Comprehensive Overview of Economic Events and Corporate Reports on January 25, 2026. A Calm Weekend for Markets, Baker Hughes Report, Saudi Arabia's Trade Balance Data, Australia's National Holiday, and Expectations Ahead of Key Decisions from the US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan.
Sunday is relatively calm for global markets: major US and European exchanges are closed, while trading activity is subdued in the Asia-Pacific region. Investors are reflecting on the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos and gearing up for a busy week ahead. Focus is on upcoming central bank meetings: on Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision, with the Bank of Japan potentially adjusting its monetary policy soon after. Additionally, the energy sector is highlighted by the report from oil services company Baker Hughes, published unusually on a Sunday. The release of the macroeconomic statistics on Saudi Arabia's trade balance signals the state of oil exports at the end of the year. In this environment, it is critical for investors to utilize the market pause to reassess risks and prepare for expected volatility in the week ahead.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- 06:00 — Saudi Arabia: Trade Balance for November.
- All day — Australia: National Holiday (Australia Day, January 26; Australian markets are closed).
Central Banks: US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan
- The US Federal Reserve will hold its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, January 28. Markets anticipate that the base rate will remain unchanged, but the Fed's rhetoric will be closely scrutinized. Any signals regarding future tightening or easing plans could impact Treasury yields and the dynamics of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices.
- The Bank of Japan will hold a meeting later in the week, during which it may review its Yield Curve Control (YCC) policy. As yields on Japanese 10-year bonds reach multi-year highs, expectations for an expansion of the permissible band have intensified. Any changes to YCC parameters could trigger a spike in the yen's exchange rate and affect global bond markets.
Oil and Commodities
- The Baker Hughes report (BKR) is being released amid stable oil prices (Brent holding around the mid-$60 per barrel) and a moderately volatile natural gas market. As a leader in the oil services sector, Baker Hughes provides early indicators of activity in the oil industry. Investors are assessing the dynamics of new orders for the company’s equipment and services, as well as the management’s comments on the industry outlook amid the price environment.
- Saudi Arabia's external trade data for November reflects the state of oil exports from the world’s largest exporter. A sustained trade surplus indicates stable oil revenues and could support OPEC+ members’ sentiment. However, a reduction in surplus could signal declining export volumes or prices, which are important for oil market forecasts. Gold prices remain high (above $3300 per ounce), indicating ongoing demand for safe-haven assets amidst global uncertainty.
Reporting: United States
- Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) – a major oil services company within the S&P 500 – will publish its Q4 2025 report after the market closes on Sunday. Analysts forecast earnings per share of around $0.67 and revenue of approximately $7.1 billion. Focus will be on the profitability of the service business and volumes of new orders for oil extraction equipment. The results from Baker Hughes are likely to set the tone for the energy sector ahead of the opening of US markets on Monday.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: In Europe, Sunday is traditionally a day off from corporate releases, and investors are shifting focus to macroeconomic factors. Early in the coming week, the Eurozone is expected to release business climate data and the first reports from industrial giants, likely influencing the Euro Stoxx 50 index. EUR/USD and GBP/USD exchange rates exhibit relative stability, balancing expectations regarding decisions from the Fed and the Bank of England.
- Nikkei 225 / Japan: In Tokyo, the financial reporting season for the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year is ongoing. Several technology and industrial companies (such as electronics and equipment manufacturers) are set to report early in the week, and their results will impact Nikkei 225 dynamics. Additionally, the upcoming meeting of the Bank of Japan is keeping the Japanese bond market and banking sector on edge.
- MOEX / Russia: The Russian market (Moscow Exchange index) has no significant publications over the weekend. Major blue-chip companies are preparing to disclose annual results closer to the end of the quarter, hence external indicators such as oil prices, geopolitical backdrop, and ruble exchange movements are in focus. Regional investors will look to global signals and Fed decisions to gauge potential effects on commodity markets and currencies of emerging economies.
End of Day: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- 1) Baker Hughes: The unexpected weekend release of the BKR report makes its results an important indicator for the entire oil and gas sector. Strong results (exceeding expectations for earnings or revenue) could support shares of energy companies, while disappointing figures may heighten caution in the market before the week begins.
- 2) The Fed and Macroeconomic Policy: A key event ahead is the Fed meeting on January 28. Investors should prepare for potential volatility: any hints regarding a change in the US monetary policy direction could lead to a reassessment of risk assets, from tech stocks to emerging market currencies.
- 3) Bank of Japan and Global Bonds: A potential adjustment of the Bank of Japan's Yield Curve Control policy may not only impact Nikkei 225 and the yen's exchange rate but also affect global debt markets. Rising Japanese yields may translate into increased interest rates elsewhere, which is critical for global investors to consider.
- 4) Oil Market: The combination of data from Saudi Arabia and the Baker Hughes report will provide new insights into the supply-demand balance in the oil market. If statistics indicate sustained exports and optimistic service forecasts, oil prices could receive support, positively affecting commodity-related assets and currencies of exporters.
- 5) Strategy for the New Week: The current trading pause is an opportune time for portfolio reassessment. With upcoming events (Fed meeting, corporate earnings, macro data), investors are advised to predefine acceptable volatility ranges and entry/exit points. Utilizing stop-orders and hedging risks will help better navigate the new week, particularly given that Monday will start with reduced activity (no trading in Australia), and markets will require time to react to the comprehensive news flow.
