Your Weekly Market Wrap-Up

5th Jan - 9th Jan 2026

Global Highlights

U.S. Markets

U.S. stocks rose, led by the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ, with large-cap benchmarks reaching or approaching all-time peaks. December payrolls data revealed a cooling job market—adding just 50,000 positions with downward revisions to prior months and unemployment steady near 4.4% — supporting rate cuts in 2026.

European Markets

European shares climbed on hopes for steady economic recovery, solid corporate earnings, and favorable interest rates. Eurozone inflation eased to the ECB's 2% target and core inflation at 2.3%, though persistent services inflation around 3.4% indicates a pause in further monetary easing.

Asian Markets

Japan's stocks surged, boosted by a weaker yen and robust performance in tech and export sectors. Mainland China markets advanced on AI-driven momentum, while December consumer prices edged higher—yet producer prices dropped for the 39th month—bolstering forecasts for continued policy loosening by the People's Bank of China in 2026.

Weekly Spotlights

December jobs data presented a mixed picture for U.S. labor markets—showing weaker-than-expected job gains alongside a stable unemployment rate that beat forecasts—but the core message for the Fed aligns with last year's outlook: the job market is gradually cooling, warranting continued caution.

Market Performance

Weekly market performance by asset
Asset Name	Weekly Closing Level	Weekly % Return
S&P 500	6,966.28	1.57%
DJIA (Dow Jones)	49,504.07	2.32%
Nasdaq Composite	23,671.35	1.88%
Nikkei 225	51,939.89	1.46%
FTSE 100	10,124.60	1.74%
Shanghai Composite	4,120.43	3.82%
Sensex (BSE)	83,576.24	-2.55%
ADX Index (UAE)	10,040.27	0.46%
Gold	4,500.90	3.96%
Brent Oil (USD/bbl)	63.34	4.26%

Outlook

Looking ahead, a slightly looser Federal Reserve stance, modest fiscal stimulus from the new tax bill, receding tariff uncertainty, and steady economic growth—alongside accelerating earnings in the broader market—create conditions for market leadership to broaden, with cyclical sectors, small‑ and mid‑cap equities, value strategies, and international markets trading near their historical average valuations and well positioned to benefit from improved liquidity

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Disclaimer

This commentary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. For detailed insights, contact our investment team.