Analytical Review of Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Friday, December 12, 2025. Major Macroeconomic Publications, Reports from Large Companies in the USA, Europe, and Asia, Market Impact for CIS Investors.
Friday concludes a busy week for markets against the backdrop of decisions from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB). In Asia, there are no significant new publications, as investors assess global signals following the central banks' announcements. In Europe, the focus is on the UK's economic indicators, with fresh data on GDP and industrial production. In the US, the key reference point of the day will be the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index, which gauges household sentiments ahead of the holiday season. On the corporate side, several reports from major public companies are anticipated, including a trading update from broker Charles Schwab in the US, financial results from Swedish IT firm Sectra, and Japanese retailer Kobe Bussan. It is crucial for investors to evaluate all data and reports in combination: Fed/ECB policy ↔ bond yields ↔ currency rates ↔ commodity prices ↔ risk appetite.
Macroeconomic Calendar (Moscow Time)
- 10:00 — United Kingdom: Monthly GDP growth rates for October.
- 10:00 — United Kingdom: Industrial production figures for October.
- 18:00 — United States: Preliminary consumer sentiment index (December) from the University of Michigan.
Europe: UK GDP and Industry
- United Kingdom: The Monthly GDP and industrial production figures being released today will reflect the state of the economy heading into the end of the year. Stagnation or decline in activity would intensify expectations for dovish Bank of England policies and put pressure on the pound, while unexpected growth could bolster investor confidence. UK data will set the tone for European markets, particularly sensitive to consumption and export outlooks.
USA: Consumer Sentiment in Focus
- United States: The preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan for December acts as a significant barometer for domestic demand. Improved sentiment indicates households' readiness to spend during the holiday period, which is positive for retail and the economy. However, a weak index could raise concerns about economic slowdown and inflation expectations, influencing FOMC decisions and dollar dynamics. The market is closely monitoring this leading indicator to assess the prospects for the consumer sector.
Corporate Reporting: Before Market Open (BMO, USA, Europe, Asia)
- Charles Schwab (SCHW) — one of the largest American brokers will present a monthly operational performance report for November. Investor focus will be on client trading activity, fund inflows/outflows in brokerage accounts, and interest income on client balances. Strong metrics will indicate high retail investor engagement and sustained commission income, while weak data may prompt a reassessment of the entire brokerage sector.
- Sectra AB (SECT B) — the Swedish IT solutions provider for the medical field will report for the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. The market will assess revenue growth from healthcare software and cybersecurity, as well as business profitability. Sectra's results will signal demand for medical IT services in Europe; positive dynamics will support sentiment in the region's tech sector.
- Kobe Bussan (3038.T) — Japanese retailer and operator of the Gyomu Super discount store chain will publish financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Investors are looking for data on domestic consumer demand in Japan: sales growth will indicate household spending resilience despite inflation, while profit margins will show whether the company was able to offset rising costs. Kobe Bussan's report could influence the retail sector in the Tokyo market.
Other Regions and Indices: Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, MOEX
- Euro Stoxx 50: There are no financial reports from major blue-chip companies within the index on December 12. Macroeconomic factors will play a leading role in European stocks – in particular, the reaction to the new data from the UK and the overall interpretation of the ECB's decisions. The movement of the euro and bond yields post-ECB meeting will continue to determine sector sentiment across European exchanges.
- Nikkei 225: The Japanese market is primarily focused on external signals, as no notable local releases are expected today. Following the stable stance of the Bank of Japan, investor attention is shifting to the external context – the outcomes of the US FOMC meeting and sentiment within the tech sector. Fluctuations in the yen against the dollar remain an important driver for export-oriented companies within the Nikkei 225.
- MOEX: There are no major corporate reports in the Russian stock market on December 12, so external conditions and commodity prices are shaping investor sentiment. Fluctuations in oil prices following recent OPEC+ data and the dynamics of the ruble will influence the stocks of energy companies and exporters. The overall risk appetite in global markets is in focus: a positive external backdrop could support the MOEX index, while intensifying geopolitical risks or capital outflows could apply pressure.
Day's Summary: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- 1) Post-effects of central bank decisions: Markets are evaluating the outcomes of the FOMC and ECB meetings, reflected in the movement of government bond yields and currency rates. It is crucial for investors to watch how these changes influence sentiment in stocks – particularly within the financial and technology sectors of the S&P 500.
- 2) Macroeconomic data from the UK and the US: Today's GDP and industrial production figures in the UK and consumer sentiment index in the US serve as indicators for economic conditions. Unexpected deviations can contribute to volatility: strong data will support risk assets, while weak results will heighten caution in the markets.
- 3) Charles Schwab report: Metrics from this leading broker on client activity and assets will signal sentiment among private investors. Improved indicators could reinforce confidence in the continued influx of investments into stock markets, while signs of diminishing activity could lead to portfolio reassessments and risk rebalancing.
