Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for the Week of February 2–8, 2026: Global PMI, Central Bank Decisions, US Nonfarm Payrolls, and the Earnings Reports of Major Companies in the US, Europe, Asia, and Russia.
The new week of February 2–8, 2026 brings a packed agenda for the markets. Investors worldwide will be closely monitoring the ongoing corporate earnings season (in the US, the reporting period for the fourth quarter of 2025 is concluding, with approximately 75% of companies already exceeding earnings per share (EPS) forecasts) while also assessing important macroeconomic events. Focus will be on central bank decisions (Bank of England, ECB), fresh data on PMI, inflation, and the labour market, as well as geopolitical factors. Below is a daily overview of what to expect over the course of the week and what Russian investors abroad should pay particular attention to.
Monday, February 2, 2026
- Macroeconomics: At the start of the week, business activity indicators are crucial. Early in the morning, the Caixin Manufacturing PMI for China will be released, setting the tone for Asian markets. In Europe, Germany will publish retail sales data for December, providing insights into consumer demand in the leading economy of the Eurozone. During the day, investors will anticipate the key US report – the ISM Manufacturing Index for January, reflecting activity in the US manufacturing sector. Strong or weak PMI readings may influence sentiments regarding global growth at the beginning of the week.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Open): The main event of the day will be the Walt Disney Co. (S&P 500) report for the first fiscal quarter of 2026, which will be released before trading begins in New York. This is one of the most anticipated reports: investors will assess Disney's streaming business performance and theme park attendance post-holiday season. Some industrial and food companies from the US will also report before the market opens, but their impact will be less significant compared to Disney.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): Following the main trading session in the US, several technology companies will announce their results. In particular, quarterly results from Palantir Technologies (data analytics, S&P 500) and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors are anticipated. The market's reaction to their reports will help gauge investor appetite for the technology sector amid changing interest rates. Overall, Monday will set the initial tone for the week, demonstrating if the positive sentiment from previous reports persists.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Macroeconomics: On Tuesday, attention shifts to the Asia-Pacific region. Early in the morning, the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) interest rate meeting will take place. This is the RBA's first decision of 2026, and investors will assess the regulator's rhetoric against the backdrop of the Australian economy and global commodity prices. Additionally, important labour market data for New Zealand for the fourth quarter of 2025 will be released overnight – employment figures and unemployment rates will signal the economic condition of New Zealand and indirectly regional demand. In Europe, the ECB's bank lending survey needs to be published, reflecting lending conditions in the Eurozone. Furthermore, data on new vehicle registrations in Europe may be disclosed, which is interesting for assessing demand for car manufacturers. In the US, figures on January Auto Sales will be released in the afternoon, which serve as an indicator of consumer activity in the automotive sector.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Open): Tuesday is rich with major corporate reports, especially in the healthcare and consumer sectors. Before the opening of the American exchanges, results will be presented by two pharmaceutical giants from the S&P 500 – Pfizer and Merck & Co. Their quarterly reports will demonstrate how 2025 concluded for the pharmaceutical sector, including vaccine and drug sales, and will provide forecasts for 2026. Also reporting before trading begins will be PepsiCo – a leader in the consumer sector, and its results in beverage and snack sales for the fourth quarter will be an indicator of consumer demand. European companies are less active on Tuesday: no significant reports from Euro Stoxx 50 companies are scheduled, so European investors will mostly react to macro statistics.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): After the US market closes on Tuesday, a series of important reports from tech and other US companies will be released. Focus will be on the quarterly report of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a major chip manufacturer, whose results will provide insights into semiconductor demand and the state of the industry. Reports are also expected from biotech giant Amgen, restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, and video game developer Electronic Arts. Additionally, one of the leaders in the fintech sector, PayPal Holdings, is slated to release its results (expected either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, depending on the schedule), which are crucial for gauging trends in electronic payments. The market's response to Tuesday evening reports will indicate whether the trend of beating profit forecasts (previously noted at around 75% of companies exceeding expectations) continues, or if investors are becoming more selective.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Macroeconomics: Wednesday brings several key economic publications. In Asia, the Caixin Services PMI for China for January will be released early, reflecting the health of the services sector in the world's second-largest economy. Next, Europe will come into focus: the preliminary estimate of the consumer price index (CPI inflation) for the Eurozone for January will be published in the first half of the day. Inflation in Europe remains a crucial reference point for the ECB, so any deviations from the target level may impact expectations ahead of the ECB meeting the next day. In the US, the ADP employment report for the private sector for January will be released, serving as a leading indicator preceding the official labour market data on Friday. Additionally, the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index for January, which shows business activity in the largest sector of the US economy, will be published during the day. These data will help assess whether robust employment and service growth in the US continue at the start of the year.
