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Following a series of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and ongoing inflation concerns, this week is anticipated to be rather quiet, featuring only a few earnings reports from significant companies.
Read more: 5 sectors facing price increases from Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum
Investors should note that U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Considering this, let’s examine what the week holds for investors.
Walmart and Alibaba preparing to share earnings results
This week is generally quiet regarding earnings, with only a few notable companies scheduled to announce their financial results, which could impact market trends.
Thursday will stand out as the key day for earnings observers. Retail giant Walmart (WMT-0.97%) and Chinese e-commerce leader Alibaba (BABA+4.05%) are both expected to disclose their quarterly results in the morning, providing valuable insights into consumer spending patterns in both the U.S. and China.
Later in the day, Block Inc. (SQ+0.67%) (XYZ-0.19%) — the fintech company founded by Jack Dorsey — will report its earnings after the market closes.
Important economic events to monitor this week
The week begins on Tuesday with the publication of the Home Builder Confidence Index, which will offer insights into U.S. homebuilders’ optimism about the housing market.
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will release the minutes from its January FOMC meeting, providing investors with a glimpse of the discussions among policymakers regarding inflation, interest rates, and the overall economic outlook.
Thursday will see the release of the weekly initial jobless claims report, presenting new data on labor market strength and unemployment trends.
Lastly, on Friday, the final Consumer Sentiment report will provide insights into consumer confidence regarding the economy, while the Existing Home Sales report will offer a snapshot of demand within the housing market.
