pre-Market (BMO, US and Asia)
- UnitedHealth Group (UNH) – Health insurance, the largest health insurer (Dow Jones). Key focus: medical expense ratio in the fourth quarter (growth in treatment costs vs. insurance premiums), growth in insured numbers (especially Medicare/Medicaid), and outlook for 2026. Stable costs and positive guidance will support shares in the healthcare sector, whereas rising costs or cautious forecasts may weigh on the entire managed care segment.
- Boeing (BA) – Aerospace and defence. Key metrics: volume of commercial aircraft deliveries for the quarter (production rates of 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner), progress in resolving supply chain bottlenecks, and new orders from airlines. Investors are also looking for comments on profitability and free cash flow (crucial following the resumption of deliveries and increased production). Successful ramp-up of aircraft production and a solid order book will support Boeing shares and related manufacturers, while any disruptions or management caution may hurt the aerospace sector.
- RTX Corporation (RTX) – Aerospace and defence conglomerate (includes Pratt & Whitney, Collins, Raytheon). Key areas: defence segment (growth in orders for air defence systems, munitions amid global tensions) and civil segment (resolving issues with Pratt & Whitney engines for Airbus, recovery of air travel). Investors await updates on technical problem resolutions and margin forecasts. A strong defence backlog and progress in the aviation division will support RTX shares, while new costs or delays may elicit a negative response.
- United Parcel Service (UPS) – Logistics and express delivery. Important metrics: results of the holiday season (volumes of parcels in November-December), the effect of the recent agreement with the union on costs and margin, and management’s outlook for delivery demand in 2026. If UPS reports revenue growth during clearance sales and stable operating margins, this will bolster confidence in consumer demand and support shares in the transport sector. A decline in volumes or cautious guidance (for instance, due to economic slowdown) could lead to sell-offs not only for UPS but also its competitors (FedEx) and e-commerce-related companies.
- General Motors (GM) – Automotive industry. Key metrics: sales and production of vehicles in the fourth quarter, especially dynamics relating to electric vehicles (EVs) and popular pickups/SUVs, as well as the impact of recent strikes and the new agreement with the union on costs. Investors will assess whether GM has been able to catch up on lost production after the autumn strike and how this affected profitability. Margin forecasts amid high rates and car prices are centre stage. A confident tone from management and progress in EV production (for instance, increasing output of models and improving batteries) will support GM shares and the entire auto sector, while weak results or costs arising from labour disputes will exacerbate pressures on automakers.
- Union Pacific (UNP) – Rail freight. Focused on: freight volume and revenue across key cargo categories (industrial goods, agriculture, containers) for the quarter, as well as operational metrics (operational efficiency). Rail traffic acts as a barometer of the economy: growth in shipments will indicate a revival in industry and trade in the US, which is positive for UNP shares and other rail companies. If volumes have declined (for instance, due to weak grain or coal exports), management will need to demonstrate cost reductions to maintain profits. Improvement in operational metrics and optimism around cargo flows will support share values, while weak demand may trigger reduced investor interest in the transport logistics sector.
- Northrop Grumman (NOC) – Defence industry. Key points: new order intake and backlog growth (especially for drone, missile, and space systems programmes) amid elevated military spending from the US and allies, as well as project profitability. The company has several mega-projects (stealth bomber B-21 Raider, NASA programmes); investors expect updates on their progress. A strong inflow of contracts and confirmation of sales forecasts will strengthen NOC shares, which are already on an upward trend due to global geopolitics. Any delays or contract execution issues could temporarily dampen investor enthusiasm for the defence segment.
