Market Minute 1-21-26- Stocks Still Unsettled, While Gold Jumps Again

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index experienced its worst day in three months, leading to a search for stability in equities, while gold prices are rising and bonds and the US dollar are stabilizing [1] - Bitcoin has continued its decline from $95,000, recently trading around $89,000 [1] Economic and Political Context - President Trump attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he highlighted American economic achievements and emphasized a focus on the Western Hemisphere [2] - The "Sell America" trade has resumed in the markets, albeit less aggressively than previously observed [2] Gold Market Insights - Gold has been on a continuous rally since August, recently increasing by $103 an ounce to approximately $4,870, positioning it as a "safe haven" asset amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty [3] - Gold is characterized as an "asset without a counterparty," typically showing a negative correlation with the US dollar and benefiting from high liquidity due to substantial global trading volumes [3] Company Earnings Reports - Netflix Inc. reported a 29% year-over-year increase in profit and an 18% rise in sales for the fourth quarter, now boasting over 325 million paying subscribers [4] - Despite strong earnings, Netflix's stock dipped due to revenue and cash flow projections for 2026 slightly missing analyst estimates, and the company has shifted its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. to an all-cash offer [4] Berkshire Hathaway Developments - The post-Warren Buffett era at Berkshire Hathaway has commenced, with successor Greg Abel potentially looking to sell some of its 325 million shares in Kraft Heinz Co., which were acquired during a merger in 2015 [5] - Berkshire Hathaway has already written down the value of its Kraft Heinz stake by $3.7 billion, and a sale could signify a significant portfolio realignment under Abel's leadership [5]