Expected earnings date: Thursday, 5 February 2026 (US, after market close)/early Friday, 6 February 2026
Amazon’s earnings provide insight into global consumer spending trends, cloud infrastructure demand, and the monetisation of its ecosystem across retail, advertising, and subscription services.
Focus is expected to remain on performance across key business areas, along with commentary on cost efficiency, capital expenditure, and AI-related investments, including data centre expansion.
Key areas in focus
Online stores and third-party services
Amazon’s core retail business remains sensitive to discretionary consumer demand, particularly through the December-quarter holiday period. Markets are likely to focus on revenue growth and margins across both first-party retail and third-party seller services. Cost pressures will also be evaluated.
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
AWS is a key earnings driver. Investors are likely to focus on revenue growth rates, margin trends, and indications around enterprise cloud spending. AI workloads will also be noteworthy. Any commentary on capacity expansion and capex is likely to be closely watched.
Advertising services
Amazon’s advertising business has become an increasingly important profit contributor. Markets are likely to assess growth momentum, advertiser demand, and how advertising integrates across Amazon’s retail and Prime ecosystems.
Subscription services (including Prime)
Subscription revenue includes Prime memberships and related digital services. Investors may watch engagement, pricing dynamics, and retention trends as indicators of ecosystem strength.
Cost and margin framework
Management has previously emphasised the need for cost discipline across fulfilment, logistics, and corporate expenses. Reported operating margins and any updates on efficiency gains or reinvestment priorities across key business services will be of interest.
What happened last quarter
Amazon’s most recent quarterly update reported revenue growth and operating income outcomes, with AWS and advertising referenced as key contributors, alongside ongoing cost-control measures across the retail business.
The prior update also included discussion relevant to investment priorities in cloud and AI infrastructure, which continue to influence market expectations.
Last earnings key highlights
Revenue: US$180.2 billion
Earnings per share (EPS): US$1.95 (diluted)
AWS revenue: US$33.0 billion
Advertising services revenue: US$17.7 billion
Operating income: US$17.4 billion
How the market reacted last time
Amazon shares moved higher in after-hours trading following the previous release, based on reporting at the time.
Amazon Q3 2025 Consolidated Statements of Operations
What’s expected this quarter
Bloomberg consensus estimates point to year-on-year EPS growth for the quarter ended December 2025, with markets focused on the revenue outcome, operating margins, and AWS performance, given the importance of the December quarter (Q4) to Amazon’s earnings profile.
Market sentiment around Amazon may be sensitive to any disappointment in AWS growth, operating margins, or December-quarter (Q4 2025) retail performance, given the stock’s large index weighting within major US equity indices and its role in these areas.
Listed options were pricing an indicative move of around ±4% to ±5% based on near-dated, at-the-money options-implied expected move estimates observed on Barchart at 11:00 am AEDT, 28 January 2026.
Implied volatility was approximately 32% annualised at that time.
These are market-implied estimates (not a forecast) and may change. Actual post-earnings price moves can be larger or smaller.
What this means for Australian investors
Amazon’s earnings can influence near-term sentiment across major US equity indices, with potential spillover into the Asia session following the release. It may also influence sentiment towards ASX-listed companies with significant online sales exposure.
Important risk note
Immediately after the US close and into the early Asia session, Nasdaq 100 (NDX) futures and related CFD pricing can reflect thinner liquidity, wider spreads, and sharper repricing around new information.
Such an environment can increase gap risk and execution uncertainty relative to regular-hours conditions.
By
Mike Smith
Mike Smith (MSc, PGdipEd)
Client Education and Training
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Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at roughly 7:30 pm AEST, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will stand up in Canberra and deliver the 2026-27 Federal Budget. According to Budget.gov.au, that is when the Budget is officially released, with the Budget papers going live online at the same time.
Currency markets in June are being shaped by the re-steepening of the US Treasury yield curve, safe-haven demand and diverging monetary policy paths.