- NextEra Energy (NEE) – Electricity and renewable energy. Key points: financial results of the core electric utility business (Florida Power & Light) and growth in generation from renewable sources (wind farms, solar plants). NextEra is a leading 'green' energy company, so investors will closely monitor its project portfolio: new capacity additions in 2025–2026, and the impact of rising rates on financing these projects (a problem that previously led to declines in shares of its subsidiary, NextEra Energy Partners). If the company confirms plans for expanding renewable energy generation while controlling expenses, this would restore confidence in the renewable energy sector. Special attention will be paid to management's earnings and dividend forecasts: steady growth could support NEE shares, while restrained expectations or mention of challenges (such as rising borrowing costs) may heighten volatility in the stock’s price.
- Kimberly-Clark (KMB) – Consumer goods (producer of brands such as Kleenex, Huggies, etc.). Key focus: organic sales growth and changes in volumes across key categories (diapers, toilet paper, etc.), as well as operating margin levels. In a context of declining raw material inflation, investors are keen to see a recovery in margins, provided the company has not lost volumes due to price increases. Any signals of waning demand (for example, declining sales in developing regions or increased competition from retailers’ private label brands) will raise market concerns. Conversely, stable results and an optimistic outlook on consumer demand will support not only Kimberly-Clark shares but also those of other FMCG sector giants (Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive).
- HCA Healthcare (HCA) – Hospital clinics and medical centres. Key metrics: bed occupancy rates and number of procedures/surgeries (reflecting demand for planned medical care), revenue growth rates in comparable hospitals, and personnel expenditures. Last year, the hospital sector faced staffing shortages and rising salaries; HCA's progress in hiring and retaining staff will influence costs. If HCA shows an increase in patient flow and stable margins, this will signal a normalisation in the healthcare situation, positive for the entire sector. Warnings from management regarding rising costs or weak demand for elective services may adversely affect HCA shares and its competitors.
Earnings Reports: After Market Close (AMC, US)
- Texas Instruments (TXN) – Semiconductors (analog-digital chips). Key focus: demand from TXN's key customer segments – automotive, industrial equipment, and electronics. The company often provides conservative guidance, so the outlook for the first quarter of 2026 will be a crucial indicator: will demand for chips remain weak or is a recovery expected? Investors will also scrutinise inventory levels: a reduction in inventories will signal a recovery in the balance of demand and supply in the supply chain. A positive demand outlook (for instance, bolstered by automotive electronics) could lift shares across the semiconductor sector, while cautious comments or declining sales might heighten pressure on semiconductor companies.
- Seagate Technology (STX) – Data storage (hard drives). Key focus: trends in orders from cloud data centres and corporate clients. Following a downturn in the memory and storage market in 2023, investors are looking for signs of demand recovery. Also under scrutiny are measures by Seagate itself to optimise: cost-cutting, new product pipeline (high-capacity HDDs), and balance sheet condition. If the company reports growth in orders from major cloud players and improved backlogs, this will support STX shares. Continuing demand weakness or low capacity utilisation could lead to downward revisions in profit forecasts.
- F5, Inc. (FFIV) – Technologies for networking and cybersecurity. Key focus: sales of software and hardware for traffic and application management. F5 has been transforming in recent years, focusing on software and subscription services. Investors will evaluate the growth of subscription revenue and cloud solutions, as well as demand from corporate IT budgets. If results and forecasts indicate that the company is able to increase software sales despite client spending constraints, FFIV shares will receive support. Weak results or complaints about cutbacks in corporate infrastructure spending could negatively affect not only F5 but also related companies in the cybersecurity sector.
- Jack Henry & Associates (JKHY) – Financial technology (software for banks and credit unions). Key focus: growth rates of the client base among regional banks in the US and demand for upgrading core banking systems. Rising interest rates and the problems of certain banks may have forced financial institutions to cut IT budgets. Investors will look for signals in Jack Henry's report regarding whether demand for their solutions has recovered. Confident revenue growth and new contracts with banks will support JKHY shares, demonstrating the resilience of fintech demand. Conversely, if management reports delays in transactions or client cutbacks, this may raise concerns about the entire banking software sector.
