Market Recovery and Performance - U.S. equities experienced a recovery on January 21, 2026, as investor anxieties eased following President Trump's remarks at the World Economic Forum, particularly regarding Greenland [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose approximately 0.6% to 0.7%, recovering from a 1.8% decline on Tuesday, while the S&P 500 (SPX) advanced by 0.5% to 0.6% after a 2.1% drop [2] - The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) also gained between 0.2% and 0.5%, following a 2.4% slide on Tuesday, indicating a cautious return of risk appetite [2] Sector Performance - The Energy sector was the standout performer, with the S&P 500 Energy Sector climbing 2.3%, driven by individual stocks like Halliburton (HAL), which rose 4.9% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits [4] - Nine out of the eleven S&P 500 sectors were in positive territory, while defensive sectors such as Consumer Staples and Utilities lagged behind, down 0.5% and 0.1% respectively [4] Notable Stock Movements - Chipmakers Intel (INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw significant gains, with shares up approximately 9% and 5.5%, respectively, as Intel's stock surged over 10% on Wednesday, reaching a four-year high [5] - United Airlines (UAL) gained 2.9% after reporting better-than-expected profits for the end of 2025 [5] - Conversely, Kraft Heinz (KHC) fell roughly 6% due to a regulatory filing suggesting Berkshire Hathaway might sell a significant portion of its shares [6] - Netflix (NFLX) continued its downward trend, falling 4.8% on Wednesday, extending losses from a 5.1% drop on Tuesday, attributed to slowing subscriber growth and a lower-than-expected profit forecast [6] Upcoming Economic Events - Investors are awaiting key economic data releases, including the final estimate for Q3 US GDP and November US core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, crucial for gauging inflationary pressures [7] - The earnings season is gaining momentum, with major companies, including Intel, set to release quarterly results [8] - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is scheduled to meet to set interest rates, expected to remain at 0.75% [9] Broader Market Trends - Gold prices reached new record highs, with futures trading up 1.4% to around $4,830 an ounce, driven by safe-haven demand amidst global uncertainties [10] - Treasury yields eased slightly, with the 10-year Treasury yield slipping to 4.27% after closing at 4.30% the previous day [10] - Natural gas prices surged 26% on Tuesday due to forecasts of cold weather across parts of the U.S. [10] Geopolitical Context - The European Union has reportedly halted its trade deal with the U.S. in response to the Greenland situation, indicating ongoing transatlantic trade tensions [11] - The complex interplay of economic data, corporate performance, and geopolitical events continues to shape the stock market's trajectory [11]
Markets Rebound Amid Easing Tariff Fears, Energy Sector Leads Wednesday’s Recovery