What to Watch in the Day Ahead - Wednesday, January 21

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Reuters Global Markets Forum goes live at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos. As U.S. President Donald Trump's administration moves into its second year, GMF hosts financiers, business leaders and policymakers to debate the priorities and challenges shaping global markets and finance, amid uncertainties and a fragile geopolitical environment. On Wednesday, Rishi Kapoor, chief executive officer at Investcorp joins at 0700 ET/1200 GMT, while Miljan Gutovic joins at 1230 ET/1730 GMT. Register here to join GMF

Johnson & Johnson will report fourth-quarter results before markets open. Investors will watch out for the company's 2026 forecast, especially for its MedTech unit, comments on the Trump administration's tariff and drug pricing policies.

Halliburton will kick off the earnings season for U.S. oilfield services providers with its fourth-quarter earnings. Investors will look out for the company's plans in Venezuela as the Trump administration to aims boost the country's oil output and revive its oil industry.

Pipeline and terminal operator Kinder Morgan is expected to post a rise in fourth-quarter profit, helped by higher volumes of natural gas transported through its pipelines.

Charles Schwab is expected to report a rise in fourth-quarter profit when it reports results, buoyed by strength in its asset management and trading businesses. Investors will look for commentary around the operating environment and outlook for 2026.

Travelers is expected to report higher net written premiums when it posts fourth-quarter results, with investors and analysts watching for trends in catastrophe losses and signs of stronger underwriting.

On the U.S. economic calendar, the National Association of Realtors is set to report pending home sales likely gained 0.4% in December, following a climb of 3.3% in the month before. Separately, October's construction spending data is also scheduled for release. Construction spending is expected to edge up 0.1% in October, following a 0.2% increase in September.

Truist Financial is expected to report a jump in fourth-quarter profit, helped by higher fees revenue and interest income.

In Canada, Statistics Canada is expected to report a 0.3% rise in producer prices for December, slowing from a 0.9% increase in November. On a year-on-year basis, producer prices are forecast to rise 5.8%, easing from a 6.1% gain a year earlier.

In Latin America, Mexico's November retail sales figures are set for release and are expected to rise 0.2% on a monthly basis after gaining 0.4% in the previous month. On an annual basis, retail sales are likely to rise 3%, easing from 3.4% a year earlier. Argentina is scheduled to publish its November economic activity figures which likely grew 1.7%.

(Compiled by Shreya Sabharwal in Bengaluru; Edited by Vijay Kishore)