Mumbai, Jan. 5 -- Global markets step into the first full trading week of 2026 with a surge in economic data releases, as investors look beyond the holiday lull for early signals on growth, inflation, and central bank policy. With trading volumes returning to normal, a series of high-impact indicators across major economies is expected to shape market direction at the start of the year.
In the US, attention will be firmly on December labor market data, led by the nonfarm payrolls report, ADP employment figures, and JOLTS job openings. Markets will assess whether hiring momentum is cooling further, with payroll growth expected to slow and unemployment seen edging lower. Wage data will be closely watched for signs that inflation pressures re...