As markets prepare for the opening bell on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, a compact set of data releases and policy remarks is scheduled that could affect market sentiment. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTs) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is the marquee data point, offering a snapshot of vacancies and labor demand. Investors will pair that reading with comments from Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman as they search for any guidance on the central bank's monetary policy stance.
Major Economic Events to Watch
- 10:00 AM ET - JOLTs Job Openings (Jan): Expected 7.210M vs. previous 7.146M. This survey measures job vacancies across the United States and serves as an important gauge of labor market demand and overall economic health.
Other scheduled items that market participants will monitor
- 9:40 AM ET - FOMC Member Bowman Speaks: Remarks by Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman are likely to be examined closely for any indications about the Fed's monetary policy outlook.
- 4:30 PM ET - API Weekly Crude Stock: Previous -0.247M. The American Petroleum Institute's weekly oil inventory snapshot can provide traders with an early read on U.S. fuel demand and has the potential to move crude prices.
- 8:00 AM ET - FOMC Member Barkin Speaks: Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin's comments may offer an additional perspective on regional economic conditions and the Fed's assessment.
- 8:55 AM ET - Redbook: Previous 7.1%. This index tracks year-over-year same-store sales growth at large U.S. retailers and gives a near-term view of consumer spending trends.
- 10:10 AM ET - IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism (Feb): Expected 47.9 vs. previous 47.2. This measure gauges changes in consumer economic sentiment.
Collectively, these items create a compact but consequential timetable for traders assessing evidence of economic strength or weakness. The JOLTs reading will be used alongside consumer spending indicators and commentary from Fed officials to form a more complete view of labor market conditions and potential implications for monetary policy. Separately, the API crude stock number will be watched for its implications on petroleum demand and near-term crude price movements.
Where attention is likely to be focused
Participants in equity and fixed-income markets will be attentive to the JOLTs report and Fed commentary for any signals about inflationary pressures and the path of interest rates. Energy market participants will follow the API inventory change for indications of demand and supply balance.
Because these events are concentrated within a single trading day, market sensitivity to the reports and speeches may be heightened, with traders parsing the data and public remarks for incremental information.