Economic Events and Corporate Reports on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Publication of the Berkshire Hathaway Report, Rate Expectations, Global Market Analysis of the USA, Europe, Asia, and Russia Ahead of the New Week
Saturday, 28 February 2026, is an atypical day for macroeconomic statistics and corporate reporting: key stock exchanges (USA, Europe, Japan, Russia) are closed. However, a "day off" does not equate to a "blank slate": prominent issuers sometimes release reports and annual materials over the weekend to give the market time to digest the information before trading resumes. This format makes today significant for gauging sentiment ahead of the new week.
Market Mode of the Day: Low Liquidity, Delayed Reaction
- Low liquidity across most exchanges suggests that there may not be an immediate price reaction to news.
- Reevaluation of expectations will be reflected in futures, over-the-counter quotes, and market openings on Monday.
- Shift in focus from "today's figures" toward preparation for the macro week ahead: investors are proactively crafting scenarios related to rates, currencies, and commodities.
Economic Events: Minimal Statistics, but the Market Lives on Expectations
By 28 February, the macroeconomic calendar is typically "thin" due to the weekend. Consequently, the primary function of the day is not new releases but rather positioning ahead of the publications set for early March (business activity indexes, manufacturing surveys, employment data, and inflation expectations).
- USA: There are generally no official releases (due to the weekend). The market is gearing up for next week's data on manufacturing activity and the services sector.
- Europe: Important publications are usually not released on weekends; investors are focused on interest rate trajectories and comments from regulators that may surface early in the week.
- Asia: The end of the month traditionally raises interest in business activity surveys and updates on industrial indicators; however, exact dates depend on the national agencies' calendar and holiday adjustments.
- Russia: Statistical releases on weekends are rare; key benchmarks include rouble liquidity, oil prices, and expectations regarding the Central Bank of Russia's rate.
Implications for Rates, Currencies, and Commodities
In the absence of "strong" macro data, the market often shifts to an interpretation mode: even a single significant corporate release has the potential to alter the balance of expectations regarding risk appetite.
- Dollar and Global Currencies: Movement may be limited, but positioning for Monday intensifies—particularly in pairs sensitive to rates.
- Bond Yields: Reactions typically manifest through expectations on the curve at the beginning of the week rather than today.
- Oil and Gas: Over the weekend, the news background (geopolitics, cartel statements, logistics) is more critical than statistics. Market participants will factor in scenarios before the futures sessions commence.
Corporate Reports: USA (S&P 500 and Major Public Companies)
The key event of the day is the release of financial results and annual materials from Berkshire Hathaway (classes BRK.A and BRK.B) in a weekend format. For the global market, this is one of the most "signal-generating" reports: the company encompasses the insurance business, railway infrastructure, energy, and a substantial portfolio of stocks, making its figures and commentary often regarded as a barometer for the US economy.
What to Watch for in the Berkshire Hathaway Report
- Operating profit in underwriting and the dynamics of insurance premiums.
- Investment performance: returns from the bond/cash portfolio and realised profits from stocks.
- Capital and liquidity: volume of cash and cash equivalents, approach to cash deployment.
- Buyback/capital allocation: signals regarding stock repurchases and asset evaluation discipline.
- Segments of the Real Economy: BNSF (railroads), energy assets, consumer and industrial subsidiaries.
Practical Conclusion: If the report indicates stable margins in insurance and a "calm" commentary on the economy, this would increase the likelihood of a more confident start for risk assets at the beginning of the week. Conversely, increased losses, deterioration in loss frequency, or a cautious tone regarding demand/transportation may amplify protective sentiment.
Europe (Euro Stoxx 50): Weekend Reporting is Rare, Focus on Comments
For major European companies, the publication of reports on Saturday is infrequent. Consequently, investors in the Euro Stoxx 50 typically engage in two primary activities on this day:
- Wrapping up the reporting week and updating expectations for margins against the backdrop of energy, logistics, and labour cost pressures;
- Preparing scenarios for March: sensitivity to ECB rates, lending dynamics, and demand in the industrial/services sectors.
Asia (Nikkei 225): Preparation for the Start of the Month Takes Precedence Over Release Facts
For the Japanese market, the end of February serves as a "bridge" to the publications in early March (business activity, external demand, supply chains). In the absence of trading on Saturday, investors evaluate:
- Currency Factor (the yen and its impact on exporters);
- Technological Cycle and demand for semiconductors/equipment;
- Commodity Impulse (oil/LNG) and its effect on import prices.
Russia (MOEX): The Corporate Agenda on Weekends is Limited
In the Russian market, weekends typically lack a "tight" schedule of reports from major issuers; however, investors monitor:
- Oil Dynamics and expectations regarding export revenues;
- Rouble Exchange Rate and parameters of rouble liquidity;
- Regulatory Risks and corporate news that may be released outside trading hours.
Key Events of the Day: What Truly Drives Expectations
- Publication of the Berkshire Hathaway Report and its perception as an indicator of the resilience of the US economy.
- Reevaluation of Scenarios for March: rates/inflation/business activity (especially in light of past week's data).
- Commodity and Geopolitical Background which could alter inflation risk assessments even before markets open.
What Investors Should Pay Attention to Ahead of the Week Opening
The primary task of Saturday is preparation for Monday, 2 March 2026: as of now, the market is not fully "pricing in" the data but is actively shaping expectations. The critical trigger is the Berkshire Hathaway report: it sets the tone for the discussion on the state of corporate America, profit quality, and capital allocation discipline.
Investor Checklist (In Brief)
- Read the main points of the Berkshire report: segment profits, cash, buybacks, economic commentary.
- Update scenarios for rates and yields for the first week of March.
- Check portfolio sensitivity to the "gap" at the opening: banks/insurance, cyclical sectors, commodity assets.
- Predefine risk levels and planning for rebalancing on Monday (if the news background enhances volatility).
