Market Overview
U.S. equities ended the holiday-shortened week lower as investors took profits following a strong year-end rally. The S&P 500 fell 1.03% to 6,858.47, the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.52% to 23,235.63, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.67% to 48,382.40. With only one trading day in 2026, the pullback reflected consolidation after record highs in December rather than a shift in market tone.
Technology shares, which led much of 2025’s advance, were mixed. Semiconductor names such as Nvidia and Micron extended strength, but software stocks including Salesforce and CrowdStrike declined. Tesla also fell after reporting fourth-quarter deliveries below expectations, tempering enthusiasm in the growth space.
Energy stocks were steady into the weekend but are likely to draw renewed attention following geopolitical developments after the market close. On Saturday night, the U.S. military removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, setting up potential uncertainty for global oil supply and renewed focus on U.S. energy policy.
Despite last week’s mild losses, sentiment remains broadly constructive as traders enter the first full week of 2026. Investors will be watching key labor and manufacturing data for confirmation that growth remains steady and inflation continues to cool—conditions that would allow the Fed to maintain its gradual path toward policy easing.
Economic Releases & Notable Earnings
