As we approach the end of 2025, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who tuned into the ‘In the Money’ podcast, embarked on this new journey with me and indulged in the numerous stories about my children, illustrating how chaos can indeed be a lifestyle choice. In this final note for the year, I will be discussing some important economic data, the performance of certain major companies, and other key market indicators to keep an eye on. “Amber Kanwar’s Weekly Setup: Top-tier economic data, BlackBerry earnings and other essential things to watch.”
Top-Tier Economic Data
Before embarking on holiday festivities, it is crucial to be aware of the top-tier economic data slated for release. These figures will be pivotal to central bank policies. On Monday, we anticipate Canada’s inflation reading. The estimated price increase for November stands at 2.3 per cent. Given that inflation is around the target, some speculate that we might witness no rate changes in 2026. As BMO’s chief economist, Douglas Porter, recently pointed out, “Fully 7 of the past 15 years have seen the Bank on hold for a full calendar year.”
U.S. data will also be packed with November job numbers and October retail sales data due for release on Tuesday, followed by the Consumer Price Index on Thursday. Last week, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Beth Hammack, expressed her preference for more restrictive rates. She will be a voter on Fed policy in 2026. Additionally, rate decisions are expected from the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan.
Market Performance: Nike and Micron Technology
On Thursday, Nike will release its results amidst a time when retail is outperforming the market. The retail index has seen an 8 per cent increase in the past month, while the S&P 500 has been flat. Despite lagging behind its peers, Nike, with the World Cup approaching, may see a turnaround due to the general trend of retailers exceeding expectations and raising forecasts.
Micron Technology will be one of the last major semiconductors to report results this year. The memory chip maker’s shares have surged nearly 190 percent so far in 2025, thanks to soaring chip prices, supply constraints, and increased production to meet AI demand. Citigroup expects Micron to post results significantly above consensus.
BlackBerry Earnings
BlackBerry will report its earnings on Thursday post-market close. After CEO John Giamatteo took over two years ago, BlackBerry’s revenue and profit have consistently surpassed expectations. The company may offer an optimistic forecast, given the double-digit growth for its in-car infotainment platform, QNX, and potential benefits from increased global defence spending.
FedEx: The Real Santa
FedEx’s stock has surprisingly risen by 44 per cent from its lows on Liberation Day despite a generational increase in tariffs. The company has been on a multi-year journey to cut as much as US$6-billion in costs by 2027. Analyst J. Bruce Chan from Stifel believes that the benefits of these cost-cutting measures and the planned spinoff of FedEx’s less-than-truckload business next year are not fully priced into the stock yet.
Stay tuned to the ‘In the Money’ podcast with Amber Kanwar, Canada’s top investing podcast, for more insights and updates on the financial markets. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe now at www.inthemoneypod.com.