- Boston Properties (BXP) – Real estate investment trust (office properties, USA). Key focus: occupancy rates of office spaces in major cities (New York, San Francisco, Boston), trends in rental rates, and the renewal/cancellation of contracts by major tenants. With many companies transitioning to hybrid working formats, the office segment is under pressure. Investors will assess whether BXP has stabilised vacancy rates and rental income. Also important are comments on the revaluation of properties and debt (considering rising rates). Positive news about new tenants or slow vacancy growth could lead to a bounce in BXP shares and those of other office REITs, while deteriorating metrics (falling occupancy, decreasing profits) will heighten concerns about commercial real estate.
- Manhattan Associates (MANH) – Software for supply chain and inventory management. Key focus: demand from retailers and logistics companies for upgrading warehouse management systems, implementation of MANH's cloud solutions. Retail experienced a wave of digitalisation during the pandemic; investors want to understand whether investment activity in supply chain software persists. If Manhattan Associates demonstrates the growth of subscriptions to its cloud platforms and expansion of contracts with large retailers, this will signal that companies continue to invest in optimising their supply chains — positive for MANH shares. Any signs of market saturation or project delays could lead to a reassessment of the company's growth prospects.
- Vale S.A. (VALE) – Mining (Brazil, one of the largest producers of iron ore). Key metrics: iron ore and non-ferrous metals production volumes in the fourth quarter, export supplies to China, and updates to the production forecast for 2026. Additionally, Vale may disclose information regarding production costs and progress in capacity recovery (following past constraints). For the commodity market, Vale's report serves as a benchmark: growth in production amid stable demand from China could exert downward pressure on ore prices, whereas any disruptions or conservative output plans will support prices for raw materials and shares of metallurgical companies. Investors are also keen on news regarding capital return (dividends, buybacks), which is relevant amid high profits in the commodity cycle.
- Synchrony Financial (SYF) – Consumer credit (installment cards and private labels). Key metrics: volume of loans issued and dynamics of delinquent debt in the portfolio. Given high interest rates and record growth of credit card debt in the US, investors are particularly attentive to Synchrony's charge-off rate. Moderate growth of delinquency, backed by conservative provisioning, will indicate that consumers are still managing their debt, which is positive for SYF shares and the banking sector. However, accelerating defaults or a negative outlook on asset quality could trigger sell-offs not just for Synchrony but also for other credit card issuers (Capital One, Discover).
- PPG Industries (PPG) – Materials, industrial chemicals (one of the leaders in the coatings market). Key focus: organic sales growth by region and segment (auto paints, construction coatings, packaging, etc.), as well as the company's ability to maintain high prices on its products amid declining costs of raw materials. If PPG successfully translates the drop in prices for raw material components (oil, chemicals) into improved margins, this will support profits. Demand in China and Europe is of particular interest: recovery in industrial activity there stimulates coatings consumption. Strong results from PPG and optimism about demand could support shares in the chemical sector in the US and Europe (AkzoNobel, etc.), while a weak report (for instance, declining volumes due to weakness in the real estate market) could alarm investors about global industrial demand.
- Sysco (SYY) – Food distribution (largest supplier for restaurants and hotels in North America). Key focus: revenue growth in comparable sales (reflecting demand from the restaurant business) and the state of margins. The restaurant sector has rebounded since the pandemic, and resilience in Sysco's orders signals the health of the hospitality industry. Investors are looking to see if the recent slowdown in food inflation has affected pricing and margins at Sysco: the company may have benefited from the stabilisation of food prices. If the report shows steady growth in supply volumes and improved profits, SYY shares and those of adjacent companies (US Foods) will receive support. Any signs that restaurants are cutting back on orders (for example, due to declining foot traffic or cost-cutting measures) could negatively impact the outlook for future profits at Sysco.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: On 27 January, an important corporate event in Europe is the report from LVMH (the world's largest luxury goods manufacturer) for the fourth quarter. Investors will scrutinise how the luxury segment fared at the year’s end, particularly in light of demand from the US and China: strong sales from LVMH could support shares in the luxury sector (Kering, Hermès) and give momentum to the entire Euro Stoxx 50. Additionally, macro factors will influence sentiment in European markets: the outcomes of the EU-India summit (opportunities for EU exporters) and Lagarde’s rhetoric (expectations regarding ECB rates). Overall, if external risks are perceived as moderate, the Euro Stoxx 50 could continue to rise, while any negative surprises (weak company reports or tough signals from the ECB) may boost caution and demand for defensive assets.
