U.S. stocks closed January mostly lower as renewed AI concerns, a steady-handed Fed, and shifting currency markets drove volatility. Here’s a concise breakdown of what moved markets and what lies ahead.
A holiday-shortened week marked by tariff headlines and global uncertainty pushed U.S. stocks modestly lower before big tech helped stabilize markets. With inflation still elevated and the Fed expected to hold rates steady, attention shifts to a pivotal week ahead.
Markets pulled back modestly as earnings season began, with small caps and international equities leading while investors assessed inflation trends, Fed policy, and a softening labor outlook.
Markets kicked off 2026 with a risk-on tone as the S&P 500 advanced and the Russell 2000 powered to fresh records. Investors weighed a headline-heavy week - geopolitics, Washington policy signals, and a mixed jobs report - while cyclical leadership broadened beyond mega-cap tech.
Markets ended 2025 on a cautious note as thin holiday trading weighed on U.S. equities, despite another year of double-digit gains. With Fed policy, labor market trends, and productivity gains in focus, investors now turn their attention to the first major economic data of the new year.
Stocks found their footing as easing inflation and strong tech earnings helped offset valuation concerns. With rate cuts on the horizon, investors are looking toward 2026 with cautious optimism.