- Corporate Reports (Europe in the Morning): On Wednesday, large company reports will be released across several continents. Before the European markets open, one of Europe's banking sector leaders – UBS Group (Switzerland, part of Euro Stoxx 50) – will present its results. UBS will disclose financial data for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the entire year, and this will be the first complete quarter following the integration of Credit Suisse's assets, so investors will scrutinise profitability and business stability metrics of the new combined bank. Also, on the morning of February 4, the final annual results of Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk (part of Euro Stoxx 50) are expected. Novo Nordisk is one of Europe's most valuable companies, and its 2025 report (notably, diabetes and obesity drug sales) could influence the entire European healthcare market.
- Corporate Reports (Before US Market Opens): Before the New York session begins on Wednesday, several important reports from American firms will continue. Results are expected from pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie and Biogen, as well as reports from representatives of the industrial and consumer goods sectors (for example, General Motors may publish profitability data amid the transition to electric vehicles should it choose this date). While the exact schedule may change, Wednesday morning will set the tone, especially if reports are mixed – investors will compare the successes of pharmacy and industry with the previously observed results in the tech sector.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): The highlight of Wednesday will be a block of reports from tech giants after the US market closes. First and foremost, Alphabet (Google) – one of the largest companies in the S&P 500 – will release its quarterly report. Investors expect data on advertising and cloud service revenues and any management comments regarding expenditures on artificial intelligence, all of which will impact the communications sector. In addition to Alphabet, other tech firms are expected to report on Wednesday evening, including mobile chipmaker Qualcomm and several smaller companies. Reports from the communications and media sectors are also anticipated; for instance, Fox Corporation or News Corp traditionally release quarterly results in this week. Thus, Wednesday evening will be indicative for the high-tech and media market segments. Responses to these reports will set the mood ahead of crucial Thursday events.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Macroeconomics – Central Banks: Thursday is poised to be one of the most significant days of the week with two key central bank meetings in Europe. In the morning, the Bank of England (BoE) will meet. The British regulator will make a decision on the interest rate: investors will wait to see whether the BoE will maintain rates or implement changes in light of inflation and the UK's economic dynamics. Around midday Moscow time (morning in London), the European Central Bank (ECB) will hold its meeting, also dedicated to monetary policy. The ECB will discuss interest rates and possibly future steps regarding stimulus or tightening – this meeting is particularly significant considering fresh inflation data published the day before. Any comments from Christine Lagarde regarding price forecasts or economic growth could lead to notable fluctuations in the euro and European stocks. Additionally, early morning data on retail sales for December in the Eurozone will be released, allowing an assessment of consumption conditions at the end of the year. The US will see relatively calm macro statistics that day: traditional weekly claims for unemployment benefits will be released, providing a current assessment of the labour market ahead of Friday's major report.
- Geopolitics: February 5 marks the expiration of the Russian-American Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3, New START). This event is not of an economic nature but creates an atmosphere of geopolitical tension. Investors will consider this factor, as the absence of a new agreement on nuclear weapons control may increase uncertainty in US-Russia relations. Any statements from either side on the day regarding the extension or terms of a new treaty will be closely monitored. Geopolitical stability is an important aspect for global markets, making February 5 a date of heightened attention in this context.
- Corporate Reports (Before Market Open): On Thursday morning, the series of European corporate announcements continues. In particular, energy giant Shell plc (UK/Netherlands, part of FTSE 100 and significantly influential in Euro Stoxx 50) will present its report for Q4 2025. Oil and gas companies posted high profits in 2025 due to stable oil prices, and Shell's results will provide insights into the year's outcomes and plans for returning capital to shareholders. Some reports from American companies in the industrial sector and services may also be released before trading opens in the US, but primarily the market will await evening announcements.
- Corporate Reports (After Market Close): On Thursday after the close of American exchanges, one of the season's most significant reports is expected – quarterly results from Amazon.com Inc. (part of S&P 500, one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’). Amazon will report for the key holiday quarter, showing sales dynamics in online retail, as well as profitability in its cloud business, AWS, and developments in artificial intelligence initiatives. Given Amazon's scale, the market's reaction to these figures may significantly influence sentiments in the tech sector and the Nasdaq overall. In addition to Amazon, other well-known companies will also report on Thursday evening. For example, Uber Technologies (a leader in ride-hailing and delivery) will publish its financial results – investors will assess how the growth in rides and deliveries affects revenue and whether the company was able to come closer to profitability. Reports from Detroit automakers are also possible: although Ford and General Motors plan to officially disclose results next week, any preliminary data or comments may leak and impact stock dynamics in the sector. Thus, Thursday evening will conclude the main wave of reports for the week, with successes or disappointments in these publications setting the tone for the final trading day.
