Tech Rebound Halted a 2-Day Broader Market Decline

Barry Adams
15 Jan, 2026
New York City

Wall Street indexes halted a two-day slide, and tech stocks led gainers ahead of earnings. 

The S&P 500 index gained 1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increased 3%, driven by advances in chip stocks. 

In Wednesday's trading, benchmark indexes decreased between 0.5% and 1% after the U.S. president announced another change in export control regarding the advanced chip shipments.

The Trump administration plans to approve the sale of Nvidia's H200 chip for artificial intelligence to China, injecting yet another layer of complexity. 

Investors remained focused on the release of quarterly results and overlooked rising geopolitical tensions linked to Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland. 

Gold and silver extended gains in early trading on speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to trim fed funds rates by 25 basis points at the end of the meeting later in the month. 

In the year-to-date so far, silver soared 31%, and gold advanced 7.5% after Trump ramped up attacks on the Fed's independence and threatened Fed Chair Jerome Powell with criminal investigation.  

U.S. Movers 

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company soared 6.1% to $347.32 after the advanced chipmaker announced better-than-expected quarterly results on record sales. 

The company said its capital expenditure is likely to range between $52 billion and $56 billion in 2026, compared to $40.9 billion in 2025, as the company delves further into advanced chips for high-performance computing. 

TSMC estimated current quarter revenue to range between $34.6 billion and $35.8 billion, an increase of 38% from a year ago. 

The advanced chipmaker is currently expanding its capacity in Kumamoto, Japan; in Dresden, Germany; and in Arizona, U.S.A.  

Wells Fargo extended two-day losses to 5% and fell to $89.20 after the financial services provider reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings. 

The earnings in its latest quarter took a hit after the bank booked a $612 million charge linked to severance expenses. 

The company cut its employee base by about 6,000 in the latest quarter and lowered its staff to 205,198, a decline of nearly 30% from 272,000 at the end of 2019. 

Net interest income rose 4% to $12.3 billion, net income increased to $5.36 billion from $5.08 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced to $1.62 from $1.43 a year ago. 

Tech Rebound Halted a 2-Day Broader Market Decline

Barry Adams
15 Jan, 2026
New York City

Wall Street indexes halted a two-day slide, and tech stocks led gainers ahead of earnings. 

The S&P 500 index gained 1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increased 3%, driven by advances in chip stocks. 

In Wednesday's trading, benchmark indexes decreased between 0.5% and 1% after the U.S. president announced another change in export control regarding the advanced chip shipments.

The Trump administration plans to approve the sale of Nvidia's H200 chip for artificial intelligence to China, injecting yet another layer of complexity. 

Investors remained focused on the release of quarterly results and overlooked rising geopolitical tensions linked to Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland. 

Gold and silver extended gains in early trading on speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to trim fed funds rates by 25 basis points at the end of the meeting later in the month. 

In the year-to-date so far, silver soared 31%, and gold advanced 7.5% after Trump ramped up attacks on the Fed's independence and threatened Fed Chair Jerome Powell with criminal investigation.  

U.S. Movers 

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company soared 6.1% to $347.32 after the advanced chipmaker announced better-than-expected quarterly results on record sales. 

The company said its capital expenditure is likely to range between $52 billion and $56 billion in 2026, compared to $40.9 billion in 2025, as the company delves further into advanced chips for high-performance computing. 

TSMC estimated current quarter revenue to range between $34.6 billion and $35.8 billion, an increase of 38% from a year ago. 

The advanced chipmaker is currently expanding its capacity in Kumamoto, Japan; in Dresden, Germany; and in Arizona, U.S.A.  

Wells Fargo extended two-day losses to 5% and fell to $89.20 after the financial services provider reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings. 

The earnings in its latest quarter took a hit after the bank booked a $612 million charge linked to severance expenses. 

The company cut its employee base by about 6,000 in the latest quarter and lowered its staff to 205,198, a decline of nearly 30% from 272,000 at the end of 2019. 

Net interest income rose 4% to $12.3 billion, net income increased to $5.36 billion from $5.08 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced to $1.62 from $1.43 a year ago. 

Japan's Producer Price Inflation Moderated In December, Tech Stock Led Tokyo Downturn

Akira Ito
15 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes diverged, and the yen's persistent decline raised fears of intervention. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.8%, the broader Topix Index edged up 0.8%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 158.51 against the U.S. dollar.

