The first week of 2026 is set to stir up excitement. Next week will be a period of data explosions, so those holding positions need to stay alert.

First, clarify the schedule:

**Monday (January 12)** kicks off with the G7 Finance Ministers' Meeting, focusing on the movements of the US dollar and Japanese yen. Usually, there’s not much major movement in the stock market on this day.

**Tuesday (January 13)** is the real watershed ⭐. The December CPI data will be released, which is crucial in determining the future market trend. If inflation data does not decline as expected, the US stock market is likely to plunge immediately, and the cryptocurrency market will also fluctuate. It might even signal a sharp correction.

**Wednesday (January 14)** follows with retail sales data and the speech by the Federal Reserve President of Philadelphia, revealing how much purchasing power American consumers still have. Consumption is the backbone of the US economy, making this signal very important.

**Thursday (January 15)** features the Fed Beige Book and a speech by Chairman Williams.

This week, pay special attention to a phenomenon — Federal Reserve officials will take turns speaking. After the CPI release, officials like Williams and Kashkari are likely to work together to dampen expectations of rate cuts, using "hawkish" rhetoric to cool down the market. Bulls should be cautious of this wave of rhetoric, as it could burst the market’s optimistic bubbles.

Set your alarms, especially don’t miss the CPI on Tuesday — the volatility on that day could be more intense than the entire month.