Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Sunday, February 8, 2026: Snap Elections in Japan, Budget Disputes in the USA, Quiet Macroeconomic Statistics, as well as Company Reports from S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and MOEX
The second Sunday of February 2026 unfolds relatively calmly but carries significant political implications and residual risks for the markets. On the global stage, the spotlight is on the snap parliamentary elections in Japan, the outcome of which could potentially influence investor sentiment at the start of the new week. Simultaneously, uncertainty persists in the United States due to ongoing budget disputes: the recent government shutdown has delayed the release of key economic statistics, leaving markets without fresh indicators regarding the state of the largest global economy. The macroeconomic calendar today is almost empty, allowing market participants a respite to reflect on central bank decisions from the previous week and to prepare for upcoming data in the coming days. Meanwhile, the corporate earnings season continues: although no new reports are expected on Sunday, investors are keenly awaiting the results from several major companies (both in the United States, such as Ford, and in Europe and Asia) in the upcoming week to assess the health of the corporate sector and prospects amid slowing economic growth. For the Russian market, no significant domestic events are scheduled today; thus, the main focus remains on external factors – commodity price dynamics (oil continues to remain at comfortable levels following OPEC+ decisions), the ruble exchange rate, and the geopolitical situation. For investors from the CIS countries, it is crucial to consider this global picture when forming strategies ahead of Monday's trading session.
Macroeconomic Calendar (Moscow Time)
- Throughout the Day – Tokyo, Japan: Snap general election for the lower house of parliament. Voting will determine the balance of power in parliament and the future economic policy of the country. Results are expected by late Monday night: a decisive victory for the ruling coalition would ensure continuity in policy, while an unexpected success for the opposition could heighten political uncertainty.
- Throughout the Day – Washington, USA: A partial shutdown of the federal government continues due to the unapproved budget. This leads to delays in the release of important macroeconomic statistics – in particular, the timely publication of the Nonfarm Payrolls report for January remains pending. Investors are awaiting a resolution to the budget crisis to obtain delayed 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 that could reshape the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Sanae Takachi is seeking to strengthen his government's mandate following the dissolution of parliament; preliminary polls suggest that the ruling coalition has a chance of maintaining a majority, though intrigue remains regarding the seat allocation. The outcome of the vote will determine the continuation of current economic policies and reforms, including new economic stimulus measures, digitalization efforts, and potential changes in taxation and budgeting.
- Market Impact. Investors are closely monitoring the elections since the results will reflect on the dynamics of the Japanese yen and the shares of local companies. Political stability (the ruling party retaining its majority) could boost confidence and risk appetite: a moderate strengthening of the Nikkei 225 index and continued yen movement within the existing range is likely. Conversely, unexpected political shifts or coalition challenges could trigger short-term volatility – the yen might strengthen as a "safe haven," while exporter stocks may temporarily decline due to concerns over changes in economic direction. The Bank of Japan, which previously signaled a continuation of ultra-loose monetary policy, will need to align its future steps with the election results and the new economic agenda of the government.
Global Macroeconomic Statistics: A Pause in the USA and Hopes from China
- USA without New Data. The budget impasse in Washington has led to a temporary vacuum of macroeconomic indicators: the crucial employment report for January remains unreleased, along with several other statistical releases. This gap complicates the assessment of the current state of the U.S. economy and the trajectory of Federal Reserve interest rates. Even after the government resumes operation, it may take time to catch up on data publication, so at the beginning of the week, investors have to rely on previously published figures. Consequently, attention is increasingly directed toward indirect signals – market indicators, statements from Fed officials, and corporate reports – until official statistics resume regular release.
- Cautious Optimism from Asia. In China, signs of economic stabilization persist, supporting sentiments in Asian markets. Following the publication of official PMI indices for January showing a moderate improvement in business activity, investors are hopefully awaiting new data next week. Statistics on industrial production and retail sales in the PRC are expected in the coming days – these figures will clarify the strength of domestic demand ahead of the prolonged holiday (the Lunar New Year falls on February 17). If the data confirms a recovery in China’s economy, it will bolster confidence in the Asian region and provide indirect support for commodity and emerging markets. Conversely, if signs of slowing emerge, sentiments may deteriorate, reminding us of the ongoing global risks.
