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The Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee $(FOMC)$ begins its two-day monetary policy meeting. The FOMC is widely expected to leave the Fed Funds Target rate unchanged in the 4.25-4.5% range, as policymakers assess how much longer "tight" monetary policy is needed and how much they would need to cut to reach a "neutral" rate of interest.On the U.S. data front, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau is expected to report a 0.6% rise in durable goods orders for December following a 1.2% drop in the previous month. Orders for durable goods, excluding transport, likely gained 0.4% last month after falling 0.2% in November. Meanwhile, non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft likely edged 0.3% higher in December after rising 0.4% in the prior month. Separately, a survey from the Conference Board is likely to show consumer confidence rose to 105.6 in January, from 104.7 last month.

Boeing is expected to report a widening quarterly loss and its biggest annual loss since 2020 when it reports its fourth-quarter earnings as the U.S. planemaker struggles to revive production of its strongest-selling 737 MAX jet after a quality crisis and weeks'-long strike sapped output in late 2024.

Starbucks is set to post a fall in first-quarter revenue, as the coffee giant faces weak demand for its beverages in its key U.S. and China markets. Investors will look for comments regarding CEO Brian Niccol's overhaul plan, competition and the recent strike by Starbucks union.

Among aerospace and defense manufacturers, RTX is expected to post a rise in both quarterly profit and revenue for the-fourth quarter, aided by sustained demand for its aftermarket services and defense systems. Lockheed Martin is set to report results for the fourth quarter, with expectations of a marginally higher revenue and a fall in profit. Investors will look for commentary on 2025 forecasts in the backdrop of a new administration.

JetBlue Airways, in its fourth-quarter earnings, is likely to report a wider loss and lower revenue. Investors will be looking for any commentary on demand and the company's cost saving plans.

Cruise line Royal Caribbean is expected to post a rise in fourth-quarter revenue, benefiting from still high interest for cruise vacations and strong onboard spending at spas and restaurants as well as higher ticket prices. Investors will look out for the company’s outlook for the new fiscal year, pricing initiatives, new cruise destinations and a rebound in demand for cruises to the Mediterranean region.

U.S. pork producer Smithfield Foods is scheduled to list its shares on the Nasdaq, returning more than a decade after it was taken private.

Synchrony Financial is expected to report a rise in its fourth-quarter profit, helped by lower loan loss provisions.

American-Swiss insurer Chubb is expected to report a decline in fourth-quarter profit, impacted by higher catastrophe losses that overshadowed gains in investment income.

Investment management firm Invesco is expected to report a rise in fourth-quarter profit on higher management fees and strong inflows of capital.

Kleenex tissue maker Kimberly-Clark is expected to report a decline in fourth-quarter revenue on reduced demand for its personal care products as consumers prefer cheaper alternatives. Investors will look out for comments on product pricing, marketing efforts and forecast updates.

Food distributor Sysco is expected to post a rise in second-quarter revenue buoyed by demand for specialty seafood and fresh-cut meat products. Investors will look out for comments on demand for U.S. restaurant industry, packaged prices and supply chain challenges.

In Latin America, Chile's central bank will hold its first monetary policy meeting of 2025 and is expected to keep the interest rate unchanged due to economic uncertainty.

(Compiled by Lactus Fernandes in Bengaluru; Edited by Sahal Muhammed)

((Lactus.Fernandes@thomsonreuters.com;))