Global Markets Weekly Update

Date: January 09, 2026

U.S. Market Overview

U.S. stocks rallied to start the year, with major indexes reaching all-time highs despite geopolitical tensions. Small-cap and value shares outperformed large-cap growth stocks. The Russell 2000 Index led with a 4.62% gain, while the S&P 500 rose 1.57%.

Labor Market Insights

The U.S. labor market showed signs of weakness, with December job growth moderating to 50,000 jobs added, and previous months' figures revised down. The unemployment rate decreased to 4.4%.

Manufacturing and Services

Manufacturing activity contracted for the 10th consecutive month, while services expanded for the 10th month, indicating a divergence in economic sectors.

Bond Market Performance

U.S. Treasuries posted modest gains, with municipal and corporate bonds outperforming. Investment-grade corporate bonds saw positive returns amid strong demand.

European Market Insights

The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index rose 2.27%, driven by optimism in the economy and company earnings. Germany's industrial production exceeded expectations, signaling a potential economic revival.

Inflation Trends in Europe

Eurozone inflation slowed to 2.0%, aligning with the ECB's target, but services inflation remained a concern for policymakers.

Japan's Economic Performance

Japan's stock markets gained, with the Nikkei 225 Index up 3.18%. Household spending rebounded, indicating a recovery in consumer confidence.

China's Market Developments

Mainland Chinese stocks rose, driven by optimism in the tech sector. However, inflation data showed consumer prices rising while producer prices continued to decline.

Other Key Markets

In Venezuela, the U.S. captured President Maduro, leading to potential changes in the oil market. In the Czech Republic, lower inflation readings may lead to interest rate cuts later this year.

Market Performance Summary

Index	Friday's Close	Week's Change	% Change YTD
DJIA	49,504.07	1,121.68	3.00%
S&P 500	6,966.28	107.81	1.76%
Nasdaq Composite	23,671.35	435.72	1.85%
S&P MidCap 400	3,459.81	110.42	4.68%
Russell 2000	2,624.22	116.00	5.73%

Source: Reuters, Yahoo! Finance, Bloomberg. Data as of 4 p.m. ET.