Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment. The S&P 500 index rose 1.6% this week to a fresh closing high in a broad climb led by the consumer discretionary sector. The S&P 500 ended Friday's session at 6,966.28, its highest closing level ever. The market benchmark also reached an intraday record on Friday at 6,978.36. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88%.The NASDAQ Composite set a new record closing high last week on Friday, January 9, 2026, closing at 23,671.35, surpassing previous records from late 2025 and early 2026, with the tech-heavy index pushing past 23,000 and hitting fresh intraday highs during the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.32% last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) hit a record closing high of 49,504.07 on Friday, January 9, 2026, capping a strong week where all major indexes reached new highs, buoyed by positive employment data that suggested stable economic growth. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 1.41%.1,2 Dow, S&P, Nasdaq | BuildingAll three major averages continued their rise through midweek as the AI trade—led by chip manufacturers—helped momentum. Shares of homebuilders and other companies connected with the housing market were among the S&P 500's top weekly gainers after US President Donald Trump said he was instructing his "representatives" to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds. "This will drive mortgage rates down, monthly payments down, and make the cost of owning a home more affordable," Trump said in a social media post. Economic data came in mixed as December nonfarm payrolls in the US rose by 50,000, missing the 70,000 increase expected according to a survey compiled by Bloomberg. The unemployment rate, however, decreased to 4.4% in December from a downwardly revised 4.5% the month before. A 4.5% rate had been expected. US consumer sentiment improved in January to its highest point since September, but remained subdued compared with year-earlier levels amid inflation and labor market concerns, according to preliminary results from a University of Michigan survey. The consumer discretionary sector had the largest percentage increase for the week, climbing 5.8%, followed by a 4.8% rise in materials and a 2.5% advance in industrials. Communication services, energy and consumer staples also rose by more than 2% each. Homebuilders Lennar (LEN) and PulteGroup (PHM) were among the top gainers in consumer discretionary, rising 14% and 11%, respectively, amid Trump's plan for his "representatives" to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds. The plan also gave a boost to shares of Builders FirstSource (BLDR), which was the top performer in industrials, jumping 19% on the week. Albemarle (ALB) had the largest percentage gain in materials, climbing 13% amid several positive analyst actions on the stock. Among them, Baird upgraded its investment rating on Albemarle's shares to outperform from neutral while raising its price target on the stock to $210 per share from $113. Analysts at Jefferies, Berenberg and BofA Securities also raised their price targets on Albemarle's shares. Utilities was the lone decliner for the week, dropping 1.6%. NRG Energy (NRG) was the hardest-hit stock in utilities, falling 10% on the week as the company unveiled a new CEO succession plan. Robert Gaudette was named NRG Energy's president effective immediately and chief executive effective April 30. Gaudette, who manages the company's wholesale operations and power generation, will succeed Lawrence Coben who will remain as chair and CEO until April 30 and will serve as an adviser for the remainder of the year. The earnings season kicks off this week (Tuesday) with reports expected from companies including JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), Wells Fargo (WFC), Citigroup (C), Morgan Stanley (MS) and Goldman Sachs (GS). |
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Source: YCharts.com, January 10, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 9. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. |
Jobs ReportThe Labor Department’s latest employment report showed a net gain of 50,000 jobs last month while unemployment ticked down to 4.4 percent, missing economists’ expectations of 73,000 jobs.7 Over the full year, net job growth averaged 49,000 per month—the lowest monthly pace in 22 years and a drop from 168,000 per month in 2024. Federal job cuts were a primary reason for the sluggish labor market in 2025, with 277,000 government positions eliminated.7 This Week: Key Economic DataMonday: Fed Presidents Tom Barkin (Richmond), Raphael Bostic (Atlanta), and John Williams (New York) speak. Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Price Index (CPI). New Home Sales* (Oct). Fed Presidents Alberto Musalem (St. Louis) and Barkin (Richmond) speak. Federal Budget Deficit. Wednesday: Retail Sales* (Nov). Producer Price Index (PPI)* (Nov). Business Inventories* (Oct). Existing Home Sales. Federal Reserve’s Beige Book. Fed Presidents Neel Kashkari (Minneapolis), Bostic (Atlanta), and Williams (New York) speak. Fed Governor Stephen Miran speaks. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Import Prices* (Nov). Fed Governor Michael Barr and Fed Presidents Jeff Schmid (Kansas City) and Barkin (Richmond) speak. Friday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson and Fed President Barkin (Richmond) speak. * indicates publication of a report delayed by the government shutdown in October and November Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; January 9, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision. This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) Wednesday: Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), Citigroup Inc. (C) Thursday: Morgan Stanley (MS), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), BlackRock (BLK), Infosys (INFY) Friday: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) Source: Zacks, January 9, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice. |
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"It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult." – Queen Elizabeth II |
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Tax Benefit and Credits: FAQs for RetireesMany questions can arise about income taxes after retirement. Listed are answers to just a few common questions from retired taxpayers. What types of income are taxable? What types of income are non-taxable? Why is my pension taxed? This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific tax issues. Tip adapted from IRS.gov8 |
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Practicing GratitudePsychologists have defined gratitude as a positive emotional response to receiving a benefit from someone or something. In positive psychology, gratitude is the human way of acknowledging the good things in life. Thankfully, you can learn gratitude if it does not come innately. Practicing gratitude offers numerous benefits, particularly during times of stress and uncertainty. Gratitude invites positive emotions that can have physical benefits through the immune or endocrine systems. Research shows that when we reflect on what we appreciate, the parasympathetic or calming part of the nervous system is triggered, which can have protective benefits for the body—including decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing oxytocin, the hormone involved in relationships that fosters feelings of well-being. There are a few great ways to get started today and practice gratitude in your own life:
Tip adapted from Mindful.org9 |
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You can separate them with a word, yet they are mostly inseparable. What are they? Last Week's Riddle: What starts with P and ends with E and has thousands of letters in it? Answer: Post Office. |
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Niterói Rio de Janeiro, Brasil |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, January 9, 2026 10. MT Newswires, YCharts.com January 5 -9, 2026 |
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