Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Sunday, February 8, 2026: Snap Elections in Japan, Budget Disputes in the US, and Lull in Macroeconomic Statistics, along with Reports from S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX
On the second Sunday of February 2026, the market experiences relative calm, but with important political highlights and residual risks. On the global stage, snap parliamentary elections in Japan are in focus, the outcome of which could impact investor sentiment as we begin a new trading week. Meanwhile, uncertainty persists in the United States due to budget disputes, with the recent government shutdown delaying the publication of key economic statistics, leaving markets without fresh indicators concerning the state of the world's largest economy. Today's macroeconomic calendar is almost empty, providing market participants with a breather to reflect on central bank decisions made last week and prepare for forthcoming data in the days to come. The earnings season is ongoing: while there are no new reports released on Sunday, investors await results from several major companies (both in the US, such as Ford, and in Europe and Asia) over the coming week to assess the health of the corporate sector and its prospects amid an economic slowdown. For the Russian market, there are no significant events scheduled today, so the main focus remains on external factors—commodity price dynamics (oil remains at comfortable levels following the OPEC+ decision), the exchange rate of the rouble, and the geopolitical climate. Investors in the CIS countries should carefully consider this global picture when formulating their trading strategy ahead of Monday's market opening.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- Throughout the day – Tokyo, Japan: general snap elections for the lower house of parliament. The vote will determine the balance of power in parliament and the future economic policy of the country. Results are expected by late Monday night: a confident victory for the ruling coalition would ensure continuity, while an unexpected success for the opposition could increase political uncertainty.
- Throughout the day – Washington, USA: a partial government shutdown continues due to the unpassed budget. This is causing delays in the release of important macroeconomic statistics—most notably, the January employment report (Nonfarm Payrolls) has not been published on time. Investors are awaiting a resolution to the budget crisis to obtain the delayed data and clarify the economic situation.
Politics: Elections in Japan
- Historic Voting. Japan is holding snap elections for the lower house of parliament today—an event that could reshape the country's political landscape. Prime Minister Sanae Takachi aims to solidify her government's mandate following the dissolution of parliament; preliminary polls suggest that the ruling coalition has a chance to retain a majority, although the distribution of seats remains intriguing. The outcome of the vote will determine the continuation of the current economic course and reforms, including a new economic stimulus policy, digitalisation efforts, and potential changes in fiscal frameworks.
- Market Influence. Investors are closely monitoring the elections, as their results will impact the dynamics of the Japanese yen and local company stocks. Political stability (with the ruling party maintaining its majority) could bolster confidence and increase risk appetite: a moderate strengthening of the Nikkei 225 index and continued movement of the yen within its current range is expected. Conversely, unexpected political shifts or coalition complexities might trigger short-term volatility—the yen could strengthen as a 'safe haven', while exporter stocks may temporarily decline due to concerns over a potential shift in economic policy. The Bank of Japan, which has previously signalled a commitment to maintaining an ultra-loose monetary policy, will need to align its next steps with the election results and the new economic agenda of the government.
Global Macroeconomic Statistics: A Pause in the US and Hopes from China
- US Lacks Fresh Data. The budget impasse in Washington has led to a temporary vacuum of macroeconomic indicators: markets did not receive the key employment report for January on time, as well as several other statistical releases. This gap complicates the assessment of the current state of the US economy and the trajectory of Federal Reserve interest rates. Even after the resumption of government operations, it may take time to catch up on data publication, leaving investors to rely on previously published figures at the start of the week. Consequently, there is an increased focus on indirect signals – market indicators, statements from Federal Reserve officials, and corporate reports – until official statistics begin to flow regularly once more.
- Cautious Optimism from Asia. In China, signs of economic stabilisation continue to support sentiment in Asian markets. Following the release of the official PMI indices for January, which indicated a moderate improvement in business activity, investors are optimistically awaiting new data next week. Statistics on industrial production and retail sales in China are expected to be released in the coming days—these figures will clarify the strength of internal demand ahead of the long holiday period (Lunar New Year falls on February 17). If the data confirms a recovery in China's economy, it will bolster confidence in the Asian region and provide indirect support to commodity and emerging markets. Conversely, any signs of a slowdown could dampen sentiment as global risks continue to loom large.
