Key Events Around the Globe: 27 Jan 2026

US core capital goods orders rise for fifth straight month, boosting economic outlook: New orders for key US-manufactured capital goods increased more than expected in November, indicating that business spending on equipment maintained a steady growth pace in the fourth quarter. The fifth consecutive monthly rise in core capital goods orders, reported by the Commerce Department, followed data released last week showing strong consumer spending in October and November, reinforcing economists’ expectations that the economy extended its robust performance in the last three months of 2025. Strength in business investment and the broader economy has persisted despite President Donald Trump’s sweeping import tariffs, which have weighed on large segments of manufacturing. Some industries, however, have benefited from protection against foreign competition, while an artificial intelligence boom has supported the technology sector.

US consumer sentiment improves in January: US consumer sentiment improved across the board in January, although concerns around high prices and the labour market continued, according to a survey released on Friday. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers said its Consumer Sentiment Index rose to a final reading of 56.4 this month from an earlier estimate of 54.0. The index stood at 52.9 in December. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the index to remain unrevised from the preliminary estimate. Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers, said that while the overall improvement was modest, it was broad-based across income groups, education levels, age groups, and political affiliations. However, national sentiment remains more than 20% below year-ago levels, as consumers continue to report pressure on purchasing power due to high prices and concerns over weakening labour markets.

Foreign direct investment in China slides 9.5% in 2025: Foreign direct investment in China totalled 747.7 billion yuan, or $107.38 billion, in 2025, representing a decline of 9.5% year-on-year, according to data released by the commerce ministry. Despite the overall decline, investment inflows from Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Britain increased by 66.8%, 27.3% and 15.9% respectively. Foreign direct investment in China stood at 826.3 billion yuan in 2024.

Source: HSL Prime Daily, 27 Jan 2026

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