Stocks in Tokyo declined following losses in overnight trading in New York, driven by another down day in technology stocks amid worries of additional U.S. export controls for advanced chips.  

Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgment on the legality of the global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. 

If the high court rules the sky-high tariffs on imported goods illegal, the Trump administration may have to look for ways to refund payments to customers and importers. 

The Supreme Court has signaled that the decision will be announced as early as this week, which could contribute to market volatility. 

For now, Japan's market indexes traded at fresh new highs amid expectations that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to announce a snap parliamentary election next month.  

On the economic front, Japan's producer prices rose at a slower pace of 2.4% from a year ago in December, according to an estimate released by the Bank of Japan. 

The measure of wholesale inflation eased from 2.7% in the previous month and dropped to the slowest increase since May 2024. 

The inflation moderation was driven by a decline in prices of chemicals, steel, and petroleum and coal products, and a slower pace of increase in prices of transportation equipment, machinery, and food and beverages. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.8% to 53,909.90, and the broader Topix Index advanced 0.8% to 3,673.43. 

Softbank Group declined 5% to ¥4,045.0, Tokyo Electron fell 2.9% to ¥41,050.0, and Advantest Corp. decreased 4.4% to ¥22,055.0. 

Nippon Yusen KK decreased 0.1% to ¥5,372.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines dropped 0.1% to ¥4,972.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha added 0.4% to ¥2,327.50. 

Japan's Producer Price Inflation Moderated In December, Tech Stock Led Tokyo Downturn

Akira Ito
15 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes diverged, and the yen's persistent decline raised fears of intervention. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.8%, the broader Topix Index edged up 0.8%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 158.51 against the U.S. dollar.

Stocks in Tokyo declined following losses in overnight trading in New York, driven by another down day in technology stocks amid worries of additional U.S. export controls for advanced chips.  

Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgment on the legality of the global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. 

If the high court rules the sky-high tariffs on imported goods illegal, the Trump administration may have to look for ways to refund payments to customers and importers. 

The Supreme Court has signaled that the decision will be announced as early as this week, which could contribute to market volatility. 

For now, Japan's market indexes traded at fresh new highs amid expectations that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to announce a snap parliamentary election next month.  

On the economic front, Japan's producer prices rose at a slower pace of 2.4% from a year ago in December, according to an estimate released by the Bank of Japan. 

The measure of wholesale inflation eased from 2.7% in the previous month and dropped to the slowest increase since May 2024. 

The inflation moderation was driven by a decline in prices of chemicals, steel, and petroleum and coal products, and a slower pace of increase in prices of transportation equipment, machinery, and food and beverages. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.8% to 53,909.90, and the broader Topix Index advanced 0.8% to 3,673.43. 

Softbank Group declined 5% to ¥4,045.0, Tokyo Electron fell 2.9% to ¥41,050.0, and Advantest Corp. decreased 4.4% to ¥22,055.0. 

Nippon Yusen KK decreased 0.1% to ¥5,372.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines dropped 0.1% to ¥4,972.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha added 0.4% to ¥2,327.50. 

China Indexes Turned Volatile After Regulators Tightened Margin Rules

Li Chen
15 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

China's indexes turned volatile amid elevated geopolitical uncertainties and a clouded macroeconomic outlook. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4%, the CSI 300 index declined 0.2%, and benchmark indexes erased early morning gains. 

Investors held out for improving earnings for domestic companies as mainland-based businesses expanded manufacturing bases in the ASEAN region, Africa, and Latin America. 

Moreover, investors are estimating China's GDP growth to slow to 4.5% in 2026, the jobless rate to hover near 7%, and additional support to revive the residential market. 

China's offshore yuan traded at 6.96 against the U.S. dollar, and investors avoided the U.S. dollar-denominated assets after the U.S. president renewed threats on the Federal Reserve's independence. 

Market sentiment weakened after Chinese regulators raised the minimum margin for stock financing to 100% from 80%, as policymakers push to curb excessive speculation in capital markets.  

China Indexes and Stocks

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4% to 26,883.54, and the CSI 300 Index declined 0.2% to 4,731.15. 

Defense and technology stocks led decliners in Shanghai and Hong Kong trading. 

