As traders approach another pivotal day for financial markets, a series of crucial economic data releases that could sway market dynamics are expected on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The labor market will be in focus with the release of weekly initial jobless claims and the closely watched JOLTs job openings report. These indicators will provide valuable insights into the current state of employment in the United States and could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.
Major Economic Events to Watch
8:30 AM ET - Initial Jobless Claims: The number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time during the past week. This early economic indicator provides a timely snapshot of labor market conditions. Forecast: 212K, Previous: 209K.
10:00 AM ET - JOLTs Job Openings: A comprehensive survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics measuring job vacancies across the country. The report details positions that remain unfilled on the last business day of the month. Previous: 7.146M.
Other Important Economic Events to Watch
8:30 AM ET - Continuing Jobless Claims: Measures the number of unemployed individuals who qualify for benefits under unemployment insurance. Forecast: 1,850K, Previous: 1,827K.
10:50 AM ET - FOMC Member Bostic Speaks: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic will deliver remarks that may provide insights into future monetary policy direction.
4:30 PM ET - Fed's Balance Sheet: Weekly statement listing the assets and liabilities of the Federal Reserve System. Previous: 6,588B.
4:30 PM ET - Reserve Balances with Federal Reserve Banks: The amount of money that depository institutions maintain in their accounts at regional Federal Reserve Banks. Previous: 2.883T.
Other Economic Events to Watch
7:30 AM ET - Challenger Job Cuts: Provides information on the number of announced corporate layoffs by industry and region. Previous: 35.553K and -8.3% year-over-year.
8:30 AM ET - Jobless Claims 4-Week Avg.: A smoothed measure of initial jobless claims that reduces weekly volatility. Previous: 206.25K.
10:30 AM ET - Natural Gas Storage: Measures the change in the number of cubic feet of natural gas held in underground storage during the past week. Forecast: -379B, Previous: -242B.
11:30 AM ET - 4-Week Bill Auction: Treasury bill auction results showing the rate investors will receive. Previous: 3.630%.
11:30 AM ET - 8-Week Bill Auction: Treasury bill auction results showing the rate investors will receive. Previous: 3.635%.