markets

President Trump's indication to nominate Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, known for his hawkish monetary views, triggered a historic sell-off in gold and silver. The market reaction reflected investor expectations of higher interest rates and a stronger dollar, compounded by the metals' prior significant rallies, prompting a massive profit-taking event.

Gold surpassed $5,000 per ounce and silver exceeded $110 per ounce on January 26, 2026, marking their most significant monthly gains in over four decades. This surge is driven by a crisis of confidence in the US administration, a weakening US dollar, speculation of currency intervention, and ongoing US political instability including potential government shutdowns and changes at the Federal Reserve. The Gold/Silver Ratio has also dropped to a multi-year low, reflecting silver's strong performance.

A concise overview of key stock movements during midday trading, highlighting companies like Fortinet, Intel, Moderna, and Capital One, whose share prices reacted to earnings reports, analyst ratings, clinical trial results, and strategic acquisitions across technology, pharmaceutical, and financial sectors.

European markets closed lower on Friday, influenced by geopolitical tensions stemming from the World Economic Forum in Davos, including Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's critical speech and US President Trump's expanded 'Board of Peace' concept and warnings regarding Iran. Brent crude prices rose amidst the tensions. In corporate news, Ericsson's shares surged over 10% following strong quarterly earnings and a significant buyback announcement, while defense company CSG saw a strong public debut. German business activity showed growth, and the US Supreme Court weighed a decision impacting the Federal Reserve's independence.

Global stock markets experienced a significant downturn driven by mounting concerns over a potential bubble in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, highlighted by warnings from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and fears of a slowing US economy, underscored by job data and Federal Reserve official comments. Major indices across the US and Europe registered losses, with tech, mining, and even luxury sectors affected, as investors await crucial US jobs data to gauge the Federal Reserve's future interest rate decisions.