BlueFocus Intelligent decreased 14.7% to ¥18.45, China Spacesat dropped 10.4% to ¥106.83, and Leo Group fell 3.1% to ¥9.64. 

Trip.com Group plunged 20% to HK $457.60 after China launched an antitrust investigation into the company's business practices. 

Sun Hung Kai Properties increased 2.2% to HK $111.0, China Vanke added 1.8% to HK $3.42, and Longfor Group added 1.5% to HK $9.34. 

China Indexes Turned Volatile After Regulators Tightened Margin Requirements

Li Chen
15 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

China's indexes turned volatile amid elevated geopolitical uncertainties and a clouded macroeconomic outlook. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4%, the CSI 300 index declined 0.2%, and benchmark indexes erased early morning gains. 

Investors held out for improving earnings for domestic companies as mainland-based businesses expanded manufacturing bases in the ASEAN region, Africa, and Latin America. 

Moreover, investors are estimating China's GDP growth to slow to 4.5% in 2026, the jobless rate to hover near 7%, and additional support to revive the residential market. 

China's offshore yuan traded at 6.96 against the U.S. dollar, and investors avoided the U.S. dollar-denominated assets after the U.S. president renewed threats on the Federal Reserve's independence. 

Market sentiment weakened after Chinese regulators raised the minimum margin for stock financing to 100% from 80%, as policymakers push to curb excessive speculation in capital markets.  

China Indexes and Stocks

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4% to 26,883.54, and the CSI 300 Index declined 0.2% to 4,731.15. 

Defense and technology stocks led decliners in Shanghai and Hong Kong trading. 

BlueFocus Intelligent decreased 14.7% to ¥18.45, China Spacesat dropped 10.4% to ¥106.83, and Leo Group fell 3.1% to ¥9.64. 

Trip.com Group plunged 20% to HK $457.60 after China launched an antitrust investigation into the company's business practices. 

Sun Hung Kai Properties increased 2.2% to HK $111.0, China Vanke added 1.8% to HK $3.42, and Longfor Group added 1.5% to HK $9.34. 

Gold and Silver Hit Fresh Record Highs After Trump Renewed Attacks On Federal Reserve

Barry Adams
14 Jan, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street meandered for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, and investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions and fresh attacks on the Fed's independence. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% as investors turned cautious on financial stocks after the U.S. president demanded lower credit card rates. 

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Visa, and MasterCard fell between 1% and 4% as the Trump administration renewed attacks on financial services providers. 

Last week, the U.S. president demanded Fannie Mae and other agencies buy mortgage bonds and proposed to ban investment companies from purchasing residential properties.  

Credit card companies also extended a five-day decline over 8% amid worries that the Trump administration is likely to cap processing fees. 

Gold advanced 1.2% to $4,633.57, and silver advanced 3.8% to $90.14 amid worries that the Trump administration's interference with the Fed's monetary policy is likely to lead to higher-for-longer inflation and fuel another spree of federal government debt.  

Moreover, the U.S. Treasury is increasingly relying on the issuance of debt maturing in less than five years, setting the stage for a sharp increase in interest rates in the near future. 

On the economic front, producer price inflation picked up in November, according to the delayed data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The overall annual measure of wholesale inflation increased to 3.0% from 2.8%, and the core measure advanced to 3% from 2.9% in October. 

Higher energy prices and sharper gains in services contributed to the rise in overall inflation. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

JPMorgan Chase increased 0.2% to $311.50, Citigroup decreased 0.2% to $116.10, Bank of America eased 0.1% to $54.49, and Wells Fargo inched lower by 0.2% to $93.39. 

MasterCard decreased 0.1% to $545.49, Visa Inc. edged up 0.3% to $329.0, and two payment processing companies declined 8% over the last five trading sessions.  

Gold and Silver Hit Fresh Record Highs After Trump Renewed Attacks On Federal Reserve

Barry Adams
14 Jan, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street meandered for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, and investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions and fresh attacks on the Fed's independence. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% as investors turned cautious on financial stocks after the U.S. president demanded lower credit card rates. 

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Visa, and MasterCard fell between 1% and 4% as the Trump administration renewed attacks on financial services providers. 

Last week, the U.S. president demanded Fannie Mae and other agencies buy mortgage bonds and proposed to ban investment companies from purchasing residential properties.  

Credit card companies also extended a five-day decline over 8% amid worries that the Trump administration is likely to cap processing fees. 