The Federal Reserve remains on a hawkish hold, while the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is managing renewed inflation pressure and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) continues to navigate a wide yield gap against the US. That mix has kept the US dollar supported, left the Japanese yen under pressure, and made AUD/JPY one of the key crosses to watch.
All US release times below are Eastern Time unless stated otherwise.
Quick facts strip
DXY context
Well supported near the 100 level on safe-haven and yield demand
Strongest currency
US dollar (USD), supported by sticky inflation and high yields
Weakest currency
Japanese yen (JPY), pressured by yield divergence and energy import costs
Main central bank theme
Policy divergence as markets reassess rate-cut expectations
Main catalyst ahead
FOMC and BOJ meetings on 16 to 17 June 2026
Leaderboard
01USD
Maintained upward momentum as the Federal Reserve’s higher-for-longer policy stance firmed.
Strongest
02JPY
Remained volatile near the closely watched 160 threshold against the US dollar.
Volatile
03AUD
Firmed as markets assessed Australia’s restrictive policy settings and resilient commodity exports.
Firmed
04EUR
Came under pressure from softer Eurozone activity signals and a stronger US dollar.
Down
Strongest mover: US dollar (USD)
The greenback reasserted its position as a yield and safe-haven asset. The US Dollar Index (DXY) regained the 100 level as inflation and tariff uncertainty kept rate-cut expectations muted.
Key drivers
Robust growth:
Robust economic data, with first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) expanding at an annual rate of 2.0%
Sticky inflation:
Rebounding inflation, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising to 3.8% in April
Safe haven:
Safe-haven demand linked to Middle East shipping disruption and Strait of Hormuz toll risks
June events to watch
• 5 June, 8:30 am ET | 10:30 pm AEST: Employment Situation, including non-farm payrolls (NFP)
• 10 June, 8:30 am ET | 10:30 pm AEST: CPI
• 16 to 17 June: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting
• 17 June, 2:00 pm ET | 4:00 am AEST (Next Day): FOMC statement and projections
• 17 June, 2:30 pm ET | 4:30 am AEST (Next Day): Fed Chair press conference
Why it matters
Traders are watching the 17 June FOMC decision for updated projections and guidance on the policy path. The Federal Reserve calendar lists the 16 to 17 June FOMC meeting, with the statement scheduled for 2:00pm ET and the press conference for 2:30pm ET on 17 June. On the downside, any unexpected de-escalation in Middle East tensions could see energy prices fall sharply, which may cool part of the dollar’s inflation premium.
Weakest mover: Japanese yen (JPY)
The yen has faced heavy downward pressure, trading near the closely watched 160 level against the US dollar as the yield gap remains difficult to ignore.
Key drivers
Yield spread:
A wide yield disadvantage against the US dollar
Import stress:
Rising import costs for essential energy and food
Carry trade:
Speculative yen selling as carry traders focus on the rate spread
June events to watch
• 16 to 17 June, Tokyo time: BOJ monetary policy meeting
• 24 June, 8:50 am JST | 9:50 am AEST: Summary of Opinions
Why it matters
Traders are monitoring the risk of direct intervention from Japan’s Ministry of Finance if yen weakness becomes disorderly. The BOJ’s 2026 schedule lists a monetary policy meeting for 16 to 17 June, and notes that Summary of Opinions releases are generally published at 8:50am JST. A surprise shift in BOJ guidance, a rate increase, or a sudden risk-off liquidation in global assets could trigger a short squeeze and drive the yen sharply higher.
Most important cross: AUD/JPY
AUD/JPY remains one of the clearest expressions of yield divergence and energy asymmetry. Australia is a major commodity exporter, while Japan is a large energy importer. That means higher energy prices can create very different macro pressures for each side of the cross.
