Yahoo Finance·2026-01-02 04:39Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced small gains on the first trading day of 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 12.97 points, or 0.2%, to 6,858.47, following a gain of over 16% in 2025 [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 319.10 points, or 0.7%, to 48,382.39, while the Nasdaq composite fell 6.36 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23,235.63, impacted by losses in Microsoft and Tesla [2] Technology Sector - The technology sector, particularly companies focused on artificial intelligence, was a significant driver of market activity, continuing the trend that led to record highs in 2025 [2][4] - Nvidia saw a 1.3% increase, contributing positively to the market, while Microsoft experienced a 2.2% decline, and Tesla dropped 2.6% due to falling sales for the second consecutive year [3] Company Developments - Alibaba's stock rose by 4.3%, and Baidu's stock jumped 9.4% in Hong Kong after announcing plans to spin off its AI computer chip unit Kunlunxin, with a potential listing in Hong Kong in early 2027, pending regulatory approvals [5] - Furniture companies gained following President Trump's decision to delay increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, with RH rising 8% and Wayfair increasing by 6.1% [4] Commodity Prices - Crude oil prices remained stable, with U.S. crude oil prices falling 0.2% to $57.32 per barrel and Brent crude also decreasing by 0.2% to $60.75 per barrel [5]