Earnings Reports: Before Market Open (BMO, USA)
- Becton Dickinson (BDX). The largest medical technology company and a member of the S&P 500 will present its results for the first quarter of the 2026 financial year (October–December 2025) before the US market opens. Investors will closely examine the revenue dynamics in the medical equipment and hospital supplies segments against the backdrop of a gradual normalisation of the healthcare system following the pandemic. Special interest will be directed towards metrics from the pharmaceutical systems division (syringes, medication delivery systems) and diagnostic equipment: sustaining high demand for BD products and the company's ability to maintain profit margins in the face of rising costs will be indicators of stability in the medical technology sector. If the report exceeds expectations for profits and sales, BDX and the entire healthcare sector could gain upward momentum, whereas weak results or cautious guidance may lead to a correction, signalling a potential reduction in budgets for hospitals and laboratories.
- Apollo Global Management (APO). One of the leading alternative investment firms globally (holding assets in private equity, credit, and real estate) will report before the market opens. Financial results for Apollo's fourth quarter of 2025 will reflect how market volatility and rising interest rates have impacted its fee income and investments. Focus will be on inflows into new funds and profitability metrics in the credit products segment: successful capital raising and growth in fee income will indicate investor confidence in private equity even amid tightening financial conditions; conversely, declining valuations of portfolio assets or outflows may signal increased caution from institutional clients. Apollo's report will also serve as a barometer for the entire alternative investment sector: positive surprises will bolster confidence in its resilience, while negative outcomes may amplify concerns regarding asset overvaluation and credit risks.
- Other Releases Pre-Market. Among other companies reporting early on Monday are On Semiconductor (ON) and Loews Corporation (L). On Semiconductor, a microchip manufacturer focused on automotive electronics and industrial IoT, will present data for the final quarter of 2025. Investors will assess whether high demand from the automotive sector and equipment manufacturers remains, as well as the impact of the gradual recovery of semiconductor supply chains on its business. Strong revenue growth for ON and optimistic forecasts regarding demand could support positive sentiment in the technology sector, while signs of order slowdowns or margin pressure due to price competition may trigger sell-offs in chip manufacturers' stocks. Loews Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with assets in insurance, hospitality, and energy, will also report before the session opens. Investors will be interested in the performance of its key subsidiary CNA Financial (insurance) and the pipelines segment: increases in insurance payouts due to natural disasters or declines in earnings from energy projects may raise caution in the market. Overall, the morning reports from these major companies will set the tone: if they show resilient profits and confident management outlooks, US indices may start the week on a positive note; conversely, disappointments may heighten caution and a desire to lock in profits.
Earnings Reports: After Market Close (AMC, USA)
- Releases After the Main Session. On Monday after market close, several mid-cap issuers will report. This includes financial companies from the insurance sector (such as Cincinnati Financial) as well as second-tier technology firms. Although these reports are unlikely to significantly impact the broader market, they will enhance the overall landscape of the earnings season. Of particular interest are trends that may emerge from these niche releases: for example, increases in insurance payouts and declines in investment income for insurers may indicate the influence of natural disasters and market volatility, while results from smaller technology companies will reveal whether they are maintaining revenue and customer growth amid intensified competition and costs. Investors will use this information to refine their expectations ahead of more significant reports later in the week.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): For European markets, Sunday is traditionally a quiet day, with no new reports from major companies. The main earnings reporting season in Europe will commence later in February, so at the start of the week, Eurozone investors will focus on external factors and general macroeconomic statistics. Key areas of focus include the results of the elections in Japan (important for sentiment in global markets and for European exporters linked to Asia), news from the US regarding budget issues, and signals from China. Regional economic indicators will be released later in the week: recently, data on industrial production in Germany and trade in China are expected, which will provide additional guidance. Previously released preliminary inflation data for the Eurozone in January confirmed the trend towards slowing price increases (annual CPI fell to approximately ~2.5%), bringing inflation closer to the ECB's target and strengthening expectations for a pause in rate hikes. The euro remains around the $1.10 mark, and yields on EU government bonds have stabilised – markets are pricing in the likelihood that the European Central Bank will take a pause after a series of rate increases. A lack of internal corporate drivers means that European stock indices will likely follow global trends on Monday, influenced by weekend news and the dynamics of futures on US indices. Local news (for instance, political events in individual EU countries or fluctuations in energy prices) could cause deviations, but significant movements are not expected without new data and reports.