Key drivers
Energy split:
Higher oil prices may support Australia’s commodity-linked sentiment while increasing Japan’s import burden
RBA path:
RBA policy expectations remain sensitive to domestic inflation and labour market data
BOJ factors:
BOJ policy expectations remain sensitive to yen weakness, imported inflation and official intervention risk
June events to watch
• 16 June, 2:30 pm AEST | 12:30 am ET: RBA monetary policy decision statement
• 16 June, 3:30 pm AEST | 1:30 am ET: RBA Governor media conference
• 16 to 17 June, Tokyo time: BOJ monetary policy meeting
• 24 June, 11:30 am AEST | 9:30 pm ET (Prev. Day): Australia monthly CPI indicator
• 30 June, 11:30 am AEST | 9:30 pm ET (Prev. Day): Minutes of the June RBA Monetary Policy Board meeting
Why it matters
If the RBA keeps a restrictive bias while the BOJ moves cautiously, AUD/JPY could remain supported by carry demand. If the BOJ shifts more hawkishly in June, or if commodity prices such as iron ore weaken sharply, AUD/JPY could face a rapid corrective pullback. That keeps the cross on the watchlist for traders using the GO Markets forex CFDs platform.
The data to watch next
05
Jun
US Employment Situation (NFP)
USD pairs, Gold · 8:30 am ET | 10:30 pm AEST
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the Employment Situation report, providing the clearest baseline picture of structural US labor market health.
10
Jun
US Consumer Price Index (CPI)
USD pairs · 8:30 am ET | 10:30 pm AEST
April metrics showed CPI climbing to 3.8%; this updated release serves as a prime indicator for core service stickiness and tariff disruptions.
11
Jun
US Producer Price Index (PPI)
USD crosses · 8:30 am ET | 10:30 pm AEST
Wholesale input metrics scheduled for publication by the BLS, tracking the wholesale side of the current sticky inflation environment.
16
Jun
RBA Policy Decision
AUD crosses, ASX 200 · 2:30 pm AEST | 12:30 am ET
RBA monetary policy decision statement release, followed explicitly by the Governor media conference at 3:30pm AEST to unpack restrictive settings.
16-17
Jun
FOMC & BOJ Monetary Policy Meetings
Global macro pairs · Multi-session | Tokyo & NY Time
A critical central bank cluster. Highlights include the 17 June US policy statement (2:00pm ET) and press conference (2:30pm ET) alongside Tokyo's interest rate spreads.
Key levels and signals
◆
DXY 100
A psychological and technical line for USD strength, backed firmly by safe-haven demand and high yields.
◆
USD/JPY 160
A closely watched ceiling for potential official intervention risk from Japan's Ministry of Finance if price shifts become disorderly.
◆
AUD/USD 0.7202
Near-term resistance if risk sentiment remains constructive and commodity exports demonstrate structural resilience.
◆
US 10-year Treasury yield 4.5%
A technical baseline that may increase pressure on equity valuations if sustained, reflecting the broader structural re-steepening of the curve.
Bottom line
Global FX moves in June are set to remain highly sensitive to rate expectations, energy prices and geopolitical developments.
The US dollar’s dual role as a yield and safe-haven currency continues to offer support, while the yen remains exposed to carry demand and intervention risk. AUD/JPY sits at the intersection of those forces, making it one of the cleaner ways to track the policy and energy split across the region.
For traders, the key issue is not only which central bank moves next. It is whether inflation, oil and yields keep moving in the same direction, or whether a policy surprise forces a rapid unwind.
Asia-Pacific Coverage
Follow FX through the Asia session
Stay close to Asia-Pacific themes, regional data, sentiment and key crosses.
For US retailers and consumer brands, the first hit is usually margin. Import costs rise before pricing power does. Companies can try to pass those costs on, but customers may resist higher prices, especially if household budgets are already stretched. Existing inventory can also soften the first blow, which means the initial earnings result may look manageable while the next one carries the real pressure.
Tariffs, earnings and the Asia versus US split | GO Markets
Same tariff. Different earnings hit.
