Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Sunday, February 8, 2026: Snap Elections in Japan, Budget Disputes in the US, and a Calm in Macro Statistics, Along with Reports from Companies in the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX
The second Sunday of February 2026 unfolds relatively calmly but carries important political implications and residual risks for the markets. On the global stage, snap parliamentary elections in Japan take center stage, with outcomes capable of influencing investor sentiment at the start of the new week. At the same time, uncertainty continues in the United States due to budget disputes: the recent government shutdown has delayed the publication of key economic statistics, leaving markets without fresh indicators regarding the state of the world's largest economy. Today's macroeconomic calendar is almost empty, providing market participants with a breather to reflect on central bank decisions made last week and prepare for upcoming data in the coming days. Meanwhile, the corporate earnings season continues: while there are no new reports on Sunday, investors are keenly awaiting the publication of results from several major companies (both in the US, such as Ford, and in Europe and Asia) in the upcoming week to assess the health of the corporate sector and prospects amidst an economic slowdown. For the Russian market, no significant events are scheduled today, so external factors—commodity price dynamics (oil remains at comfortable levels following the OPEC+ decision), the ruble exchange rate, and geopolitical conditions—remain the primary benchmarks. It is crucial for investors from the CIS countries to consider this global picture when formulating their strategies ahead of Monday's trading opening.
Macroeconomic Calendar (MSK)
- Throughout the Day – Tokyo, Japan: Snap general elections for the lower house of parliament. The voting will determine the power dynamics in parliament and the future economic policies of the country. Results are expected by Monday night: a decisive victory for the ruling coalition will ensure continuity of the course, while an unexpected success for the opposition may increase political uncertainty.
- Throughout the Day – Washington, USA: The federal government remains partially shut down due to an unpassed budget. This leads to delays in the important macroeconomic data release – in particular, the labor market report (Nonfarm Payrolls) for January has not been published on time. Investors are awaiting a resolution to the budget crisis to obtain the postponed data and clarify the economic situation.
Politics: Elections in Japan
- Historic Voting. Snap elections for the lower house of parliament are taking place in Japan today – an event capable of altering the country's political landscape. Prime Minister Sanae Takachi seeks to strengthen the mandate of his government following the dissolution of parliament; preliminary polls indicate that the ruling coalition stands a chance to retain a majority of seats, although the intrigue in seat distribution remains. The outcome of the vote will determine the continuation of the current economic course and reforms, including new economic stimulus policies, digitization efforts, and potential changes in tax and budgetary policies.
- Market Impact. Investors are closely monitoring the elections, as their results will reflect on the dynamics of the Japanese yen and local company stocks. Political stability (retention of a ruling party majority) could boost confidence and increase risk appetite: a moderate strengthening of the Nikkei 225 stock index is likely, and the yen may continue its course within the existing range. In contrast, an unexpected political reshuffle or coalition difficulties could provoke short-term volatility – the yen may strengthen as a "safe haven," while exporter stocks may temporarily decline due to concerns over a shift in economic policy. The Bank of Japan, which previously signaled the continuity of its ultra-easy monetary policy, will need to align its future steps with the election outcomes and the new economic agenda of the government.
Global Macroeconomic Statistics: A Pause in the US and Hopes from China
- US Without Fresh Data. The budget deadlock in Washington has led to a temporary vacuum in macroeconomic indicators: the markets have not received timely key employment reports for January, as well as several other statistical releases. This gap complicates the assessment of the current state of the US economy and the trajectory of Federal Reserve interest rates. Even after the government resumes operations, it may take time to catch up on data publication, so at the beginning of the week, investors must rely on previously published figures. Consequently, there is heightened attention to indirect signals – market indicators, statements from Federal Reserve representatives, and corporate reports – until official statistics begin to flow again regularly.
- Cautious Optimism from Asia. Signs of stabilization in the Chinese economy are bolstering sentiment in Asian markets. Following the release of official PMI indices for January, indicating a moderate improvement in business activity, investors are hopefully awaiting new data next week. Statistics on industrial production and retail sales in China are due to be released in the next few days – these figures will clarify the strength of domestic demand ahead of the extended holiday break (Lunar New Year falls on February 17). If the data confirms the recovery of China's economy, it will strengthen confidence in the Asian region and provide indirect support for commodity and emerging markets. Conversely, signs of slowdown may adversely affect sentiment, highlighting persistent global risks.
