Economic Events and Corporate Reports — Monday, 19 January 2026: China GDP, Davos, Inflation

Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Monday, 19 January 2026: China's GDP, Inflation in Canada, the Start of the Forum in Davos, and Reports from Major Public Companies Worldwide. Analysis for Investors.

Monday marks the beginning of a new week in global markets, focusing on significant worldwide events. Investors are particularly interested in macroeconomic statistics from Asia and North America, alongside the commencement of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. Trading activity may be subdued due to the public holiday in the US (Martin Luther King Day), however, the released data on China's economy and inflation in Canada could set the tone for the Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and other markets. On the corporate front, reports from several large companies in Asia are expected; in the US, the earnings season is just beginning to gather momentum (major releases are set for Tuesday). Let us take a closer look at the agenda for 19 January 2026 and the key points that investors should pay attention to.

Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)

1. 02:50 — Japan: Change in Machinery and Equipment Orders (November). A leading indicator of investment activity in Japan's industrial sector.
2. 03:00 — Australia: Melbourne Institute Inflation Indicator (December). An unofficial monthly indicator of prices that signals trends ahead of quarterly CPI data.
3. 03:01 — United Kingdom: Rightmove House Price Index (January). A barometer of activity in the UK real estate market.
4. 05:00 — China: A block of statistics for Q4 2025 – GDP growth rate, industrial production, retail sales, and unemployment rate. Key data on the second-largest economy in the world for the previous quarter.
5. 12:00 — Eurozone: Final Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025. Confirmed inflation estimate in the currency bloc.
6. All day — Switzerland: World Economic Forum in Davos (19–23 January). The start of meetings among global leaders in politics and business to discuss the global economy.
7. 16:30 — Canada: Consumer Price Index (December). Data regarding inflation in Canada for the previous month, important for the Bank of Canada and currency markets.

Focus: China's Economy in the Fourth Quarter

• China's GDP: Growth is expected for the Chinese economy in Q4 2025, continuing its recovery from previous periods. The annual GDP growth figure for China will signal the dynamics of the second-largest economy in the world; stronger figures will support commodity markets and currencies of emerging countries, while weaker data could raise concerns about a slowdown in global growth.
• Industry and Consumption: December's data on industrial production and retail sales in China will reflect the condition of the manufacturing sector and domestic demand at year-end. An acceleration in factory output and retail growth will indicate a robust recovery of the Chinese economy, positively impacting global demand for commodities and goods. Should the figures disappoint, it could negatively influence investor sentiment regarding Asian markets.
• Market Impact: As the largest consumer of commodity goods, China directly influences oil prices, metals, and the dynamics of currencies from countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Exceeding forecasts for Chinese indicators could enhance risk appetite in markets and boost emerging market indices, while disappointing data might increase demand for safe-haven assets.

The World Economic Forum in Davos

• Start of the Forum: The annual World Economic Forum kicks off in Davos, Switzerland, running throughout the week (19–23 January). The theme for the 2026 meeting is "The Spirit of Dialogue", amidst a changed geopolitical landscape and challenges for the global economy.
• High-Level Participation: Attendees are expected to include leading global figures and heads of major corporations. This year, particular attention will be drawn to the US delegation – according to media reports, the US President is set to be one of the central speakers at the forum. Other anticipated speakers include leaders from the European Union and major international organisations.
• Topics and Market Influence: Key issues on the Davos agenda include global security, combating inflation, the recovery of global trade, and technological changes. Statements made during the forum can impact investor sentiment: any signals regarding international cooperation, new economic initiatives, or risk assessments (for example, related to geopolitics and climate) have the potential to move currency and stock markets worldwide.

Corporate Reports: Asia

• LG Electronics (South Korea) – is scheduled to publish its financial results for the full year 2025. Investors will assess electronic sales during the holiday season and the profitability of its core divisions amid global competition in the consumer electronics segment.
• LG Energy Solution (South Korea) – will release its report for 2025. As one of the largest producers of batteries for electric vehicles, it will provide annual results; the market will be looking for signs of growth in EV battery demand and the state of orders from automakers.
• Samsung Electro-Mechanics (South Korea) – financial report for Q4 2025. Specialising in electronic components (capacitors, camera modules, etc.) for the global technology sector, the results will shed light on the supply chain conditions and demand from electronics manufacturers.
• Samsung Biologics (South Korea) – Q4 report. Samsung's biopharmaceutical division will present its year-end figures; investors will pay attention to trends in contract manufacturing of drugs and biotechnological products, considering the global trend towards pharmaceutical development.
• Hyundai Steel (South Korea) – Q4 report for 2025. As a major steel producer, the company reflects activity in the construction and automotive sectors. An increase or decrease in Hyundai Steel's profits signals trends in steel demand in Asia and worldwide.