That is the key split for traders watching this earnings season. The US side is mainly about margin timing. The Asia side is about demand sensitivity. Not every export sector carries the same level of US demand risk.
TL;DR
US companies may face margin pressure as tariffed inventory moves through earnings.
Asian exporters may face volume pressure if US buyers reduce orders.
The timing is different: US retailers may feel the impact later, while Asian exporters may see it earlier through weaker order books.
Textiles, apparel and basic consumer goods are likely more sensitive to US demand.
Semiconductors and AI hardware may be less directly exposed to US consumers, but still carry policy, capex and valuation risk.
The big picture
Tariffs are paid at the US border by importers. From there, the cost can move through the system in several ways: higher prices, weaker margins, lower supplier prices, lower demand or a mix of all four.
Research cited by the Kiel Institute and New York Fed suggests US buyers and businesses may be absorbing a significant share of the tariff burden. That matters because it changes where the earnings pressure shows up first.
For a US retailer, the problem is straightforward but uncomfortable. If the company raises prices, demand may weaken. If it absorbs the tariff cost, margins may compress. If it still has older inventory, the hit may not show up immediately.
For an Asian exporter, the pressure can arrive through a different channel. If US buyers become cautious, they may order less. The exporter may keep prices relatively stable, but factory utilisation falls, fixed costs are spread across fewer units and earnings pressure builds.
That is why this is not just a tariff story. It is an earnings timing story.
US companies: the margin problem
The US side of the tariff story is about cost absorption.
Retailers, apparel brands, consumer electronics sellers and appliance companies often rely on imported goods, components or packaging. When tariff costs rise, they may try to protect margins through price increases, supplier negotiations, sourcing changes or inventory management.
The challenge is that none of these are clean solutions.
Price increases can test consumer demand. Supplier negotiations may take time. Sourcing changes can be expensive or slow. Inventory timing can make the first result look better than the underlying cost trend.
This is why earnings calls matter. Management commentary around pricing actions, tariff mitigation, sourcing, vendor negotiations and inventory timing may reveal more than headline sales growth.
What to watch on the US side
These signals may provide useful context in upcoming earnings reports:
If margins hold while sales remain stable, companies may be managing the pressure. If sales rise but margins fall, tariff costs may not be passing through cleanly. If guidance becomes more cautious, the market may start pricing a delayed earnings impact.
Asian exporters: the volume problem
The Asia side is not always about exporters cutting prices.
In many categories, Asian suppliers operate in competitive global markets with limited pricing power. If US buyers reduce orders, exporters may feel the impact through lower volumes rather than lower unit prices.
That distinction matters.
A company can report stable prices and still face earnings pressure if factories are running below normal utilisation. Lower volumes can reduce operating leverage, delay capital expenditure and weaken guidance.
The highest-risk sectors are usually those most closely tied to US retail demand, seasonal buying cycles and low-margin production.
Which Asian sectors are most exposed?
1. Textiles and apparel +
Highest Sensitivity
Textiles and apparel are among the clearest examples of US demand exposure.
These exporters are often tied directly to US retail orders, private-label contracts and seasonal buying cycles. If US retailers turn cautious, orders can be delayed, reduced or cancelled relatively quickly.
Risk is higher because margins are often thin, production is labour-intensive and buyers may have more power in negotiations.
Relevant export markets: Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and parts of China.
2. Basic consumer goods +
High Sensitivity
This includes toys, household goods, furniture, simple appliances and other discretionary or semi-discretionary exports.
These categories are exposed when US retailers reduce inventory or when consumers pull back from non-essential spending. Tariffs can add pressure if buyers try to push costs back onto suppliers.
Relevant export markets: China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
3. Electronics assembly +
Medium to High Sensitivity
Electronics assembly is more mixed.
Lower-end consumer electronics can be sensitive to US household demand. Higher-value components or enterprise-linked electronics may be more resilient, depending on end-market exposure.
