Market Update
Big Tech Earnings Dominated Wall Street Sentiment, Gold and Silver Touched New Record Highs
Barry Adams
27 Jan, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes retained an upward bias as earnings season gathered momentum.
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.5% ahead of a barrage of earnings from key tech leaders.
Earnings are on top of investors minds this week, and at least 90 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results.
American Airlines, Boeing, and UnitedHealth Group are set to release their results on Tuesday, followed by updates on Wednesday from IBM, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Microsoft.
Apple, Visa, Mastercard, and Caterpillar are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Thursday.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75% at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday.
On the economic front, investors are awaiting the latest update on home prices and consumer confidence data later in the day.
Gold futures advanced 1.5% to $5,087 an ounce, and silver traded at $112.58 an ounce, extending their record runs amid rising elevated geopolitical tensions and trade frictions.
Gold and silver prices also benefited from the debasement trade as investors shifted from bonds and currencies into real assets amid growing anxieties over elevated debt levels in developed economies.
U.S. Movers
Health insurance companies fell sharply after the Trump administration proposed to keep Medicare Advantage rates flat in 2027.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid proposed to raise insurance rates 0.09% in 2027, sharply lower than the 4% estimated by several analysts.
UnitedHealth Group, Humana, CVS Health, Molina Healthcare, Centene, and Elevance Health dropped between 5% and 14%.
Separately, UnitedHealth reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued a softer guidance for the current quarter.
Revenue increased to $113.2 billion from $100.8 billion, net income attributable to shareholders fell to $10 million from $5.5 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 1 cent from $5.98 a year ago.
The company's performance in the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by costs related to cyber attacks ($799 million), restructuring and other charges ($2.5 billion), and gains from portfolio divestiture ($442 million).
The net negative impact on the quarterly net earnings was $1.6 billion or $1.78 billion.
Big Tech Earnings Dominated Wall Street Sentiment, Gold and Silver Touched New Record Highs
Barry Adams
27 Jan, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes retained an upward bias as earnings season gathered momentum.
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.5% ahead of a barrage of earnings from key tech leaders.
Earnings are on top of investors minds this week, and at least 90 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results.
American Airlines, Boeing, and UnitedHealth Group are set to release their results on Tuesday, followed by updates on Wednesday from IBM, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Microsoft.
Apple, Visa, Mastercard, and Caterpillar are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Thursday.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75% at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday.
On the economic front, investors are awaiting the latest update on home prices and consumer confidence data later in the day.
Gold futures advanced 1.5% to $5,087 an ounce, and silver traded at $112.58 an ounce, extending their record runs amid rising elevated geopolitical tensions and trade frictions.
Gold and silver prices also benefited from the debasement trade as investors shifted from bonds and currencies into real assets amid growing anxieties over elevated debt levels in developed economies.
U.S. Movers
Health insurance companies fell sharply after the Trump administration proposed to keep Medicare Advantage rates flat in 2027.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid proposed to raise insurance rates 0.09% in 2027, sharply lower than the 4% estimated by several analysts.
UnitedHealth Group, Humana, CVS Health, Molina Healthcare, Centene, and Elevance Health dropped between 5% and 14%.
Separately, UnitedHealth reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued a softer guidance for the current quarter.
Revenue increased to $113.2 billion from $100.8 billion, net income attributable to shareholders fell to $10 million from $5.5 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 1 cent from $5.98 a year ago.
The company's performance in the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by costs related to cyber attacks ($799 million), restructuring and other charges ($2.5 billion), and gains from portfolio divestiture ($442 million).
The net negative impact on the quarterly net earnings was $1.6 billion or $1.78 billion.
Wall Street Indexes Traded Down On Monday as Quarterly Results Take Center Stage
Barry Adams
26 Jan, 2026
New York City
World markets traded higher as investors in Asia and Europe overlooked another wave of military and tariff threats emanating from the U.S.
After last week's volatile trading, world markets adjusted to shifting geopolitical risks and elevated trade frictions.
Increasingly, global investors are bypassing U.S. assets and funneling capital to markets in Europe, China, and India as "Sell America" sentiment dominates.
Geopolitical tensions subsided after the U.S. president was forced to back down from his threats to take over Greenland, if necessary by force.
But tensions rose in the Middle East as the U.S. prepared to conduct coordinated aerial attacks in Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters, driving precious metals to new record highs.
Gold crossed $5,100 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 18% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 45%.
On the economic front, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its rate decisions on Wednesday, and investors are estimating policymakers to hold rates stable amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
This week at least 90 companies are set to announce their quarterly results, including results from Meta, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Tesla, UnitedHealth Group, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Caterpillar.
Investors are holding out for leading technology and financial services providers to surpass market expectations and may provide deeper insights into the inner workings of the economy.
U.S. Movers
USA Rare Earth surged 35% to $33.61 on reports that the U.S. federal government is likely to acquire a stake in the mining company.
The news was first reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, citing sources that the Trump administration is considering taking a 10% stake in the company.
Apple rose 0.7% to $249.66, Microsoft decreased 0.5% to $464.80, IBM fell 0.3% to $291.75, Visa rose 0.03% to $326.27, and Mastercard gained 0.2% to $525.80.
Wall Street Indexes Traded Down On Monday as Quarterly Results Take Center Stage
Barry Adams
26 Jan, 2026
New York City
World markets traded higher as investors in Asia and Europe overlooked another wave of military and tariff threats emanating from the U.S.
After last week's volatile trading, world markets adjusted to shifting geopolitical risks and elevated trade frictions.
Increasingly, global investors are bypassing U.S. assets and funneling capital to markets in Europe, China, and India as "Sell America" sentiment dominates.
