Markets enter 2026's first full trading week with an extraordinary convergence of events including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas where Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang and AMD (AMD) CEO Lisa Su will deliver keynote speeches that could significantly influence AI infrastructure investment narratives following recent sector volatility. The week features a comprehensive economic data calendar building to Friday's December jobs report at 8:30am, which will provide the final employment snapshot of 2025 and potentially influence Federal Reserve policy expectations after the central bank's more hawkish December meeting. Monday's ISM Manufacturing data kicks off the week with insights into industrial sector health and pricing pressures, while Wednesday delivers an intensive convergence of ADP employment, ISM Non-Manufacturing data, and JOLTS job openings that together will paint a complete picture of labor market and business activity conditions. The absence of major earnings allows economic data and CES technology announcements to dominate market attention as institutional participants return from holiday breaks and establish 2026 positioning. The week will test whether markets can sustain momentum from any year-end Santa Claus Rally or if concerns about Fed policy, inflation persistence, and AI spending sustainability will pressure stocks early in the new year.
Here are 5 things to watch this week in the Market.