Corporate Reports: USA and Europe

• American Tower (USA) – one of the few American companies in the S&P 500 whose report is scheduled for 19 January (Q4 2025). This large real estate investment trust (REIT), owning telecommunications towers, typically releases results before the market opens. While US exchanges are closed, investors will evaluate the rental revenue figures from the towers and management's forecast to gauge the prospects for the telecom sector and infrastructure REITs for 2026.
• United Microelectronics (UMC, Taiwan) – a significant Asian semiconductor manufacturer (the second-largest contract chipmaker after TSMC) will present its Q4 results. While UMC shares are traded in Asia, the company's data is of interest to global investors due to the situation in the semiconductor industry and demand for chips ahead of reports from American tech giants.
• Virbac (France) – a pharmaceutical company specialising in veterinary medicines will announce preliminary results for Q4 after the close of European trading. Although Virbac is not among the largest companies in the Euro Stoxx 50, its reporting will indicate trends in the veterinary pharmaceutical market and may serve as a bellwether for the European healthcare sector.
• Note: Many heavyweights of the American and European markets (Netflix, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, etc.) will report later in the same week. Monday is relatively quiet regarding major releases, hence investors are preparing for a flood of reports starting Tuesday.

Corporate Reports: Russia (MOEX)

• Russian Companies: No significant financial reporting is scheduled for the Russian market on 19 January. Investors on the Moscow Exchange will primarily focus on external conditions. However, data from the country's largest bank is anticipated the following day: Sberbank is expected to release financial results under RAS for December 2025. This report could impact the dynamic of the MOEX index on Tuesday, thereby prompting some market participants to closely monitor any news related to "Sber" and the banking sector.

Other Markets and Indices: S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX

• S&P 500 (USA): American stock markets will be closed on Monday due to the national holiday. US index futures will react only to foreign news. The absence of trading in New York could reduce overall volatility at the start of the day; however, by Tuesday, the US market will return to active trading, catching up on the weekend's news. Corporate earnings reports will remain a focal point, capable of shifting the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices.
• Euro Stoxx 50 (Eurozone): Monday in the European market will begin with an assessment of the Chinese figures – positive news from Asia may boost shares of mining companies and automakers present in the Euro Stoxx 50. The final CPI for the Eurozone in December, if it confirms inflation slowing to around ~2%, may bolster expectations for a dovish ECB policy and induce a moderately positive reaction in European stocks. The Davos Forum will be the week's theme in Europe, where statements could influence the business climate.
• Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese index will react to the local statistics released in the morning (machinery orders) and data from China. A neutral movement in Nikkei is possible, as investors have taken a wait-and-see approach ahead of the Bank of Japan's decision scheduled for Friday. The equipment manufacturing sector in Tokyo may respond to order figures (an increase in orders would support shares of machinery companies).
• MOEX (Russia): The Russian MOEX index will begin the week without internal drivers, looking to the mood of global markets and oil price dynamics. The absence of trading in the US indicates weak external benchmarks during the day, hence activity may be low. The rouble and resource sector stocks will be sensitive to Chinese statistics (which could influence oil quotes). Investors are also factoring in corporate events for the week – besides Sberbank's report, geopolitical news related to Davos will be monitored.

Day's Summary: What to Look for as an Investor

1. China Data: The publication of GDP and other indicators for China in Q4 will provide direction for commodity markets and growth-sensitive assets. Beating forecasts regarding the Chinese economy will strengthen optimism in markets, while weak figures could heighten investor caution.
2. Start of the Davos Forum: Statements from global leaders at the WEF could introduce volatility, especially if they touch on issues of global trade, sanctions, or inflation control. Investors should monitor key comments from Davos to respond promptly to potential changes in global sentiment.
3. Inflation in Canada: December's CPI for Canada will indicate whether the trend of slowing price growth persists. The outcome is important not only for the Canadian dollar and the Bank of Canada's policy but also as part of the broader picture of inflation in developed countries at the end of 2025.
4. Market Activity: In light of the US holiday, trading volumes on European and Asian exchanges may be lower than usual. Investors should be prepared for potential price swings on Tuesday, when US traders will return to the market and react to Monday's news. Given the low liquidity on 19 January, caution is crucial: sudden price movements are possible even amid a limited news backdrop.