Getty Investors will ring in 2026 after seeing major market indexes rise by more than double digits in 2025. <\/p>\n
However your trades performed in 2025, you can restart the clock in just a few days.<\/p>\n
Jobless claims, Fed meeting minutes and pending home sales data will highlight another holiday-shortened week<\/a> as traders get a day off for the New Year\u2019s Day holiday on Thursday. While bond markets will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, stock markets are operating a normal schedule on New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n The first session of 2026 is on Friday, following a year where stocks turned around an April swoon to set major indexes on a path to close higher by double digits. History shows that strong trading in December and January<\/a> can set the tone for investors; analysts expect another roller-coaster year<\/a> for stocks is in store.<\/p>\n Read on for our calendar of key events this week\u2014and one more thing.<\/p>\n There are no significant corporate earnings on tap for this week, though investors may watch for the release of a few economic indicators and other reports.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, the minutes for the December meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)<\/a> will provide insight into how Fed members view the trajectory of the economy ahead of its next meeting in late January<\/a>. The weekly jobless claims report, due Wednesday, will shine a light on the labor market as the Fed keeps a close eye on jobs<\/a> as it considers its next move on interest rates. The U.S. economy likely lost an average of 20,000 jobs per month<\/a> between April and September.<\/p>\n Pending home sales<\/a> for November is due Monday, giving a look at future sales levels in a housing market struggling with affordability<\/a>. But the S&P Case-Shiller home price index, due the following day, arrives as home price growth slows<\/a> as buyers show signs of reaching their limits.<\/p>\n Quick Links: Recap Last Week\u2019s Trading<\/a> | Latest Markets News<\/a><\/p>\n Monday, Dec. 29<\/p>\n Tuesday, Dec. 30<\/p>\n S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index (October)<\/p>\n Chicago Business Barometer (December)<\/p>\n December FOMC meeting minutes<\/p>\n Wednesday, Dec. 31<\/p>\n Thursday, Jan. 1<\/p>\n Friday, Jan. 2<\/p>\n Twenty-two states will raise their minimum wage this year, with 19 of them set to make the change on New Year\u2019s Day. Investopedia\u2019s Sabrina Karl has more<\/a> on where the minimum wage is going up this year\u2014and where it isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n