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.