Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Monday, December 29, 2025. A Macro-Economic Overview and Global Stock Markets in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Russia for Investors.
The beginning of the final trading week of December is proceeding in a calm manner. Most major stock exchanges around the world are resuming operations after the holiday break, but there are currently no clear drivers for the markets. The focus for investors remains on data related to the US housing market: on December 29 at 17:00 MSK, the National Association of Realtors will release its report on pending home sales for November. The corporate sector is largely quiet; the quarterly reporting period ended earlier, and no companies from the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, or Moscow Exchange are announcing results on Monday. Overall, global markets are preparing for a quiet week leading up to the New Year: low liquidity limits volatility, and participants are using this pause to reflect on the year's results and plan new strategies.
Macro-Economic Calendar (MSK)
- 08:30 — USA: Durable goods orders (November), final estimate of Q3 GDP, and corporate profits.
- 09:15 — USA: Industrial production for November.
- 10:00 — USA: Richmond Fed manufacturing index (December), new home sales (November), and consumer confidence (Michigan).
- 10:00 — USA: Preliminary expectations for pending home sales for November.
- 13:00 — USA: Baker Hughes weekly report on active oil drilling rigs.
Corporate Reporting
Monday does not promise major surprises from companies. As reported by Kiplinger, "no notable earnings reports are scheduled for publication" on this day. The exception may be local, small-cap issuers. For instance, the Taiwanese technology company OBOOK Holdings (NASDAQ: OWLS) has postponed its semi-annual results release to an after-hours call on December 29. In Russia and Europe, there are also no significant releases: major corporations have completed the quarter and will report in January. Thus, the news background from the corporate sector remains neutral and does not influence the overall market dynamics.
Global Markets
- USA: American exchanges are entering the last shortened week of 2025. Following last week, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ remained virtually at previous levels – trading before the holidays was sluggish and devoid of new trends. On Monday, Wall Street is experiencing moderate trading activity without sharp price fluctuations.
- Europe: After the weekend, European markets (London, Frankfurt, Paris) are opening as usual. Eurozone exchanges were closed on Friday (Christmas), making this the first active day for most markets after the pause. However, significant changes are not expected – the overall sentiment across the continent remains "muted" due to the holidays.
- Asia: Trading continues in Japan and China. The Nikkei 225 starts the week under the influence of a stable yen, and the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges are also open. The broader Asian backdrop is supported by a "calm respite" – important data from China will be released later (PMI on December 31), and current volatility is low.
- Russia and CIS: The Moscow Exchange will conduct a short trading session on December 29 (trading will close before 10:00 MSK). There are no significant releases, and local indices are currently moving within narrow ranges. The ruble is stable, and volatility in the Russian market is reduced.
Currencies and Commodities
A holiday "silence" has settled over the currency markets: the dollar remains near recent local extremes against major currencies (euro, yen) without sharp movements. Prices for oil and metals are stable – trading is occurring against a backdrop of low liquidity, without major demand or supply drivers. Consequently, the currency and commodity fluctuations at the beginning of the week are limited, and no significant shocks are anticipated at this time.
What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- Watch for the outlook for the last week of the year. Despite the quietude, tomorrow evening the "minutes" from the December FOMC meeting will be released, which could alter expectations regarding interest rates. Additionally, December's PMI data from China will be published on Wednesday – their results could provide momentum for risk assets.
- Use this time to review your portfolio. The pre-New Year week is an opportune moment to assess the year's results, adjust asset allocation, and review strategies for the upcoming year while volatility is low. Investors from the CIS should particularly note the importance of diversification across regions and currencies.
- Be prepared for low liquidity. A thin market increases the likelihood of sharp price gaps even from minor news. Therefore, it is advisable to set limit orders, reduce risks with new positions if necessary, and avoid excessively aggressive trading.
- Maintain a long-term approach. The current lack of movement is temporary. Once January arrives, a new earnings season will begin, and important macro data will emerge. The key is not to exit the market entirely and not to succumb to panic due to the transient calmness.