Earnings Reports: Pre-Market (BMO, USA)
- Becton Dickinson (BDX). The largest medical technology company and representative of the S&P 500 index will present results for the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year (October–December 2025) before the market opens in the US. Investors will closely examine revenue trends in the medical devices and hospital supplies segments against the backdrop of a gradual normalization of the healthcare system post-pandemic. Special attention will be given to the pharmaceutical systems division (syringes, drug delivery systems) and diagnostic equipment: maintaining high demand for BD products, as well as the company's ability to maintain profit margins in light of cost inflation, will be indicators of the resilience of the medical technology sector. If the report exceeds expectations for profits and sales, BDX stock and the entire healthcare sector may gain upward momentum; conversely, weak results or a cautious outlook could trigger a correction, signaling a possible reduction in hospital and laboratory budgets.
- Apollo Global Management (APO). One of the leading alternative investment companies in the world (managing assets in private equity, credit, and real estate) will report before the market opens. Apollo's financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 will demonstrate how market volatility and rising interest rates have impacted its fee and investment income. Focus will be on fund inflows and profit margins in the credit product segment: successful capital raising and growth in fee income will indicate investors' trust in private equity even amidst tightening financial conditions, while declines in portfolio asset valuations or capital outflows may signal increased caution among institutional clients. Apollo's report will also serve as a barometer for the entire alternative investments sector: positive surprises will bolster confidence, while negative results will heighten concerns about asset overvaluation and credit risks.
- Other Releases Before Market Open. Among other companies reporting early on Monday are On Semiconductor (ON) and Loews Corporation (L). On Semiconductor, a microchip manufacturer focusing on automotive electronics and industrial IoT, will present data for the final quarter of 2025. Investors will evaluate whether strong demand from the automotive sector and equipment manufacturers has persisted, and how the gradual recovery of semiconductor supply chains has affected the business. Strong revenue growth for ON and optimistic demand forecasts could support a positive sentiment in the technology sector, while signs of order slowdown or margin pressure due to price competition could trigger sell-offs in chip manufacturer stocks. Loews Corporation, a diversified conglomerate owning assets in insurance, hospitality, and energy, will also report before the trading session. Investors will closely examine results from its key subsidiary, CNA Financial (insurance) and the pipelines segment: increases in insurance payouts due to natural disasters or declines in profitability from energy projects may alarm the market. Overall, the morning reports from major companies will set the tone: if they demonstrate sustainable profits and a confident management tone, US indices may start the week with gains; while disappointments will intensify caution and profit-taking.
Earnings Reports: After Market Close (AMC, USA)
- Reports After Market Session. On Monday, after trading closes, several mid-cap issuers will release their reports, including financial companies from the insurance sector (e.g., Cincinnati Financial) and second-tier tech firms. While these reports are unlikely to significantly impact the broader market, they will complement the overall mosaic of the earnings season. Market participants may pay close attention to trends that emerge from these niche releases: for example, an increase in insurance payouts and a decline in investment income for insurers will indicate the impact of natural risks and market volatility, while results from smaller tech companies will reveal whether they are maintaining revenue and client growth amidst increasing competition and expenses. Investors will leverage this information to refine their expectations ahead of more significant reports mid-week.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): Sunday is traditionally a quiet day for European markets, with no new major corporate earnings publications today. The main season for annual reports in Europe will begin later in February, so early in the week, Eurozone investors will focus on external factors and overall macro statistics. The focus will be on the outcomes of the elections in Japan (which are important for global market sentiment and for European exporters tied to Asia), news from the US regarding the budget situation, and signals from China. Regional economic indicators will come out later in the week: data on industrial production in Germany and trade in China are expected in the coming days, which will provide additional benchmarks. A previously published preliminary inflation figure for the Eurozone in January confirmed a trend of slowing price growth (annual CPI fell to approximately ~2.5%), bringing inflation closer to the ECB's target level and strengthening expectations for a pause in rate hikes. The euro is holding around $1.10, and EU government bond yields have stabilized – markets predict that the European Central Bank will take a pause after a series of rate hikes. The absence of internal corporate drivers means that on Monday, European stock indices will generally follow the global trends set by weekend news and futures dynamics for US indices. Possible deviations might arise from localized news (for example, political events in individual EU countries or fluctuations in energy prices), but radical movements without new data and reports are not anticipated.