This sector can also be harder to read because supply chains are complex. A company may look like a technology exporter, but its actual earnings sensitivity may still depend on US consumer replacement cycles.
Relevant export markets: China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines.
4. Machinery and industrial goods +
Medium Sensitivity
Machinery is less directly tied to US consumer demand than apparel or household goods. The risk is more about business investment.
If US companies delay capital expenditure because tariff uncertainty rises, machinery orders may weaken. However, order books can provide some buffer, and specialised products may have more pricing power.
Relevant export markets: Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore.
5. Semiconductors +
Lower Direct Sensitivity
Semiconductors are less directly exposed to US retail demand than textiles or consumer goods. Demand is often tied to broader technology cycles, autos, industrials, cloud infrastructure and AI investment.
That does not make the sector risk-free. Tariffs, export controls, geopolitics and a weaker global capex cycle can still affect earnings expectations.
Relevant export markets: Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and parts of China.
6. AI hardware and data-centre supply chains +
Lowest Direct Sensitivity
AI hardware is more tied to cloud capital expenditure and data-centre buildouts than day-to-day consumer spending.
The risk is different. It is less about US shoppers buying fewer goods and more about whether AI capex expectations remain realistic, whether policy restrictions expand and whether valuations already price in strong growth.
Relevant export markets: Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia and advanced electronics supply-chain hubs.
A simple sector risk map
Sensitivity Analysis
Indicative Asian exporter sensitivity to US consumer demand
Note: This is a general framework only. Sensitivity may vary by company, customer mix, contract structure and end market exposure.
Why timing matters
The US and Asia timelines may not line up.
A US retailer may still be selling older inventory, so the tariff impact can be delayed. Margins may hold in one quarter, then weaken as new tariffed inventory becomes a larger share of the sales mix.
An Asian exporter may see the pressure earlier if US buyers reduce orders before the cost hit appears in US consumer prices.
That creates a split earnings map:
US side: delayed margin pressure.
Asia side: earlier volume pressure.
Policy side: tariff exemptions, pauses or escalations can change the setup quickly.
The mistake is assuming a clean and immediate tariff impact. A strong US retailer result does not automatically mean tariff pressure is gone. It may only mean older inventory is still flowing through. A stable Asian exporter margin does not automatically mean demand is healthy. Volumes may be weakening beneath the surface.
The trap in the earnings season
What to watch next
On the US side, gross margins, inventory commentary, same-store sales and second-half guidance may provide useful context.
On the Asia side, export volumes, factory utilisation, order backlogs, working capital and capital expenditure guidance may be more relevant.
Across both regions, tariff policy remains the swing factor. Exemptions, pauses or new restrictions could quickly change market expectations.
Sector charts may provide additional context on whether market pricing is aligning with the earnings narrative, but they should be read alongside company commentary and macro data from the economic calendar.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do tariffs affect US companies and Asian exporters differently? +
Tariffs may affect US companies through margin pressure and Asian exporters through volume pressure. US companies may face higher import costs, while Asian exporters may face fewer orders from US buyers.
Which Asian export sectors are most exposed to US demand? +
Textiles, apparel and basic consumer goods are generally more exposed to US demand because they are closely tied to retail orders and consumer spending. Electronics assembly and machinery are moderately exposed, while semiconductors and AI hardware may be less directly exposed.
Why can tariff impacts show up later in retailer earnings? +
Retailers may still be selling older inventory purchased before tariffs applied. The impact may become more visible later as new tariffed inventory moves through sales and margins.
What should investors watch in tariff-related earnings reports? +
General signals include gross margins, inventory commentary, same-store sales, export volumes, factory utilisation, order backlogs and management commentary on pricing or sourcing.
Are semiconductors and AI hardware exposed to tariffs? +
They may be less directly exposed to US consumer demand, but they can still be affected by policy restrictions, export controls, global capex cycles and valuation expectations.
Bottom Line
The tariff story is no longer only about who pays. It is about where the earnings pressure shows up first.