On January 8th, two major data releases will consecutively impact the market rhythm.

At 05:10 AM, Federal Reserve's Bowman will deliver a speech. This policymaker, who has consistently advocated for rate cuts, often causes significant fluctuations in the US dollar, US stocks, and even cryptocurrencies with his public statements. The market is highly sensitive to his remarks, and even subtle wording details can alter investors' expectations for the upcoming rate cut pace.

In the evening, a series of economic data will be released.

At 20:30, attention should be paid to the US December Challenger Job Cuts. This number has already reached a 22-year high for the same period, with layoffs especially severe in the tech and government sectors. If the end-of-year layoffs continue to intensify, it may further reflect pressures in the labor market.

Immediately after, at 21:30, the initial unemployment claims data will be announced. The last figure was 199,000, below expectations, indicating the labor market is still holding up. However, it remains to be seen whether this figure will continue to decline or start to loosen. Worsening unemployment data usually signals a slowdown in economic growth, which increases the likelihood of rate cuts.

The combination of these two events will essentially determine the market tone in early 2026. Those who can understand the logic behind the data will naturally have an advantage; those who cannot may have to just watch from the sidelines.