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese stock market approaches the start of the week awaiting today's election results and without significant new corporate reports on Sunday. Most leading Japanese corporations have already published their financial results for the first half of 2025, and the main wave of reporting for the third quarter of the 2025 financial year (October–December) is expected during the first half of February – several tech giants will release their results between February 5 and 12. The macroeconomic backdrop in Japan remains relatively stable: inflation in Tokyo hovers around 2.4% on a year-over-year basis, which is slightly above the Bank of Japan's target, yet still allows the regulator to maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy. Interest rates remain close to zero, and the central bank continues its yield curve control (YCC) policy, keeping long-term rates low. This bolsters the yen's weakness—the exchange rate hovers around ¥158 per US dollar, benefiting exporters and supporting the Nikkei 225 index at high levels in recent months. In the absence of local news today, the further trajectory of the Nikkei will depend on external factors and election outcomes. Morning market opening on Monday is likely to react to the voting results: a positive, predictable outcome (e.g., a decisive victory for the current government) could push the Nikkei higher on a wave of relief, while political uncertainty resulting from an unexpected outcome might lead to a correction and increased demand for protective assets. Overall, Japanese investors will monitor signals from Wall Street (Friday's close in the US was mixed) and news from China – any positive surprises (e.g., strong PMI data or stimuli from Chinese authorities) could enhance the mood in Tokyo's trading sessions.
- MOEX (Russia): The Russian MOEX index (IMOEX) finished the first week of February near local highs, consolidating around the 3300-point level against a favorable commodity market backdrop and relative calm in foreign policy. As of February 8, no significant corporate events are scheduled in Russia; the season for annual financial results publication for most issuers will only begin in late February and March. Therefore, today and tomorrow, market participants will primarily rely on external signals. The key external factor remains political news and commodity prices. Brent oil is holding around $65 per barrel following a recent OPEC+ meeting, which is favorable for Russian oil and gas company stocks (such as Lukoil, Rosneft) and supports the revenue side of the federal budget. The Russian ruble is demonstrating relative stability: the exchange rate is maintained in the range of 88-90 rubles per US dollar, buoyed by high export revenues and the absence of new sanction shocks. The end of January's tax period has removed some temporary support for the ruble, but the balance of forces in the currency market remains in favor of stability—the exporters are continuing to sell foreign currency earnings, offsetting capital outflows. On the Russian bond market, yields on 10-year OFZs are fluctuating around 10.5-11%, reflecting expectations that the Bank of Russia will refrain from changing the key rate (currently 15% per annum) at the upcoming meeting on February 13. The deceleration of inflation in the country (January's price increase is estimated to be below 0.5% m/m) and a strong ruble create premises for a more dovish tone from the regulator. Thus, under a neutral external backdrop, Russian indices are likely to move along with global trends today. Individual corporate stories (operational reports from specific companies or statements from top management) may cause only localized fluctuations, without setting a broad dynamic. The main task for domestic investors right now is to keep focused on external factors (election outcomes in Japan, budget decisions in the US, macroeconomic data from China) and assess their potential impact on the Russian market ahead of the new trading week.
Summary of the Day: What to Watch for Investors
- Japanese Elections and Market Reaction. The main event of the weekend is the Japanese elections, and their outcome will serve as one of the first benchmarks for Asian markets on Monday. It is essential for investors to swiftly assess the results: if the ruling coalition confidently retains power, and political surprises do not arise, this will reduce the level of global uncertainty and support demand for risk assets at the start of the week. A moderate rally is possible in the Japanese market and positive responses in other Asian markets, while safe-haven assets (gold, yen) remain largely unchanged. However, in the event of an unexpected outcome (e.g., loss of majority or complex coalition negotiations), a short-term increase in volatility can be anticipated: the yen may strengthen, Japanese exporter stocks might correct, and global stock markets may exhibit cautious dynamics. In the first hours after the elections, it is particularly important to monitor the yen exchange rate and futures for the Nikkei 225 index – these will reflect investor sentiment towards political news.
