Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Markets Silent on Holiday Weekend
Major exchanges worldwide are closed on January 3, 2026, due to New Year celebrations, resulting in an exceptionally quiet day for financial markets. No significant economic data is scheduled, with investors awaiting next week's US ISM Manufacturing Index and Non-Farm Payrolls on January 9.
Attention turns to potential unexpected news ahead of Monday's trading.
Australia Releases Key PMI Data Today
S&P Global Services PMI for December and the composite PMI index for Australia are set to be published during the day. This marks one of the few macroeconomic releases amid the global holiday lull.
Data could provide early insights into Asia-Pacific economic momentum.
No Corporate Earnings on January 3
Major S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, and Nikkei 225 companies withhold Q4 2025 reports until mid-January earnings season. US banks and tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft expected first in line later.
Investors seek 2025 results and 2026 forecasts from these reports.
OPEC+ Meeting Looms Sunday
OPEC+ countries convene January 4 to decide on oil production quotas, potentially unchanged. Any surprise could spark oil price volatility and impact energy sectors, commodity currencies like the ruble.
Markets brace for reactions at the week's open.
Wall Street Bullish on S&P 500 for 2026
Analysts forecast S&P 500 growth in 2026, with targets from 7,100 (Bank of America) to 8,000, implying 3.7% to 18% upside. Optimism driven by AI boom and expected Fed rate cuts.
High valuations warrant caution despite low recession odds.
AI Sector Fuels Market Rally Outlook
AI boom seen unlocking profitability for big tech: NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir top picks per Wedbush's Dan Ives. JPMorgan highlights US economy as global growth engine via record capex.
Broader market participation with Dow catching Nasdaq pace.
Fed Rate Cuts Support Equities
Expectations of further Federal Reserve rate reductions provide equity valuation relief. Goldman Sachs remains constructive on earnings growth, though 2026 returns may moderate from 2025.
Peter Oppenheimer notes healthier market breadth.
Geopolitical Risks Threaten Volatility
Tariff uncertainties and stubborn inflation could disrupt Fed's rate path and stock prices. Deutsche Bank warns of potential volatility spikes.
Recession-triggered correction risk at 20%, per Yardeni Research.
RIA Leaders Eye 2026 Themes
Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) anticipate continued M&A, advisor mobility from wirehouses to RIAs in 2026. Firm leaders focus on navigating calm markets and talent retention amid industry shifts.
Key decision points include capital gains tax strategies.
Crypto ETFs Show Timing Risks
iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF annualized 46% return since inception, but average investor dollar gained only 11.2% due to poor timing. Bitcoin outperformed gold recently, but volatility persists.
Advisors urged to calibrate crypto allocations to client risk profiles.
Bitcoin vs Gold Performance Diverges
Bitcoin, dubbed 'digital gold,' exhibits different traits from physical gold in recent years. ETF investors show net positive flows on 80% of days, indicating holding behavior.
Timing of volatile crypto ETF buys heavily influences returns.