Macroeconomic Calendar (Dec 22–28): US Markets Trade Cautiously Ahead of the Holiday Season

Explore key US macroeconomic events for Dec 22–28, including GDP data and jobless claims. Learn why markets are trading cautiously ahead of the Christmas holiday.

A quiet but important week for global markets

The trading week from December 22 to December 28 takes place during the Christmas holiday period, when global liquidity typically declines as major financial centers slow down. Despite thinner trading volumes, investors are still paying close attention to key US economic data, which could shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook heading into the new year.

With US markets partially closed later in the week, price movements across equities, forex, and even crypto may appear muted—or suddenly amplified—due to low liquidity.

US Q3 GDP: A delayed but market-moving release

The most closely watched event this week is the US third-quarter GDP report, scheduled for release at 8:30 PM (Vietnam time) on December 23. This marks the first official estimate, delayed earlier due to a temporary US government shutdown.

Economists currently expect GDP growth of around 3.2%, down from the previous quarter’s 3.8%. If confirmed, the data would reinforce the view that the US economy is gradually cooling, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to maintain a restrictive monetary stance.

However, an upside surprise could force markets to reprice interest rate cut expectations for 2026, potentially strengthening the US dollar and weighing on risk assets in the short term.

Weekly jobless claims: A snapshot of labor market health

On December 24, the US will publish its weekly initial jobless claims, a high-frequency indicator closely watched by both policymakers and investors. Forecasts suggest claims will come in at around 220,000, slightly lower than the previous week’s 224,000.

Stable jobless claims signal a resilient labor market, supporting the narrative of a “soft landing” for the US economy. This outcome would likely keep market sentiment steady, even amid lower holiday trading volumes.

On the other hand, an unexpected spike could reignite concerns about economic slowdown and increase volatility across financial markets.

US markets closed for Christmas: Liquidity takes a hit

US stock markets will be closed on December 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas. As a result, overall market participation will drop sharply during the second half of the week.

For crypto traders, this environment often brings lower volume but sharper price swings, as fewer orders can move prices more aggressively. While major trend reversals are unlikely, short-term volatility should not be underestimated.

What this means for investors

Overall, the Dec 22–28 trading week is expected to be defensive and data-driven, with markets focused on completing the year rather than taking new risks. The combination of GDP data, jobless claims, and reduced liquidity makes risk management especially important.

For both traditional and crypto investors, this is a time to avoid excessive leverage, stay informed, and focus on capital preservation. Sometimes, the smartest move during holiday weeks is simply to wait—and prepare for clearer opportunities once markets return to full strength.

Disclaimer

Cryptocurrencies are subject to high market risk and volatility despite high growth potential. Users are strongly advised to do their research as they invest at their own risk. Thank you for supporting BITGP!

BITGP is a trading platform within the Bitget ecosystem, focused on the Southeast Asian market including Vietnam. The exchange leverages Bitget’s infrastructure, liquidity, and User Protection Fund to deliver a secure and reliable trading experience for investors.

Ready to Start?

Register your BITGP account today and join Vietnam’s fastest-growing crypto community.
Follow us on Twitter and Telegram for campaign updates, airdrops, and industry insights.
🌐 Visit bitgp.com to learn more.