Trump’s Address, Corporate Results, and Other Major Events to Follow This Week

Key Market Events in a Shortened Trading Week

This week, markets operate on a shortened schedule due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday on Monday. The days ahead are packed with major events, including President Trump's inauguration address on Wednesday at 8:30am and a significant economic data release on Thursday, when both the revised Q3 GDP and the November Core PCE Price Index will be announced simultaneously at 8:30am.

Earnings Season Heats Up Across Sectors

The earnings calendar is robust, featuring a wide range of companies from financials and industrials to technology and consumer staples. Notable highlights include Netflix (NFLX) on Tuesday, which will offer a look at the current state of the streaming industry; Intel (INTC) on Thursday, providing insights into the semiconductor sector; and blue-chip leaders Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) on Wednesday and Procter & Gamble (PG) on Friday, both of which will shed light on trends in consumer health and staples.

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President Trump's upcoming speech on Wednesday is expected to have a significant impact on the markets, as investors look for guidance on economic strategy, trade policies, regulatory direction, and fiscal plans that could influence the business landscape during his administration. With only four trading days, the week is dense with events that could drive market swings as investors process political updates, economic indicators, and corporate earnings all at once.

Five Major Market Themes to Watch This Week

1. President Trump's Economic Policy Speech

President Trump's address on Wednesday morning is poised to be a pivotal moment for the markets. Investors will be paying close attention to any announcements regarding tax reform, infrastructure investment, regulatory changes, and especially updates on trade policy, which could have immediate effects on multinational companies and global supply chains. Comments on U.S.-China relations, tariffs, and trade agreements will be particularly scrutinized, as these topics have been sources of recent market turbulence. The speech may also touch on energy, healthcare, and government spending, all of which could impact various sectors. Additionally, any remarks about the Federal Reserve or Chair Powell could influence interest rate-sensitive assets and the U.S. dollar. With the speech occurring in the midst of earnings season and just before Thursday's key economic data, markets could see heightened volatility as they react to a mix of political, corporate, and economic news.

2. Thursday’s Dual Economic Reports

Thursday brings a rare overlap of major economic releases: the final Q3 GDP revision and the November Core PCE Price Index, both at 8:30am. This combination could spark significant market movement as investors interpret the latest data on economic growth and inflation. The GDP update will offer a final look at third-quarter performance, with a focus on consumer spending, business investment, and trade. Any notable changes could shift expectations for the economy heading into 2026. The Core PCE Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, will be closely watched to see if inflation pressures are easing or persisting. The simultaneous release of these reports presents a challenge for markets, which must weigh the strength of growth against inflation risks to anticipate future Fed policy. Strong growth paired with high inflation could dampen expectations for monetary easing, while weaker growth and softer inflation might support a more dovish outlook. Friday’s Manufacturing and Services PMI data will also provide early signals about business conditions for the new year.

3. Netflix Earnings: A Streaming Industry Check-In

Netflix (NFLX) reports on Tuesday, offering a window into the health of the streaming sector amid rising competition from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and others. Investors will be looking for updates on subscriber growth, average revenue per user, and the effectiveness of new strategies like cracking down on password sharing and expanding ad-supported tiers. Insights into content spending, customer retention, and pricing power will help determine whether Netflix can maintain profitability as the industry matures and content costs rise. The company’s outlook for 2026 subscriber growth and margins will be especially important given its recent stock performance. As a leader in digital entertainment, Netflix’s results will have implications beyond just streaming stocks, potentially influencing broader technology and consumer discretionary sectors.

4. Industrial and Tech Sector Highlights

Thursday’s earnings from Intel (INTC), GE Aerospace (GE), and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) will provide a cross-section of updates from the semiconductor, aerospace, and commodities markets. Intel’s report will be watched for signs of progress in its manufacturing overhaul and its ability to compete with major rivals like Taiwan Semiconductor and Samsung. Key areas of focus include the company’s foundry business, use of government incentives, and competitiveness in data center chips. GE Aerospace will shed light on trends in commercial aviation, defense spending, and jet engine maintenance, all of which are important indicators for the broader industrial sector. Freeport-McMoRan’s results will offer perspective on the copper market, which is closely tied to infrastructure and clean energy investments. Earlier in the week, 3M (MMM) and Fastenal (FAST) will provide additional insights into industrial distribution and manufacturing supply chains.

5. Updates from Consumer Staples and Financial Firms

This week also features earnings from major consumer and financial companies that serve as bellwethers for the broader economy. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) on Wednesday will provide updates on pharmaceutical demand, medical devices, and healthcare spending. Procter & Gamble (PG) on Friday will offer a comprehensive look at trends in personal care, household products, and beauty, with a focus on pricing, volume, and emerging market performance. These results will help gauge consumer resilience in a period of economic uncertainty. Financial sector updates from Charles Schwab (SCHW) and Truist Financial (TFC) on Wednesday, along with U.S. Bancorp (USB) on Tuesday, will add context on wealth management, retail banking, and the health of regional financial institutions. Schlumberger (SLB) on Friday will provide insights into global oil and gas activity. The breadth of sectors reporting this week will help investors identify areas of strength and weakness as 2026 gets underway.

Wishing you a successful trading week. Be sure to check out my daily options analysis for more insights.