Floor traders work at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks concluded Monday's session on a positive note, as investors positioned themselves for a pivotal week featuring high-profile corporate earnings and the Federal Reserve's first interest rate announcement of the year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.64 percent to 49,412.4. The S&P 500 added 0.5 percent to 6,950.23. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 0.43 percent to 23,601.36.
Sector performance was largely constructive, with eight of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors finishing in green. Communication services and technology led the advance, rising 1.32 percent and 0.84 percent, respectively. Conversely, consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors lagged, declining 0.71 percent and 0.05 percent.
Political tensions in Washington weighed on market sentiment as lawmakers confronted a Jan. 30 funding deadline. Uncertainty grew following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen, identified as 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis. The incident has prompted Senate Democrats to threaten opposition to a 1.2-trillion-U.S.-dollar spending package unless funding for the Department of Homeland Security is separated.
Despite domestic volatility and rising geopolitical risks, JPMorgan analysts noted that emerging markets remain attractive for investors due to structural growth opportunities. "With respect to the recent spike in geopolitical uncertainty and accompanying tariff threats, if these were to return to the limelight and there is a renewed escalation, EM could appear relatively shielded, with U.S. and European equities more at risk, in absolute terms, and relatively, in our view," the firm's Mislav Matejka said on Monday.
In the corporate news, more than 90 S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report quarterly results this week. Market attention is focused on "Magnificent Seven" members Meta, Tesla, and Microsoft, due Wednesday, and Apple, set for Thursday. Despite a broader rally, Intel shares fell 5.72 percent, extending a sharp decline from Friday when the chipmaker issued a weak outlook citing internal supply constraints. Tesla shares dipped 3.09 percent ahead of its Wednesday report, while Apple rose nearly 3 percent.
On the economic front, the Federal Open Market Committee will conclude its two-day meeting on Wednesday. While the central bank is widely expected to maintain the federal funds rate at its current range of 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent, market participants are seeking clarity on the timeline for future cuts. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders are currently pricing in two quarter-point reductions by the end of 2026. ■
A floor trader walks past a podium at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
Floor traders work at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
A floor trader works at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
A floor trader works at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
