Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are expected to open lower due to a tech-led sell-off and ongoing corporate earnings digestion [1] - Nasdaq 100 futures declined 1.06%, S&P 500 futures fell 0.86%, and Dow futures slipped 0.81% [2] - Precious metals, including gold, saw significant declines, with gold's price dropping 2.8% to $5,205 per ounce [2] - Oil prices have also retreated amid easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East [2] Major Market Indexes - On January 29, 2026, the S&P 500 closed down 0.1% at 6,969.01 after nearing its all-time high [3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 55.96 points, or 0.1%, finishing at 49,071.56 [3] - The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.7% (172.33 points) to 23,685.12, indicating a shift towards defensive sectors [3] Economic Data and Events - Key economic data releases today include the January jobs report, focusing on payroll growth, unemployment rates, and average hourly earnings [4] - Upcoming data includes the January ISM manufacturing index, December job openings, and housing starts [4] - Japan's Tokyo CPI is also being monitored as a leading indicator for national inflation trends [4] Federal Reserve Appointment - Anticipation surrounds President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, which could lead to rising U.S. Treasury yields [5] - Warsh is known for his inflation hawk stance and criticism of the Fed, potentially signaling a shift in monetary policy [5] Corporate Earnings and Stock Movements - Major companies reporting earnings include Exxon Mobil, Chevron, American Express, Verizon, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals [6] - Microsoft experienced a 10% drop despite strong quarterly results, as investors focused on future growth and investments [7] - Tesla's stock fell 3.5% despite exceeding profit expectations, with CEO Elon Musk redirecting focus to future ventures [11] - Sandisk Corporation surged over 19% in premarket trading after reporting exceptional earnings driven by AI demand [11] - Apple reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase but saw flat premarket trading [11] - Southwest Airlines stock rose 18.7% despite missing profit forecasts, buoyed by an optimistic earnings outlook [11] - IBM's stock climbed 5.1% after surpassing profit and revenue expectations [11] - ServiceNow dropped 9.9% despite reporting stronger-than-expected profits [11] - Texas Instruments saw a market surge of over 7% following a favorable capital return strategy [11] - Other notable premarket movers include Deckers Outdoor Corporation up 12.71% and ResMed Inc. up 3.95% [11]