Market Review: January 09, 2026
Closing Recap
| Index | Up/Down | % Change | Last |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Industrials | 237.96 | 0.48% | 49,504 |
| S&P 500 | 44.82 | 0.65% | 6,966 |
| Nasdaq | 191.33 | 0.81% | 23,671 |
| Russell 2000 | 20.25 | 0.78% | 2,624 |
Market Overview
U.S. major stock averages reached new record highs on January 9, 2026, buoyed by a jobs report that met expectations and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to delay a ruling on President Trump's tariffs. The jobs report indicated modest job growth, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 50,000 in December, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.4%. This data was seen as favorable for investors, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may continue to cut interest rates.
Sector Performance
Nine of the eleven S&P sectors finished higher, with notable gains in Materials, Industrials, Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Utilities. Meta's announcement of nuclear energy deals positively impacted nuclear power stocks, while semiconductor stocks approached all-time highs. However, retailers affected by tariffs experienced declines following the Supreme Court's inaction on tariff legality.
Economic Data
The December nonfarm payrolls rose by 50,000, slightly below the expected 60,000. The unemployment rate decreased to 4.4%, and average hourly earnings increased by 0.3%. Overall, 2025 saw a total of 584,000 job gains, marking the worst year for job growth outside a recession since 2003.
Commodities and Currencies
Gold prices surged by 0.89% to settle at $4,500.90 per ounce, driven by expectations of continued rate cuts by the Fed. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese Yen, which fell to a one-year low. Crude oil prices also rose, with WTI crude settling at $59.12 per barrel.
Sector News Breakdown
Retail and Consumer
Retailers faced profit-taking after the Supreme Court's decision on tariffs. Apparel retailer CRI projected high single-digit sales growth, while Mattel was downgraded due to concerns over the macro environment.
Energy
President Trump met with oil executives to discuss rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector. The U.S. Coast Guard continued to monitor sanctioned tankers related to Venezuela.
Financials
Trump announced a plan to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower mortgage rates. This news positively impacted shares of mortgage lenders and homebuilders.
Biotech and Pharma
AKTS shares soared in their IPO debut, while other companies like AQST faced challenges with FDA reviews. JNJ entered an agreement to reduce drug prices for U.S. patients.
Conclusion
The market's positive performance on January 9, 2026, reflects a complex interplay of economic data, sector performance, and geopolitical factors. Investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data and the start of earnings season, which could further influence market trends.