Key Economic Events and Corporate Reports for Wednesday, December 17, 2025: Inflation in the UK, Eurozone, and Russia, EIA Data on U.S. Oil Stocks, and Reports from Major Public Companies
Inflation in the UK: Ahead of the Bank of England's Decision
At 10:00 Moscow time, data on UK inflation for November will be published. The annual Consumer Price Index is expected to remain around 3-4% y/y, possibly increasing slightly from the October figure (~3.6% y/y). Inflation in the UK has significantly decreased from double-digit peaks earlier in the year, yet still exceeds the Bank of England's target level of 2%. The subdued price dynamics enhance expectations that the Bank of England might implement its first rate cut in the last couple of years during its meeting the following day (December 18). A strong slowdown in CPI would raise the likelihood of a monetary policy easing, while an unexpectedly high inflation spike could compel the regulator to exercise caution. The market will closely monitor the morning release, as it will dictate the movements of the British pound and UK equities.
Inflation in the Eurozone: Approaching Target Level
The European Union's statistical agency will release the final CPI index for November at 13:00 Moscow time. Preliminary estimates suggest that the annual inflation in the Eurozone was approximately 2.2%, slightly up from 2.1% in October. This level is nearly aligned with the European Central Bank's target of 2%, indicating a successful moderation in price growth compared to previous years. Core inflation remains slightly higher than the overall figure (around 2.4% y/y) but also shows a declining trend. Confirmation of moderate inflation will bolster confidence that the ECB will pause its current policy after a series of rate hikes. Overall, stable price metrics in Europe reduce pressure on the regulator and support expectations of a gradual return of inflation to the target. This bodes well for European markets.
Oil Stocks in the U.S. (EIA Report): Impact on the Commodity Market
The weekly EIA report on commercial oil inventories in the U.S. will be released at 18:30 Moscow time. The previous week recorded a decline in inventories of approximately -1.8 million barrels (following a slight increase the week before), reflecting sustained demand for fuel. The new figures will reveal whether this trend continues: analysts do not rule out a further decrease in inventories within the range of 1-2 million barrels, although an unexpected rise in inventories due to seasonal factors is also possible. For the oil market, this is a key indicator of supply and demand balance. If the report shows a significant inventory decline, oil prices may receive support. Conversely, an increase in reserves could exert pressure on prices, especially in light of recent market weakness – notably, WTI fell to $56 per barrel, reaching its lowest levels in recent months due to concerns over oversupply at the beginning of 2026. Investors in the oil and gas sector will carefully analyze the EIA publication, as it is likely to cause noticeable fluctuations in oil prices and shares of commodity companies.
Inflation in Russia: Slowdown Ahead of the Central Bank's Decision
At 19:00 Moscow time, fresh data on consumer inflation in Russia will be announced. In November, the annual price increase in Russia slowed substantially – official inflation fell to around 6.6% y/y (down from 7.7% in October), reaching a low not seen in more than two years. This slowdown exceeded analysts' expectations and indicates a weakening of price pressure due to the tight monetary policy and the ruble's strengthening in the autumn. Weekly figures for the first weeks of December also suggest a continuation of this trend (for instance, at the end of November, the weekly price increase slowed to a mere 0.04%). This dynamic instills optimism that the Bank of Russia might begin a cycle of rate cuts in its upcoming board meeting on December 19. Currently, the rate stands at 16.5% per annum, and the market consensus is for a reduction of 0.5 percentage points (to 16.0%). However, much hinges on the current inflation data: if an unexpected price spike is recorded in the new report for early December, the Central Bank may opt to hold off. Investors will closely evaluate the published figures, as they will directly influence the regulator's rhetoric and decisions, subsequently affecting the bond market and banking sector.
Corporate Reports in the U.S.: Focus on the Tech Sector and Consumer Market
The U.S. stock market will receive a batch of corporate news – several companies from the S&P 500 index will release their reports, setting the tone for their respective sectors. Some reports will be released before trading opens in the U.S. (around 14:00 Moscow time), while others will come after the market closes later in the evening.
- Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU): One of the largest chip manufacturers will report its 1st quarter results for the 2026 financial year (the release is expected after market close). Analysts forecast a sharp increase in results due to heightened demand for memory for artificial intelligence: consensus estimates suggest that Micron's earnings could reach ~$3.8 per share (up from $1.8 a year earlier), with strong revenue growth. Investors will pay particular attention to management's forecasts regarding the memory market and chip prices; an optimistic outlook could boost not only Micron's shares but also the entire tech sector.
- General Mills (NYSE: GIS): The food company in the consumer goods sector will present its results for the 2nd quarter of the 2026 financial year (before the market opens). A decline in performance is expected compared to the high base period from the previous year: the consensus forecast suggests a revenue decrease of approximately 8-9% y/y and a fall in adjusted earnings per share of about 25-30%. Increased competition and the normalization of demand after the pandemic surge, as well as unfavorable currency rates, are pressuring General Mills' sales. Investors will be looking for signals in the report regarding margin stabilization and the effectiveness of cost-cutting measures.
- Jabil Inc. (NYSE: JBL): A major contract manufacturing company (EMS contractor) will publish its financial results for the 1st quarter of 2026. Jabil is part of the S&P 500 and serves tech giants, so its performance can serve as a barometer of industrial demand. The market expects steady results amid growth in orders in electronics and electric vehicles. Comments from Jabil's management regarding the state of supply chains and demand from major clients (e.g., from the cloud technology and automotive segments) will be crucial for assessing the prospects of the industrial sector.
- The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC): A manufacturer of lawn care equipment and irrigation systems will report its 4th quarter results for the 2025 financial year. While Toro is less known to the general public, its results are noteworthy in terms of the construction materials and infrastructure market in the U.S. Analysts expect moderate revenue growth due to consistently high demand from municipalities and sports facilities, however, investor interest lies in management's forecasts for the next year. Any signs of slowing demand for Toro's products may impact the valuations of companies in the industrial sector.
- Raymond James Financial (NYSE: RJF): A financial company (investment bank and broker) will publish operational metrics for November. The report will disclose data on commission income, client asset volumes, and other key metrics. These figures will provide insight into how recent stock market fluctuations have affected clients' investment activity. Strong results from Raymond James could indicate favorable market conditions for brokerage houses and Wall Street banks as the year comes to a close, while weak results could signal investor caution and a decline in trading activity.
Europe and Asia: Pause in the Reporting Season
In European and Asian markets, no major corporate quarterly reports are expected on December 17. The results season for major indexes in the region, such as the Euro Stoxx 50 and Nikkei 225, has already concluded, so no corporate surprises are anticipated on this day. Investors in these markets, in the absence of fresh reports, will primarily focus on external factors – macroeconomic statistics and news background. Some individual companies may hold investor days or publish operational metrics on this day, but the impact of such events will be limited to local effects. Overall, for Europe and Asia, this Wednesday will pass relatively calmly on the corporate front, with market participants' attention shifting to global trends and inflation data.
Corporate Events in Russia
In the Russian corporate calendar for December 17, there are also no financial reports from leading issuers – the quarterly reporting season has concluded. No major company in the MOEX index is reporting on this day. Nevertheless, one noteworthy event for shareholders is that Renaissance Insurance is conducting a dividend cutoff. December 17 is the last day to get on the register of shareholders eligible to receive dividends for the first half of 2025. This means that investors holding the company’s shares until the end of trading on Wednesday can expect the announced dividend payments. Such corporate events typically do not have a significant impact on the market as a whole, but are important for holders of specific securities. Otherwise, the news background for the Russian market will be shaped by macroeconomic inflation data and external factors.
What Investors Should Pay Attention To
- Morning CPI data from the UK (10:00 Moscow time) and Eurozone (13:00 Moscow time) will set the tone for European markets and influence expectations regarding the Bank of England's and ECB's interest rate decisions.
- EIA oil report (18:30 Moscow time) will be a key evening event for commodity markets: inventory dynamics in the U.S. will directly impact oil prices and shares of oil and gas companies.
- Corporate reports from the U.S. (throughout the day) may trigger movements in specific sectors: strong results from tech companies (e.g., Micron) could support the Nasdaq, while weak reports from the consumer or financial sectors may negatively affect the broader market.
Investors are advised to closely monitor the release of these data and reports throughout the day. Any unexpected deviations from forecasts could enhance market volatility, but at the same time, create opportunities for adjustments in investment strategies ahead of the upcoming new year.