Gold advanced 1.2% to $4,633.57, and silver advanced 3.8% to $90.14 amid worries that the Trump administration's interference with the Fed's monetary policy is likely to lead to higher-for-longer inflation and fuel another spree of federal government debt.  

Moreover, the U.S. Treasury is increasingly relying on the issuance of debt maturing in less than five years, setting the stage for a sharp increase in interest rates in the near future. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

JPMorgan Chase increased 0.2% to $311.50, Citigroup decreased 0.2% to $116.10, Bank of America eased 0.1% to $54.49, and Wells Fargo inched lower by 0.2% to $93.39. 

MasterCard decreased 0.1% to $545.49, Visa Inc. edged up 0.3% to $329.0, and two payment processing companies declined 8% over the last five trading sessions.  

Japan's Indexes Scaled New Record Highs Ahead of Snap Elections Next Month

Akira Ito
14 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes advanced to new record highs as investors held out for expansionary fiscal policy in the months ahead.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.4%, and the broader Topix increased 1% amid growing speculation of snap elections next month. 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, riding on a popularity wave, is likely to announce a snap election as the ruling alliance looks to strengthen its position in the Diet. 

Prime Minister Takaichi has signaled larger fuel subsidies to households, increased government spending, and larger defense expenditure in the new fiscal year. 

The yen dropped to a new 2026 low and traded at 159.27 against the U.S. dollar, boosting the profit outlook for Japan's export-driven companies. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.4% to 54,299.26, and the broader Topix index advanced 1% to 3,636.70. 

Softbank Group decreased 5.4% to ¥4,214.0, Tokyo Electron added 2.6% to ¥42,090.0, and Advantest Corp. gained 5% to ¥23,080.0.

Nippon Yusen gained 1.2% to ¥5,372.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines added 0.7% to ¥4,955.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced 0.6% to ¥2,320.0. 

Japan's Indexes Scaled New Record Highs Ahead of Snap Elections Next Month

Akira Ito
14 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes advanced to new record highs as investors held out for expansionary fiscal policy in the months ahead.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.4%, and the broader Topix increased 1% amid growing speculation of snap elections next month. 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, riding on a popularity wave, is likely to announce a snap election as the ruling alliance looks to strengthen its position in the Diet. 

Prime Minister Takaichi has signaled larger fuel subsidies to households, increased government spending, and larger defense expenditure in the new fiscal year. 

The yen dropped to a new 2026 low and traded at 159.27 against the U.S. dollar, boosting the profit outlook for Japan's export-driven companies. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.4% to 54,299.26, and the broader Topix index advanced 1% to 3,636.70. 

Softbank Group decreased 5.4% to ¥4,214.0, Tokyo Electron added 2.6% to ¥42,090.0, and Advantest Corp. gained 5% to ¥23,080.0.

Nippon Yusen gained 1.2% to ¥5,372.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines added 0.7% to ¥4,955.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced 0.6% to ¥2,320.0. 

China's Higher Global Shipments Lifted 2025 Trade Surplus Above $1 Trillion

Li Chen
14 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

China's markets advanced for the second consecutive session amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.9%, and the mainland China-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% as foreign investors pivot away from U.S. assets. 

The U.S. president signaled his readiness to carry out additional strikes in Iran, using the latest popular uprising in Tehran as a pretext.  

In addition, Trump reiterated his threats to acquire Greenland and dictate events in Ukraine. 

Moreover, European nations struggled to offer additional military and financial support to Ukraine as Russia stepped up missile attacks in Kyiv. 

Crude oil and base and precious metals advanced as investors sought safe haven and anticipated further dollar weakness in the months ahead. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared 20% in 2025

China's export growth accelerated in December, as businesses diversified shipments to the ASEAN region, Africa, and the European Union. 

China's trade surplus rose 20% to $1.2 trillion in 2025, as exports advanced 5.5% to $3.8 trillion and imports remained flat at $2.6 trillion, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs.  

Exports surged 6.6% to $357.8 billion, accelerating from a 5.9% rise, as shipments to the ASEAN region advanced 11.1% and to the European Union increased 11.6% from a year ago, respectively. 

Shipments to Africa soared 21.8%, and those to Japan advanced 5.3%; however, exports to the U.S. declined 30% amid persistent tariff headwinds. 

