Macro Calendar: Feb 8, 2026 9:34 AM EST

Highlights:

• UK PM Starmer's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney resigned amid controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Source

• Japanese PM Takaichi maintained cautious fiscal policy stance and sales tax reduction approach following her party's landslide election victory. Source

• South Africa will withdraw troops from UN peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo to realign military resources. Source

• ECB's Cipollone said the central bank will assess euro strength impact on inflation in March quarterly forecasts, noting recent moves have been limited. Source

• Japan stocks positioned for gains while yen and bonds face pressure following Takaichi's LDP strong election performance. Source

• Former UK ambassador Mandelson faces pressure to return severance payment amid Jeffrey Epstein ties scandal threatening Starmer's government. Source

• Thai ruling party shows surprise lead in early election vote counting. See source link. Source