Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.17% closing Friday's session at 23,461.82. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.42% closing Friday's session at 48,892.47. By contrast, the MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.22%.1,2 S&P 500 Touches 7,000The slim move came as investors parsed through quarterly earnings reports. Better-than-expected results were posted by companies including Sandisk (SNDK) and Visa (V) while Tractor Supply (TSCO) was among those with weaker-than-forecast reports. President Donald Trump's chose Kevin Warsh, who served as a governor on the central bank's board from 2006 to 2011, as head of the Federal Reserve. Before joining the Fed, Warsh was part of the George W. Bush White House and had worked at Morgan Stanley (MS). It will be interesting to see how his influence on the Fed board plays out this year as it is a significant role, impacting how markets behave this year and beyond. It could be constructive for markets and the economy. I'll be watching the path of interest rates and policy closely. By sector, communication services had the largest percentage gain this week, climbing 4.2%, followed by a 3.9% increase in energy and a 1.7% advance in utilities. Consumer staples, financials, industrials, real estate and financials also edged higher. Verizon Communications (VZ) and AT&T (T) led the gains in communication services as they reported Q4 adjusted earnings per share and revenue above analysts' expectations. Both companies also forecast 2026 adjusted EPS above analysts' mean estimate. Verizon's shares jumped 13% on the week while AT&T climbed 11%. The advance in the energy sector came as crude oil futures reached a four-month high this week amid geopolitical tensions. Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) were among the sector's best performers as both companies reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results amid higher oil output. Chevron's shares rose 6.1% on the week while Exxon Mobil added 4.8%. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) was among the health care sector's hardest-hit stocks, tumbling 19% amid mixed fourth-quarter results. The company's earnings topped market expectations but revenue fell short of estimates and the health insurance company forecast 2026 revenue below analysts' expectations. Gold and Silver: Rally, Pullback, and Market SignalsGold and silver were back in focus this week as a strong rally gave way to a sharp pullback. After reaching new highs on safe haven demand and geopolitical uncertainty, both metals sold off as profit taking picked up, the U.S. dollar strengthened, and policy expectations shifted. Gold fell more than 7% on the move, while silver saw one of its largest single day declines in decades, highlighting how quickly positioning can unwind after an extended run. Even with the volatility, the broader case for precious metals remains intact. Ongoing political and fiscal uncertainty, a still fragile confidence backdrop, and sustained investor demand continue to support longer term interest. Near term price action may remain choppy as markets digest policy signals and test technical levels, but gold and silver continue to reflect elevated macro uncertainty rather than a clear break in trend. There are investment banks with price targets of Gold by YE 2026 reiterated at $6,300 per oz and Silver price target range of $70-$80 per oz. The momo crowd was buying Gold and Silver causing a melt-up recently and the sell pressure by institutions got to them, unfortunately, many with margin calls (forced selling) to cover margin requirements. Selling of even unrelated quality holdings which begot more forced selling for the momo crowd. The volatility in both Gold and Silver will eventually settle down and rebase to eventually move higher this year so if one wants to "buy the dip" in Gold and Silver, one would be wise to exercise caution.
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Source: YCharts.com, January 31, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, January 26, to Friday, January 30. 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. |
The Fed Holds SteadyThe Fed funds rate was held at its current 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent target range at its January meeting. The decision followed three consecutive meetings at which the Fed cut rates; it marked the first time the Fed held rates steady since July. The next Fed meeting is in mid-March.8 This Week: Key Economic DataMonday: Auto Sales. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index. Tuesday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index. Job Openings (December) Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speaks. Friday: Jobs Report. Consumer Sentiment. Consumer Credit. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: January 30, 2026. 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 EarningsMonday: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), The Walt Disney Company (DIS) Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Chubb Limited (CB) Wednesday: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG/GOOGL), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX), CME Group Inc. (CME), McKesson Corporation (MCK) Thursday: Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), ConocoPhillips (COP), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR) Friday: Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Source: Zacks, January 30, 2026. 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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"Good habits, imperceptibly fixed, are far preferable to the precepts of reason." – Mary Wollstonecraft |
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Know and Understand Your Correct Filing StatusTaxpayers should understand their filing status well and at least be familiar with the other choices. When preparing and filing a tax return, the filing status affects:
Here are the five filing statuses: Single: This status is normally for taxpayers who are unmarried, divorced, or legally separated under a divorce or separate maintenance decree governed by state law. Married filing jointly: If a taxpayer is married, they can file a joint tax return with their spouse. When a spouse passes away, the widowed spouse can usually file a joint return for that year. Married filing separately: Married couples can choose to file separate tax returns in certain circumstances. Head of household: Unmarried taxpayers may be able to file using this status, but special rules apply. Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: This status may apply to a taxpayer if their spouse died during one of the previous two years and they have a dependent child. Other conditions also apply. This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS.gov9 |
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Keeping Your Heart Rate Up IndoorsA rainy day can steal our motivation to leave the comfort of our homes unless we have to. But your workouts don’t need to stop during inclement weather. Here are a few ways to feel the burn indoors while Mother Nature keeps it cool outside. Hop to it with a rebounder (a mini trampoline) or a jump rope. If you have neither, fake it by keeping your hands to your sides and rotating them as you mimic the rest of the exercise sans equipment. Find a YouTube video or other streaming guided workout. Can’t squeeze in a full half hour at once? Pause it and return when you’re ready. Invest in workout equipment you know you’ll use. If you run or hike, consider a treadmill with an adjustable incline. If you like to ride your bike, consider getting a stationary one. There are many ways to stay fit when the weather isn’t cooperating. But remember to always discuss any medical concerns with your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness routine; the information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Tip adapted from Medical News Today10 |
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Note this sequence: B, C, D, E, G. What letter should then follow as the sixth letter in this series? Last Week's Riddle: The more of these you take, the more of these you will likely leave behind. What are they? Answer: Footsteps and footprints. |
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Wilhemina Bay, Antarctica |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, January 30, 2026 11. MT Newswires, YCharts January 26-31, 2026 |
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