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese stock market begins the week awaiting the results of today's elections and without significant new corporate reports on Sunday. Most major Japanese corporations have already released their financial results for the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, while the key wave of third-quarter reporting for the 2025 fiscal year (October–December) will take place in the first half of February, with several tech giants presenting results between February 5 and 12. The macroeconomic backdrop in Japan remains relatively stable: inflation in Tokyo hovers around 2.4% year-on-year, slightly above the Bank of Japan's target, but still allows the regulator to maintain an ultra-easy monetary policy. Interest rates remain near zero, and the central bank continues its yield curve control (YCC) policy, keeping long-term rates low. This supports the yen's weakness—the exchange rate hovers around ¥158 to the US dollar, which is favourable for exporters and has kept the Nikkei 225 index at high levels over recent months. In the absence of any domestic news today, the further trajectory of the Nikkei will depend on external factors and the election results. It is likely that Monday's market opening will react to the voting outcome: a positive, predictable result (for instance, a confident victory for the ruling party) could push the Nikkei up on a wave of relief, whereas political uncertainty following an unexpected result may lead to a correction and increased demand for safe-haven assets. Overall, Japanese investors will monitor signals from Wall Street (Friday's close in the US was mixed) and news from China—any positive surprises (for instance, strong PMI data or stimulus from the Chinese authorities) could improve sentiment in Tokyo's trading.
- MOEX (Russia): The Russian MOEX index (IMOEX) completed the first week of February near local highs, consolidating around the 3,300 point level amid a favourable commodity market environment and relative calm in foreign politics. As of February 8, no major corporate events are scheduled in Russia: the season for the publication of annual financial results for 2025 will begin for most issuers only at the end of February and in March. Thus, today and on Monday, market participants will predominantly rely on external signals. The key external factor involves political news and commodity prices. Brent crude is holding steady around $65 per barrel following the recent OPEC+ meeting, which is favourable for the stocks of Russian oil and gas companies (such as Lukoil, Rosneft) and supports the federal budget's income. The Russian rouble is demonstrating relative stability: the exchange rate remains in the range of 88–90 roubles per US dollar, facilitated by high export revenues and an absence of new sanctions shocks. The end of the January tax period removed some short-term support for the rouble, but the balance of power in the currency market remains in favour of stability—the exporters continue to sell their foreign currency earnings, countering capital outflow. In the domestic bond market, yields on 10-year OFZs fluctuate around 10.5-11%, reflecting expectations that the Bank of Russia will refrain from changing the key rate (currently at 15% per annum) in the upcoming meeting on February 13. The slowdown in inflation in the country (with January prices growing estimated below 0.5% month-on-month) and a strong rouble create preconditions for a softer rhetoric from the regulator. Consequently, in a neutral external context, Russian indices are likely to move in line with global trends today. Individual corporate stories (operational reports from specific companies or statements from top management) may cause only localized fluctuations without dictating broader dynamics. The main task for domestic investors now is to stay focused on external factors (the outcomes of the elections in Japan, budget decisions in the US, macroeconomic data from China) and assess their potential influence on the Russian market before the start of a new trading week.
End of Day: What Investors Should Focus On
- Japan's Elections and Market Reaction. The main event of the weekend is the Japanese elections, and their outcome will be one of the first guides for Asian markets on Monday. It is crucial for investors to promptly evaluate the results: if the ruling coalition confidently retains power without political surprises, this will reduce the level of global uncertainty and support demand for riskier assets at the start of the week. A moderate rally in the Japanese market and positive responses in other Asian markets are possible, while safe-haven assets (gold, yen) are likely to remain stable. However, an unexpected outcome (for example, loss of majority or complex coalition negotiations) could lead to a short-term spike in volatility: strengthening of the yen, correction in Japanese exporters' stocks, and cautious dynamics in stock markets worldwide. In the first hours after the elections, it is especially critical to watch the yen's exchange rate and futures for the Nikkei 225 index, as they will first reflect investor sentiment regarding the political news.