Earnings Reports: Before Market Opening (BMO, USA)
- Becton Dickinson (BDX). The largest med-tech company and representative of the S&P 500 will present its first-quarter results for the 2026 financial year (October-December 2025) before the market opens in the USA. Investors will closely analyze sales dynamics in medical equipment and hospital supplies segments in light of the gradual normalization of the healthcare system post-pandemic. Particular interest will be on the performance of the pharmaceutical systems segment (syringes, drug delivery systems) and diagnostic equipment: sustained high demand for BD products and the company's ability to maintain profit margins in the face of cost inflation will be indicators of the resilience of the medical technology sector. If the report exceeds expectations in both revenue and sales, BDX shares and the entire healthcare sector may receive a boost, while weak results or a cautious outlook could lead to a correction, signaling potential budget cuts for hospitals and laboratories.
- Apollo Global Management (APO). One of the world's leading alternative investment firms (managing assets in private equity, credit, and real estate) will report before the market opens. Apollo's financial results for the 4th quarter of 2025 will reveal how market volatility and rising interest rates impacted its revenue from fees and investments. The focus will be on capital inflow into new funds and earnings performance in the credit products segment: successful capital raising and growth in fee income will indicate investor confidence in private equity even amid tightening financial conditions, while declines in portfolio asset valuations or capital outflows could signal increased caution among institutional clients. Apollo's report will also serve as a barometer for the entire alternative investment sector: positive surprises will strengthen confidence in its resilience, while negative results will heighten concerns over asset overvaluation and credit risks.
- Other Releases Before Market Opening. Other companies reporting early Monday morning include On Semiconductor (ON) and Loews Corporation (L). On Semiconductor, a chip manufacturer focusing on automotive electronics and industrial IoT, will present data for the final quarter of 2025. Investors will assess whether high demand from automakers and equipment manufacturers persists, as well as how the gradual recovery of semiconductor supply chains has affected its business. Significant revenue growth for ON and optimistic demand forecasts could support positive sentiment in the tech sector, while signs of order slowdowns or margin pressure from price competition may trigger sell-offs in chip manufacturer stocks. Loews Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with assets in insurance, hospitality, and energy, will also report before the session begins. Investors will look closely at the results from its key subsidiary CNA Financial (insurance) and the pipeline segment: rising insurance payouts due to natural disasters or declining profits from energy projects could raise concerns in the market. Overall, the morning reports from major companies will set the tone: if they showcase strong earnings and confident management tones, American indices could start the week on a positive note, while disappointments may heighten caution and profit-taking.
Earnings Reports: After Market Closure (AMC, USA)
- Releases After the Main Session. On Monday after the trading concludes, several mid-cap issuers will report their earnings. This includes financial companies from the insurance sector (such as Cincinnati Financial) and second-tier technology firms. While these reports are unlikely to significantly impact the broad market, they will complement the overall picture of the earnings season. Particular attention may be drawn to trends that emerge from these niche releases: for instance, rising insurance payouts and declining investment income for insurers will indicate the impact of natural risks and market volatility, while the results from smaller tech companies will show whether they continue to experience revenue and customer growth amid tightening competition and expenses. Investors will use this information to refine their expectations ahead of more significant reports later in the week.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): For European markets, Sunday is traditionally a quiet day, and no new reports from major companies are expected today. The main annual earnings reporting season in Europe will begin later in February, so at the start of the week, Eurozone investors will shift their focus to external factors and overall macroeconomics. Key points of interest include the outcomes of the elections in Japan (crucial for global market sentiments and for European exporters linked to Asia), news from the USA regarding the budget situation, and signals from China. Regional economic indicators will be released later in the week: data on industrial production in Germany and trade figures in China are expected soon, providing additional guidance. Recent preliminary inflation data for the Eurozone in January confirmed a trend of slowing price growth (annual CPI decreased to approximately ~2.5%), bringing inflation closer to the ECB’s target level and solidifying expectations of a pause in interest rate hikes. The euro remains around $1.10, and yields on EU government bonds have stabilized – markets anticipate that the European Central Bank will pause following a series of rate increases. The absence of domestic corporate drivers means that on Monday, European stock indices will largely follow global trends influenced by weekend news and dynamics of futures on American indices. Potential deviations may arise from local news (for example, political events in specific EU countries or fluctuations in energy prices), but significant movements without new data and reports are not expected.