- US Budget Crisis and Data. The situation with US government funding remains a risk zone: although a significant number of agencies may have resumed operations after a brief shutdown, any delays in publishing economic indicators complicate matters for market participants. Investors should closely follow news from Washington regarding potential budget agreements – achieving these will alleviate nervousness and allow the market to obtain missing data (including the employment report). Until then, a scenario of uncertainty prevails: the absence of fresh statistics increases reliance on corporate reports and Federal Reserve comments. **Attention**: if postponed figures (e.g., Nonfarm Payrolls) are suddenly published in the coming days, the market's reaction could be sharp, as investors have been deprived of this information for some time. Strong employment data amidst a pause in statistics might reignite discussions regarding further tightening by the Fed, whereas weak figures could enhance hopes for a more dovish stance. The right strategy is to prepare for both scenarios, keeping key support/resistance levels for major indices in mind and quickly adjusting the portfolio as needed based on new information.
- Corporate Reports Set the Tone. The start of the new week continues the quarterly earnings season, and already on Monday, before opening and after the market closes, investors will receive a batch of corporate results. The reaction to morning reports (Becton Dickinson, Apollo, etc.) will reflect sentiment across various sectors—from healthcare to high finance—and may set an overall tone for the session. If companies report profits exceeding expectations and share confident forecasts for 2026, the market will perceive this as a signal of economic resilience, supporting further growth in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. For instance, unexpectedly strong figures from a chipmaker would confirm sustained demand in the industry, which would drive stock prices higher in the tech sector. Conversely, disappointments in reports (misses on profit, declining margins, or cautious management comments about future sales) could provoke profit-taking by investors following recent price increases. The market will respond particularly sensitively to forecasts: any mention of declining demand, cost pressures, or economic uncertainty could elevate caution. Considering that significant reports from giants (such as Coca-Cola, Ford, Cisco, and large European banks) await later in the week, Monday's results will merely serve as the first indicator. It is crucial for investors to "read" these early signals and adjust their exposures as necessary: increase allocations in sectors showing unexpected resilience and reduce positions where signs of weakness emerge.
- Macroeconomic Benchmarks for the Week. Following a relatively quiet weekend, the focus will shift to upcoming economic data in the next few days. The first half of February is rich with statistics, and although some has been delayed, markets will prepare for key indicators. The latter half of the week is anticipated to bring fresh inflation data—including the US consumer price index (CPI) for January (if the publication goes as planned). Additionally, statistics on retail sales and industrial production in major economies (the US, China, UK) will also be published, along with decisions from several central banks in emerging markets. Investors should pay particular attention to whether new figures confirm the scenario of a "soft landing" for the global economy. If inflation continues to decelerate towards target levels while activity indicators remain positive, this would create a favorable background for risk assets: expectations for a prolonged pause (or even the beginning of rate cuts by year-end) would strengthen. However, unexpected inflation increases or signs of sharp economic cooling (e.g., a plunge in employment or consumption) could quickly heighten volatility. In the event of adverse surprises, capital rotation towards safe instruments—such as reliable bonds, gold, the yen, and the franc—may occur, while cyclic stocks and high-risk assets might face sell-offs. With the upcoming Bank of Russia meeting (February 13) and several geopolitical events, it is advisable to carefully plan actions for any developments in the macro sphere.
- Strategy for Investors from the CIS. A quiet Sunday is a suitable moment to evaluate investments ahead of a series of important events. Investors from CIS countries should review their portfolio balance: ensuring that risky and defensive assets are balanced given the current volatility. The beginning of a new month is a time when global funds often redistribute capital, potentially leading to additional inflows or outflows in local markets (including the Moscow Exchange). Considering the ongoing uncertainty (geopolitics, macro statistics, corporate reports), it is beneficial to set clear stop-loss and take-profit thresholds for the most volatile positions. It is important to have a well-thought-out action plan in place for any unexpected news: whether it be a breakthrough in negotiations (for example, regarding Ukraine) or, conversely, an escalation of conflict; the imposition of new sanctions; a surprising inflation spike; or a sharp decision by the central bank. Having scenarios in place for each of these contingencies will help preserve capital and even capitalize on arising opportunities. As the new trading week begins, CIS investors should be prepared to respond swiftly to external signals while avoiding emotional decisions— a measured, disciplined approach remains the best protection and key to success in the markets.
