Stock market today: Nasdaq, Dow, S&P 500 rise as Wall Street kicks off 2026

Market Performance - US stocks opened positively in 2026, with the Nasdaq Composite leading gains by over 1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 increased by more than 0.2% and 0.5% respectively [1] - The S&P 500 rose over 16% in 2025, and the Nasdaq Composite saw a more than 20% increase [2] Economic Outlook - The outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with all Wall Street forecasters predicting a stock rally for a fourth consecutive year [3] - However, potential risks include a possible falter in the AI boom, unexpected changes in the US economy, and uncertainties surrounding President Trump's tariff policies [3] Commodity Market - Gold and silver prices advanced at the start of 2026, building on their best annual performances since 1979, while aluminum prices surpassed $3,000 per ton for the first time since 2022 [3] Federal Reserve - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its current interest rates, although there are mixed expectations for the March meeting, with divisions within the central bank likely to persist [4] - President Trump is anticipated to appoint a new chair to replace Jerome Powell this month [4]