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): The Japanese stock market approaches the beginning of the week in anticipation of today's election results and without significant new corporate reports on Sunday. Most major Japanese corporations have already published their financial results for the first half of 2025, and the main wave of reports for the third quarter of the 2025 financial year (October-December) falls within the first half of February – several tech giants are set to announce their results between February 5 and 12. The macroeconomic backdrop in Japan remains relatively stable: inflation in Tokyo hovers around 2.4% annually, slightly above the Bank of Japan's target but still allowing the regulator to maintain an ultra-loose monetary policy. Interest rates remain close to zero, and the Central Bank continues to pursue a yield curve control (YCC) policy, keeping long-term rates low. This contributes to the yen's weakness – the exchange rate hovers close to ¥158 per USD, benefiting exporters and helping to maintain the Nikkei 225 index at high levels in recent months. In the absence of domestic news today, the further trajectory of 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 (for instance, a decisive victory for the current authorities) could push Nikkei higher amidst relief, while political uncertainty from an unexpected result may instead lead to a correction and increased demand for safe assets. Overall, however, Japanese investors will focus on signals from Wall Street (Friday's closure in the USA was mixed) and news from China – any positive surprises (such as strong PMI data or incentives from Chinese authorities) could improve sentiment in Tokyo trading.
- MOEX (Russia): The Russian MOEX index (IMOEX) concluded the first week of February near local highs, consolidating around 3,300 points amidst favourable commodity market conditions and relative quietude in external politics. On February 8, there are no major corporate events planned in Russia: the annual financial results publication season for most issuers will only commence at the end of February and in March. Therefore, today and on Monday, market participants will largely rely on external signals. The key external factors include political news and commodity prices. The price of Brent oil remains around $65 per barrel following a recent OPEC+ meeting, which is advantageous for Russian oil and gas companies (such as Lukoil, Rosneft) and supports the federal budget's revenue side. The Russian ruble shows relative stability: the exchange rate hovers between 88-90 rubles per USD, aided by high export revenues and an absence of new sanction shocks. The recently concluded tax period in January has removed some short-term support for the ruble, but the balance of power in the currency market remains in favour of currency stability – exporters continue to sell off foreign currency earnings, offsetting capital outflows. In the Russian bond market, yields on 10-year OFZs fluctuate around 10.5-11%, reflecting expectations that the Bank of Russia will refrain from changing the key rate (currently at 15% per annum) at its upcoming meeting on February 13. Slowing inflation in the country (with estimated prices rising by less than 0.5%m/m in January) and a strong ruble create conditions for more dovish messages from the regulator. Thus, under the conditions of a neutral external backdrop, Russian indices are likely to move in line with global trends today. Individual corporate stories (operational reports from certain companies or statements from top management) may trigger localized fluctuations but are unlikely to set the broader dynamics. The main task for domestic investors now is to keep an eye on external factors (election results in Japan, budgetary decisions in the USA, macroeconomic data from China) and assess their potential impact on the Russian market ahead of the new trading week.
Day's Summary: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- 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 indicators for Asian markets on Monday. Investors must promptly assess the results: if the ruling coalition retains power convincingly without political surprises, this will reduce global uncertainty and support demand for risk assets at the start of the week. A moderate rally in the Japanese market and positive resonance in other Asian exchanges may emerge, while safe assets (gold, yen) are likely to remain unchanged. However, in the case of an unexpected outcome (for instance, loss of majority or complicated coalition negotiations), short-term volatility may increase: the yen may strengthen, stocks of Japanese exporters may correct, and cautious dynamics may be seen across global equity markets. In the hours following the elections, particular attention should be paid to the yen exchange rate and Nikkei 225 futures – they will be the first to reflect investor sentiment regarding the political news.