Friday, February 6, 2026
- Macroeconomics: The final working day of the week centres on labour market data, which could be a decisive factor for short-term investor sentiments. At 16:30 (MSK) on Friday, the long-awaited US Nonfarm Payrolls report for January will be released. The publication is expected to provide figures on job creation, unemployment levels, and average wage dynamics. This report traditionally causes strong fluctuations in stock, bond, and currency markets as it offers the most complete picture of the state of the world's largest economy at the start of the year. Given that the US Federal Reserve closely monitors the labour market when forming policy, strong data could strengthen expectations of a tighter policy, while weak data could have the opposite effect. Simultaneously, a similar Canadian employment report for January will be released, important for the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar and the oil market (through the prospects for the Canadian economy). Additionally, at 18:00 (MSK), the preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan for February will be published – a measure of household sentiment that impacts forecasts for consumer spending. In Asia, on Friday morning, leading economic indicators for Japan (leading index for December) will also be known, although rarely do they significantly move the markets. Overall, Friday will be the number one macroeconomic day of the week, with particular emphasis on the American labour market.
- Corporate Reports: On Friday, the corporate reporting stream significantly decreases, as companies are less likely to choose the last day of the week to publish important results. However, there are noteworthy events. In Tokyo, a financial report from Toyota Motor Corp., the largest automaker and a constituent of the Nikkei 225, is expected. Toyota will disclose results for October–December 2025 (the third quarter of its fiscal year 2026). These figures will reveal how the company is coping with global challenges – chip shortages, the shift to electric vehicles, and fluctuations in the yen's exchange rate. Other industrial leaders in Japan may also report – for instance, electronics (with Sony having conducted its presentation the day before, on February 5, thus the market will be reacting to its outcomes). In Europe and the US, major publications are not planned for Friday, so investors will focus more on general conclusions from the completed wave of reports and macro statistics.
- Special Events: In addition to the numbers, an important global event begins at the end of the week – the official opening of the 25th Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) on Friday evening. Although the Olympics is primarily a sporting and image event, it will attract the attention of the global media and may indirectly affect the stocks of some companies (e.g., sponsors, broadcasters, and the tourism sector in Italy). No direct effects are expected on the financial markets; however, the mere fact of the start of the Olympics symbolizes global cooperation and may improve market participants' moods against a backdrop of geopolitical risks.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Day Off – Analysis and Informal Meetings: On Saturday, global financial markets are closed, and no economic publications are scheduled. This day is used by investors and analysts for reflection on the week’s results. Informal meetings or statements from officials may indeed take place in the corridors. For example, following the Thursday-Friday central bank meetings, regulatory leaders may provide additional comments in interviews, which will appear in the weekend newspapers and set the tone for the markets in the upcoming week. Furthermore, ongoing events that began earlier, such as the Olympic sports competitions and other forums, will continue. No significant financial news is anticipated on Saturday, so investors can evaluate their strategies and prepare for the new week without the immediate pressure of trading.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Political Events: Concluding the week, Sunday will shift attention to political events capable of affecting markets at the beginning of the following week. In Thailand, early parliamentary elections will be held alongside a referendum on a new constitution. The outcomes of these elections are important for Asian markets: a possible change in political course or coalition instability could impact the Thai stock market and the baht currency and, through sentiment, other emerging markets in Southeast Asia. An even more significant event are the early elections in the lower house of the Japanese parliament. The Sunday vote in Japan will determine the balance of power in the government. If changes occur in the ruling coalition or political course, it could impact economic policy, including possible stimuli or reforms. On Monday morning, the Japanese Nikkei 225 index will react to the election results, thus global investors will keep a close eye on news over the weekend. Overall, Sunday’s political news may induce volatility outside of hours and will be factored into the market openings on Monday, February 9.
Conclusion: The week from February 2 to 8, 2026, promises to be rich in information for market participants. Investors should pay particular attention to central bank decisions (on Thursday) and the US employment report (on Friday) – these events may determine the trajectories of exchange rates and bond yields while also setting overall risk appetite. Concurrently, the ongoing earnings season will shape the dynamics of individual stocks and sectors: strong results from tech giants or banks can support the entire market, while disappointments may lead to sell-offs in particular sectors. In the US, the majority of companies have already reported better-than-expected earnings, which has instilled confidence in investors – understanding whether this trend holds in the remaining reports of the week will be crucial. Equally significant are the geopolitical factors: the expiration of the START-3 treaty between Russia and the US and elections in several countries serve as reminders that beyond economics, market dynamics are influenced by security and political issues. Russian investors operating abroad are advised to monitor external signals throughout the week – global macro statistics and comments from financial authorities – as domestic drivers (such as the dynamics of the rouble or oil prices) will largely rely on the external backdrop. Overall, the strategy for the week should involve diversification and careful responses to the data released. This week presents both opportunities (in positive surprises) and risks (in the face of negative news), making it essential to be prepared and have action plans for various scenarios that may unfold in global markets.