China's surging shipments of renewable energy products, electric vehicles, and industrial automation systems drove the overall exports in 2025, amid shifting trade patterns. 

For 2025, shipments to the U.S. declined 20% after the Trump administration launched a global tariff war and slapped aggressive duties on goods from China. 

Imports from the U.S. declined 14.6%, as Chinese firms stepped up agriculture products sourcing from Brazil, Argentina, Peru and African nations. 

Exports to Africa soared 25.8%, to the European Union advanced 8.4%, and to the ASEAN region increased 13.4% amid rising demand for renewable energy products, basic chemicals, and low-end electronic goods. 

Imports in December advanced 5.7% to $243.6 billion, as falling crude oil prices contributed to a slower rise in import bills. 

China's monthly trade surplus stayed above $100 billion for seven months in 2025, highlighting the success of Chinese firms even as Trump tariffs dented shipments to the U.S.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.9% to 27,093.49, and the CSI 300 Index rose 1% to 4,812.48. 

Technology companies, including semiconductor designers and makers, e-commerce platform operators, and content platforms, advanced amid additional buying by foreign investors. 

Alibaba Group soared 5%, Tencent Holdings added 1.7%, Xiaomi Corp. increased 0.6%, and NetEase edged up 0.5%. 

China's Higher Global Shipments Lifted 2025 Trade Surplus Above $1 Trillion

Li Chen
14 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

China's markets advanced for the second consecutive session amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.9%, and the mainland China-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% as foreign investors pivot away from U.S. assets. 

The U.S. president signaled his readiness to carry out additional strikes in Iran, using the latest popular uprising in Tehran as a pretext.  

In addition, Trump reiterated his threats to acquire Greenland and dictate events in Ukraine. 

Moreover, European nations struggled to offer additional military and financial support to Ukraine as Russia stepped up missile attacks in Kyiv. 

Crude oil and base and precious metals advanced as investors sought safe haven and anticipated further dollar weakness in the months ahead. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared 20% in 2025

China's export growth accelerated in December, as businesses diversified shipments to the ASEAN region, Africa, and the European Union. 

China's trade surplus rose 20% to $1.2 trillion in 2025, as exports advanced 5.5% to $3.8 trillion and imports remained flat at $2.6 trillion, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs.  

Exports surged 6.6% to $357.8 billion, accelerating from a 5.9% rise, as shipments to the ASEAN region advanced 11.1% and to the European Union increased 11.6% from a year ago, respectively. 

Shipments to Africa soared 21.8%, and those to Japan advanced 5.3%; however, exports to the U.S. declined 30% amid persistent tariff headwinds. 

China's surging shipments of renewable energy products, electric vehicles, and industrial automation systems drove the overall exports in 2025, amid shifting trade patterns. 

For 2025, shipments to the U.S. declined 20% after the Trump administration launched a global tariff war and slapped aggressive duties on goods from China. 

Imports in December advanced 5.7% to $243.6 billion, as falling crude oil prices contributed to a slower rise in import bills. 

China's monthly trade surplus stayed above $100 billion for seven months in 2025, highlighting the success of Chinese firms even as Trump tariffs dented shipments to the U.S.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.9% to 27,093.49, and the CSI 300 Index rose 1% to 4,812.48. 

Technology companies, including semiconductor designers and makers, e-commerce platform operators, and content platforms, advanced amid additional buying by foreign investors. 

Alibaba Group soared 5%, Tencent Holdings added 1.7%, Xiaomi Corp. increased 0.6%, and NetEase edged up 0.5%. 

Big Banks Earnings and December Inflation Data Dominate Market Sentiment

Barry Adams
13 Jan, 2026
New York City

Wall Street indexes faced another wave of selling in early trading, and investors awaited the release of the inflation report. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% amid high investor anxiety ahead of quarterly results from banks this week. 

JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, PNC Financial, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock are set to release their results later in the week.

The rebound in merger activities, sharp gains in financial markets, and easing of inflation are likely to support higher earnings at large banks. 

Global central bankers voiced their support for Fed Chair Jerome Powell, sending a strong signal to the White House to not interfere with the Fed's independence. 

"We stand in full solidarity with the Federal Reserve System and its Chair Jerome H. Powell," said central bank chiefs in a joint statement released Tuesday. 

"The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial, and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve," the central bankers' statement noted. 