Geopolitical tensions subsided after the U.S. president was forced to back down from his threats to take over Greenland, if necessary by force.
But tensions rose in the Middle East as the U.S. prepared to conduct coordinated aerial attacks in Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters, driving precious metals to new record highs.
Gold crossed $5,100 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 18% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 45%.
On the economic front, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its rate decisions on Wednesday, and investors are estimating policymakers to hold rates stable amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
This week at least 90 companies are set to announce their quarterly results, including results from Meta, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Tesla, UnitedHealth Group, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Caterpillar.
Investors are holding out for leading technology and financial services providers to surpass market expectations and may provide deeper insights into the inner workings of the economy.
U.S. Movers
USA Rare Earth surged 35% to $33.61 on reports that the U.S. federal government is likely to acquire a stake in the mining company.
The news was first reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, citing sources that the Trump administration is considering taking a 10% stake in the company.
Apple rose 0.7% to $249.66, Microsoft decreased 0.5% to $464.80, IBM fell 0.3% to $291.75, Visa rose 0.03% to $326.27, and Mastercard gained 0.2% to $525.80.
Japan- US Joint Intervention Expectations Lift Yen, Nikkei 225 Down 2%
Akira Ito
26 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes plunged in Monday's trading, extending last week's losses amid growing worries about the yen's stability.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.9%, the Topix declined 2%, and the yen rebounded 1.1% to 153.99 against the U.S. dollar.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated her government's resolve to shore up the faltering yen, and she added that the finance ministry will take "necessary steps" to counter speculative market moves.
The yen's upward move was further supported by reports that the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan are looking to conduct joint action to support it.
The additional momentum came after reports that the New York Federal Reserve checked dollar/yen holdings with dealers on Friday, widely perceived as a preparatory move ahead of a potential joint intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters, driving precious metals to new record highs.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1.9% to 52,849.21, and the broader Topix Index decreased 2.1% to 3,555.09.
Financial and technology stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading on Monday's trading.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, and Mizuho Financial declined between 2.0% and 3.0%, and Softbank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 1% and 6%.
US-Japan Joint Intervention Expectations Lift Yen, Nikkei 225 Down 2%
Akira Ito
26 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes plunged in Monday's trading, extending last week's losses amid growing worries about the yen's stability.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.9%, the Topix declined 2%, and the yen rebounded 1.1% to 153.99 against the U.S. dollar.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated her government's resolve to shore up the faltering yen, and she added that the finance ministry will take "necessary steps" to counter speculative market moves.
The yen's upward move was further supported by reports that the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan are looking to conduct joint action to support it.
The additional momentum came after reports that the New York Federal Reserve checked dollar/yen holdings with dealers on Friday, widely perceived as a preparatory move ahead of a potential joint intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters, driving precious metals to new record highs.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1.9% to 52,849.21, and the broader Topix Index decreased 2.1% to 3,555.09.
Financial and technology stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading on Monday's trading.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, and Mizuho Financial declined between 2.0% and 3.0%, and Softbank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 1% and 6%.
China Stocks Lacked Direction and Precious Metals Advanced Amid Rising Global Tensions
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
China Stocks Lacked Direction and Precious Metals Advanced Amid Rising Global Tensions
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Global Tensions Drives Precious Metals Higher In Asia, China Stocks Lacks Direction
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Precious Metals and China Stocks In Focus Amid Ris
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Wall Street Indexes Attempted to Erase Weekly Losses Amid Unresolved Trade Frictions
Barry Adams
23 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street edged higher for the second consecutive session on Friday, and investors shifted their focus to corporate results.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2% amid easing geopolitical tensions.
After a tumultuous week of trading, benchmark indexes are set to extend weekly losses to more than 0.3% amid persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt and the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration.
Gold and silver continued to hover near record highs as the U.S. prepares to carry out additional attacks targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Movers
Capital One Financial decreased 2.5% to $228.52, and the credit card company announced the acquisition of startup Brex for $5.15 billion.
Brex offers business credit cards to other startups and established businesses, and the company was valued at more than $12 billion in 2023.
In addition, Capital One reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.86.
Intuitive Surgical increased 3.5% to $544.27 after the robotic surgical system maker posted strong fourth-quarter results.
The company's revenue increased to $2.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.53.
Intel Corp. declined 13.5% to $46.98 after the advanced chipmaker's current quarter outlook fell short of market expectations.
Intel estimated first-quarter revenue to fall between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, and breakeven adjusted earnings per share.
Wall Street Indexes Attempted to Erase Weekly Losses Amid Unresolved Trade Fr
Barry Adams
23 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street edged higher for the second consecutive session on Friday, and investors shifted their focus to corporate results.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2% amid easing geopolitical tensions.
After a tumultuous week of trading, benchmark indexes are set to extend weekly losses to more than 0.3% amid persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt and the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration.
Gold and silver continued to hover near record highs as the U.S. prepares to carry out additional attacks targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Movers
Capital One Financial decreased 2.5% to $228.52, and the credit card company announced the acquisition of startup Brex for $5.15 billion.
Brex offers business credit cards to other startups and established businesses, and the company was valued at more than $12 billion in 2023.
In addition, Capital One reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.86.
Intuitive Surgical increased 3.5% to $544.27 after the robotic surgical system maker posted strong fourth-quarter results.
The company's revenue increased to $2.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.53.
Intel Corp. declined 13.5% to $46.98 after the advanced chipmaker's current quarter outlook fell short of market expectations.
Intel estimated first-quarter revenue to fall between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, and breakeven adjusted earnings per share.