Analytical Overview of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Friday, 12 December 2025. Main Macroeconomic Releases, Reports from Major Companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, and Market Impact for CIS Investors.
Friday wraps up a busy week for markets amid decisions from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB). In Asia, there are no significant new publications, and investors are evaluating global signals following the central banks' announcements. In Europe, the focus shifts to the economic indicators from the UK – with fresh data on GDP and industrial production. In the US, the Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan will be a key reference point, providing insights into household sentiments as the festive season approaches. On the corporate side, several reports from major public companies are anticipated, including the trading update from the US broker Charles Schwab, financial results from the Swedish IT company Sectra, and the Japanese retailer Kobe Bussan. It is vital for investors to assess all data and reports comprehensively: Fed/ECB policy ↔ bond yields ↔ currency exchange rates ↔ commodity prices ↔ risk appetite.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 10:00 — UK: Monthly GDP growth rates for October.
- 10:00 — UK: Industrial production for October.
- 18:00 — USA: Preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index (December) from the University of Michigan.
Europe: UK GDP and Industry
- UK: Today's releases of Monthly GDP and industrial production figures will provide insight into the economy heading into year-end. Stagnation or a decline in activity may heighten expectations for dovish Bank of England policies and put pressure on the pound, while unexpected growth could bolster investor confidence. British data sets the tone for European markets, which are particularly sensitive to consumption and export outlooks.
USA: Consumer Sentiment in Focus
- USA: The preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan for December serves as an important barometer of domestic demand. An improvement in sentiment signals that households are willing to spend during the holiday period, which is positive for retail and the economy. However, a weak index may raise concerns about a slowdown in the economy and inflationary expectations, impacting Federal Reserve decisions and dollar dynamics. The market is closely monitoring this leading indicator to assess the prospects for the consumer sector.
Corporate Reporting: Ahead of Market Open (BMO, USA, Europe, Asia)
- Charles Schwab (SCHW) — One of the largest US brokers will present its monthly operational performance report for November. Investor focus will be on client trading activity, fund inflow/outflow in brokerage accounts, and interest income on customer balances. Strong metrics will indicate high retail investor engagement and stable commission revenues, while weak data could prompt a reassessment of the entire brokerage sector.
- Sectra AB (SECT B) — Swedish IT solutions developer for healthcare will report for the second quarter of the 2026 financial year. The market will evaluate revenue growth from healthcare software products and cybersecurity, as well as business profitability. Sectra's results will signal demand for medical IT services in Europe; positive dynamics will bolster sentiment in the region's tech sector.
- Kobe Bussan (3038.T) — The Japanese retailer and operator of the Gyomu Super discount store network will publish its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Investors are looking for data on domestic consumer demand in Japan: an increase in sales will indicate household spending resilience despite inflation, and business margins will show whether the company managed to offset rising costs. Kobe Bussan's report may impact the retail sector on the Tokyo market.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: No major blue-chip earnings reports are scheduled for 12 December among the index components. Macroeconomic factors, particularly reactions to the latest data from the UK and an overall interpretation of ECB decisions, will play a leading role for European equities. The dynamics of the euro exchange rate and bond yields post-ECB meeting will continue to shape sectoral sentiments in European markets.
- Nikkei 225: The Japanese market is predominantly focused on external signals, as no significant local releases are expected today. After the Bank of Japan's stable stance, investor attention is shifting to the external environment — the outcomes of the US Fed meeting and sentiment in the tech sector. Fluctuations in the yen's exchange rate against the dollar remain an important driver for export-oriented companies within the Nikkei 225.
- MOEX: The Russian stock market sees no major corporate reporting on 12 December, thus external conditions and commodity prices are shaping investor sentiment. Fluctuations in oil prices following recent OPEC+ data and the dynamics of the ruble will affect the shares of energy companies and exporters. The general risk appetite in global markets is in focus: a positive external background could support the MOEX index, while heightened geopolitical risks or capital outflows may exert pressure.
Day's Summary: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- 1) Post-effect of central bank decisions: Markets are evaluating the outcomes of the Fed and ECB meetings, reflected in movements of government bond yields and currency exchange rates. Investors should monitor how these changes impact sentiments in equities – particularly within the financial and technology sectors of the S&P 500.
- 2) Macroeconomic Data from the UK and USA: Today's GDP/industrial production figures from the UK and the confidence index from the USA serve as indicators of economic conditions. Unexpected deviations could lead to volatility: strong data will support risk assets, while weak figures will heighten caution in the markets.
- 3) Charles Schwab Report: Insights from the major broker regarding client activity and assets will signal sentiment among private investors. Improved metrics may strengthen confidence in continued investment inflows to equity markets, while signs of declining activity could prompt portfolio reassessments and risk rebalancing.