"It is therefore critical to preserve that independence, with full respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability. 

Chair Powell has served with integrity, focused on his mandate and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. To us, he is a respected colleague who is held in the highest regard by all who have worked with him," heads of central banks stressed. 

The leaders of the European Union, the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Brazil, Korea, Canada, and Australia released a joint statement.

Consumer price inflation in December remained at 2.7%, and core inflation advanced to 2.7%, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to confirm. 

The inflation report is the first full-month view of price trends since the reopening of the federal government last fall. 

The 43-day federal government shutdown ended on November 12, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of federal employees and delaying federal payments to contractors, suppliers, and states.  

U.S. Movers 

JPMorgan Chase increased 0.9% to $327.52, Citigroup added 0.4% to $118.15, PNC Financial Services gained 0.1% to $215.88, Bank of America inched higher 0.5% to $55.30, and Wells Fargo edged up 0.3% to $95.24.  

Big Banks Earnings and December Inflation Data Dominate Market Sentiment

Barry Adams
13 Jan, 2026
New York City

Wall Street indexes faced another wave of selling in early trading, and investors awaited the release of the inflation report. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% amid high investor anxiety ahead of quarterly results from banks this week. 

JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, PNC Financial, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock are set to release their results later in the week.

The rebound in merger activities, sharp gains in financial markets, and easing of inflation are likely to support higher earnings at large banks. 

Global central bankers voiced their support for Fed Chair Jerome Powell, sending a strong signal to the White House to not interfere with the Fed's independence. 

"We stand in full solidarity with the Federal Reserve System and its Chair Jerome H. Powell," said central bank chiefs in a joint statement released Tuesday. 

"The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial, and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve," the central bankers' statement noted. 

"It is therefore critical to preserve that independence, with full respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability. 

Chair Powell has served with integrity, focused on his mandate and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. To us, he is a respected colleague who is held in the highest regard by all who have worked with him," heads of central banks stressed. 

The leaders of the European Union, the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Brazil, Korea, Canada, and Australia released a joint statement.

Consumer price inflation in December remained at 2.7%, and core inflation advanced to 2.7%, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to confirm. 

The inflation report is the first full-month view of price trends since the reopening of the federal government last fall. 

The 43-day federal government shutdown ended on November 12, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of federal employees and delaying federal payments to contractors, suppliers, and states.  

U.S. Movers 

JPMorgan Chase increased 0.9% to $327.52, Citigroup added 0.4% to $118.15, PNC Financial Services gained 0.1% to $215.88, Bank of America inched higher 0.5% to $55.30, and Wells Fargo edged up 0.3% to $95.24.  

Japan's Indexes Advanced 3% and Yen Drifted to One-Year Low

Akira Ito
13 Jan, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's stocks advanced Tuesday amid easing trade tensions with China as investors returned from a three-day weekend. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 3.3%, the broader Topix Index gained 2.4%, and the yen weakened further to 158.72 against the U.S. dollar.

Market sentiment improved in Tokyo after China clarified that its export control on dual-use goods and technology applies for military use only, easing worries about civilian use.

Japan's benchmark indexes extended the previous week's gains as investors reviewed the unexpected increase in household spending driven by winter purchases. 

The yen continued to drift towards a one-year low as the U.S. dollar edged up in international trading, and Japanese companies are likely to report higher earnings partly driven by the yen's weakness. 

The yen continued to drift lower after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was expected to dissolve Japan's parliament as early as next month, adding another level of uncertainty. 

Investors overlooked the Trump administration's investigation targeting the Federal Reserve and Fed Chair Jerome Powell as the U.S. president ramped up his campaign to remove the head of the central bank. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3.3% to 53,682.17, and the broader Topix Index advanced 2.4% to 3,598.05. 

Defense stocks extended gains for the fourth week in a row amid expectations of higher government spending and looser export control.

IHI Corp. gained 5.7% to ¥3,421.0, Kawasaki Heavy Industries jumped 9.9% to ¥13,595.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries gained 4.4% to ¥4,457.00.

Banks and financial services providers increased as the traders anticipated the Bank of Japan to continue to raise interest rates at least two times in 2026. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group increased 2.7% to ¥5,394.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial advanced 4.5% to ¥2,762.0, and Mizuho Financial gained 5.3% to ¥6,524.0.