- Budget Crisis in the US and Data. The situation concerning US government funding remains precarious: while significant departments may have resumed operations following a brief shutdown, any delay in releasing economic indicators complicates life for market participants. Investors should monitor news from Washington regarding potential budget agreements—achieving such agreements would ease nervousness and allow the market to obtain the missing data (including the employment report). Until then, the scenario of uncertainty prevails: the absence of fresh statistics increases reliance on corporate reports and comments from the Federal Reserve. **Attention**: if deferred indicators (for instance, Nonfarm Payrolls) are unexpectedly published in the coming days, market reactions could be sharp, given that investors have long been deprived of this information. Strong employment data amid a pause in statistics could reignite discussions about further tightening of Federal Reserve policy, while weak data would heighten hopes for a more dovish stance. The appropriate strategy is to prepare for both scenarios, keeping in mind support/resistance levels for key indices and quickly adjusting portfolios based on new information.
- Corporate Reports Set the Tone. The start of the new week continues the quarterly earnings season, and already on Monday, before and after market close, investors will receive a wave of corporate results. The reaction to the morning reports (Becton Dickinson, Apollo, etc.) will indicate sentiment across various sectors—from healthcare to financials—and could set the overall tone for the session. If companies report earnings above expectations and share confident forecasts for 2026, the market will view this as a sign of economic resilience, supporting further growth in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. For instance, unexpectedly strong results from a chip manufacturer could confirm sustained demand in the industry, pushing technology sector stocks higher. Conversely, disappointments in reports (misses on earnings, margin declines, or cautious management comments about future sales) could prompt profit-taking by investors following recent price increases. The market will be particularly sensitive to forecasts: any mention of slowing demand, cost pressures, or economic uncertainty could increase caution. Given that we see upcoming reports from giants (such as Coca-Cola, Ford, Cisco, alongside major European banks), Monday's results will be merely the first indicator. Investors must "read" these early signals and adjust exposure as needed: increasing stakes in sectors demonstrating unexpected resilience and reducing positions in areas showing signs of weakness.
- Macroeconomic Benchmarks for the Week. Following a relatively quiet weekend, focus will shift to upcoming economic data in the coming days. The first half of February is rich in statistics, and although some have faced delays, markets will be gearing up for key indicators. Fresh data on inflation is anticipated in the latter half of the week, including the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January (if publication proceeds as planned). Additionally, figures on retail sales and industrial production for major economies (US, China, UK), as well as decisions from several central banks in emerging markets, will be released. Investors should pay special attention to whether the new figures confirm the scenario of a "soft landing" for the global economy. If inflation continues to decelerate towards target levels while activity metrics remain positive, this would create a favourable backdrop for risk assets: expectations for a prolonged pause (or even the onset of rate cuts by the end of the year) would strengthen. However, unexpected inflation spikes or signs of sharp economic cooling (for example, in employment or consumption) could swiftly heighten volatility. In the event of adverse surprises, a rotation of capital into safe-haven instruments—such as reliable bonds, gold, the yen, and the franc—could occur, while cyclical stocks and high-risk assets could face sell-offs. With the upcoming Bank of Russia meeting (February 13) and several geopolitical events, it is advisable to pre-plan actions in response to any possible developments in the macroeconomic sphere.
- Strategy for CIS Investors. A peaceful Sunday serves as an opportune moment for investors to assess their holdings ahead of a series of significant events. Investors from CIS countries should consider reviewing their portfolio balance: ensuring that riskier and safe assets are adequately balanced in light of current volatility. The beginning of a new month often sees global funds reallocating capital, which can lead to additional inflows or outflows in local markets (including the Moscow Exchange). Given the ongoing uncertainty (geopolitical tensions, macroeconomics, corporate reports), it is prudent to establish clear stop-loss and take-profit levels for the most volatile positions. It is also important to have a thoughtful action plan in place in case of unexpected news—whether it concerns breakthroughs in negotiations (such as over Ukraine) or, conversely, heightened conflict; the introduction of new sanctions; unexpected inflation spikes; or abrupt central bank decisions. Having scenarios prepared for such contingencies will help preserve capital and even leverage emerging opportunities. As we enter a new trading week, CIS investors should be prepared to react swiftly to external signals while avoiding emotional decisions—calculated, disciplined approaches remain the best safeguard and pathway to success in markets.