- Budget Crisis in the USA and Data. The funding situation in the U.S. government remains at risk: although a significant number of departments may have resumed operations following a brief shutdown, any delays in publishing economic data complicate life for market participants. Investors should keep an eye on Washington news concerning potential budget agreements – achieving these will ease nervousness and allow the market to receive pending data (including the employment report). Until then, the scenario of uncertainty remains: the lack of fresh statistics increases dependence on corporate reports and Fed comments. **Attention**: if delayed figures (for example, Nonfarm Payrolls) are suddenly released in the coming days, market reaction may be sharp, as investors have long been deprived of this information. Strong employment data amid a pause in statistics could rekindle discussions on further tightening Fed policy, while weak results may enhance hopes for a softer regulatory stance. The right strategy is to be prepared for both scenarios, keeping support/resistance levels of major indices in mind and quickly adjusting the portfolio to new information when necessary.
- Corporate Reports Set the Tone. The start of the new week continues the quarterly earnings season, and already on Monday, before market opening and after market closure, investors will receive a slew of corporate results. Reaction to the morning reports (Becton Dickinson, Apollo, etc.) will show sentiment across various sectors – from healthcare to financials – and may set the overall tone for the session. If companies report earnings above expectations and share confident forecasts for 2026, the market is likely to 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 chip manufacturer may confirm sustained demand in the industry, uplifting stocks in the tech sector. Conversely, disappointments in reports (misses on earnings, margin declines, or cautious management comments about future sales) could prompt profit-taking among investors after a recent surge in quotes. The market will respond especially sensitively to forecasts: any mention of demand slowdowns, cost pressures, or economic uncertainty could heighten caution. Given that significant reports from giants (like Coca-Cola, Ford, Cisco, and major European banks) are ahead this week, Monday's results will serve as just an initial indicator. It is important for investors to "read" these early signals and adjust exposure as needed: increasing shares in sectors showing unexpected resilience and reducing positions where weakness appears.
- Macroeconomic Benchmarks for the Week. Following a relatively quiet weekend, focus will shift to upcoming economic data in the coming days. The first half of February is rich in statistics, and although some has been delayed, markets will be bracing for key indicators. In the latter half of the week, fresh inflation data is expected – including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January in the USA (if publication occurs as planned). Additionally, figures on retail sales and industrial production in major economies (USA, China, UK) will be released, along with decisions from several developing countries' central banks. Investors should pay special attention to whether the new figures confirm the scenario of a "soft landing" for the global economy. If inflation continues to slow towards target levels, while activity indicators remain positive, this will create a favourable backdrop for risk assets: expectations for a prolonged pause (or even the onset of rate cuts by the end of the year) will strengthen. However, unexpected inflation spikes or signs of a sharp economic cooling (e.g., job or consumption downturns) could rapidly increase volatility. In the event of adverse surprises, a capital rotation into safe instruments – reliable bonds, gold, yen, and franc – would be likely, while cyclical stocks and high-risk assets could face sell-offs. As there is also an upcoming Bank of Russia meeting (February 13) and several geopolitical events on the horizon, it is advisable to devise ahead-of-time actions for any developments in the macro sphere.
- Strategy for CIS Investors. A quiet Sunday serves as an opportune moment for evaluating investments before a series of important events. Investors from CIS countries would benefit from checking portfolio balance: ensuring that risky and defensive assets are balanced considering current volatility. The start of a new month is a time when global funds often redistribute capital, which could lead to additional inflows or outflows in local markets (including the Moscow Exchange). Given the ongoing uncertainty (geopolitics, macro statistics, corporate reports), it is beneficial to establish clear stop-loss and take-profit triggering levels for the most volatile positions. Having a well-thought-out action plan for any unexpected news – be it a breakthrough in negotiations (for instance, regarding Ukraine) or, conversely, an escalation of conflict; imposition of new sanctions; an unexpected spike in inflation or sudden decisions from the central bank – will help preserve capital and even capitalize on arising opportunities. As we enter the new trading week, a CIS investor should be prepared to respond swiftly to external signals while avoiding emotional decisions – a measured, disciplined approach remains the best protection and guarantee of success in the markets.