- Nikkei 225 / Japan: In Tokyo, the earnings season for the third quarter of the 2025 financial year is ongoing. A number of major companies will report results: for example, chemical giant Shin-Etsu Chemical will report on demand for plastics and electrochemicals, with some automakers and technology firms also publishing quarterly data. The Japanese market will assess how the depreciation of the yen and the economy’s recovery post-pandemic have impacted the profitability of export-oriented companies. Improved results and forecasts (particularly from electronics and auto component manufacturers) will support the Nikkei 225 index, while weak reports may lead to local corrections. Additionally, investors are watching for indications of the Bank of Japan's policy: any rumours about a shift in monetary policy could introduce volatility into Japanese equities and the yen.
- MOEX / Russia: On the Moscow Exchange, there are no major first-tier earnings reports expected on 27 January—the majority of annual results from Russian companies will be released in February and March. However, some mid-tier issuers may reveal operating figures for December or the fourth quarter (for example, retail chains following holiday sales or mining companies based on production results). Investor attention is also focused on external factors: geopolitical news (CIS meeting) and global commodity trends will influence the dynamics of the MOEX index. Strengthening prices on oil and metals could support the Russian market, mitigating the impact of sanction risks. Overall, the MOEX indicator will respond to the general risk appetite in emerging markets: under favourable external conditions (stable dollar, rising emerging markets), Russian equities may continue a gradual upward trajectory.
End of Day: Key Points for Investors to Consider
- US Macro Data: Employment indicators (ADP) and consumer confidence will serve as pivotal triggers: an unexpected surge in hiring or optimism among citizens could heighten expectations of Fed tightening policy and temporarily elevate market volatility (S&P 500, Nasdaq), while signs of an economic slowdown will bolster bonds and defensive equities. Investors should be prepared for swift market movements immediately following these releases.
- Cryptocurrency Market Regulation: Progress in passing the US Digital Assets legislation could significantly sway the price of bitcoin and shares of crypto companies. Investors involved in cryptocurrencies should closely monitor news from Capitol Hill during the trading session and account for potential price spikes/falls against this news backdrop.
- Speeches by Leaders and Central Bankers: If Lagarde’s address suggests a shift in ECB policy, it will reflect on the euro and European assets. Similarly, statements from Donald Trump could have a localized impact on certain sectors (energy, defence, trade). It is vital to evaluate these signals through the lens of long-term policy: panic movements in response could provide opportunities for more advantageous entries or exits.
- Corporate Earnings on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Pre-market, particular attention should be paid to the UnitedHealth report (an indicator for healthcare) and Boeing's results (setting the tone for industry). Post-market, the Texas Instruments report will determine the mood for the technology sector. Strong reports and optimistic projections from these leaders could pivot the market's focus from macroeconomic risks to growth stories of individual companies, while disappointments could amplify the overarching negative sentiment.
- Risk Management: This day concentrates several divergent events (data, politics, earnings) which heightens the probability of volatility spikes. Investors are advised to pre-define key levels for their positions and set limit orders or stop-loss orders in case of sharp movements. Diversification across various asset classes and the use of hedging instruments (options, futures) will assist in protecting the portfolio should news result in unexpected market reactions.
A broad spectrum of signals for the market will emerge on Tuesday – from diplomatic agreements to corporate financial results. A rational approach and careful monitoring of news will help investors to recognise new trends timely and adjust their strategy in accordance with changing conditions.