Your Weekly Market Wrap-Up

26th - 29th January 2026

Global Highlights

U.S. Markets

The S&P 500 briefly surpassed the 7,000 mark before retreating from its record intraday high. Large-cap value stocks outperformed growth peers, supported by a strong earnings season in which several “Magnificent 7” names beat estimates. Gold and silver prices rallied to record highs on Thursday, only to tumble on Friday and finish the week in the red following the nomination of a new Fed chair.

European Markets

Major European indexes were mixed. The eurozone economy grew 1.5% in 2025, exceeding both the 0.9% growth in 2024 and the European Commission’s 1.3% forecast. Germany, however, trimmed its 2026 growth outlook to 1.0% from 1.3%.

Asian Markets

In Asia, Japanese equities ended lower as investors awaited the February 8 lower house election. Mainland Chinese stocks also declined after most provinces that released 2026 targets projected slower GDP growth than last year.

Weekly Spotlights

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its January meeting by keeping the federal funds rate target range unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%. The Committee upgraded its assessment of the economy, citing solid expansion supported by resilient consumer spending and rising business investment. The market expects the Fed to resume rate cuts once policymakers have more data to confirm that inflation is cooling toward the target.

Market Performance

Weekly market performance by asset
Asset Name	Weekly Closing Level	Weekly % Return
S&P 500	6,939.03	0.34%
DJIA (Dow Jones)	48,892.47	-0.42%
Nasdaq Composite	23,461.82	-0.17%
Nikkei 225	53,322.85	1.32%
FTSE 100	10,223.54	0.79%
Shanghai Composite	4,117.95	-0.44%
Sensex (BSE)	81,381.78	-0.17%
ADX Index (UAE)	10,363.83	0.76%
Gold	4,745.10	-5.42%
Brent Oil (USD/bbl)	70.69	8.64%

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.