Market Rally Driven by Energy and Materials Sectors as Meta's Nuclear Deal Boosts Oklo and Vistra Shares; S&P 500 Futures Up 0.25%

The U.S. market opened with a mixed tone on January 9, 2026, as energy and materials sectors surged alongside a broad commodities rally. E-Mini S&P 500 Futures rose 0.25% to $6,979.25, E-mini Dow climbed 0.13% to $49,556.00, and E-Mini Nasdaq 100 advanced 0.33% to $25,771.75. Commodities outperformed, with WTI crude oil surging 2.55% to $59.11, gold up 1.42% to $4,524.00, and silver jumping 6.22% to $79.815. Sector-wise, utilities (+1.59%) and materials (+0.92%) led gains, while financials (-0.17%) lagged. The market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic, driven by energy demand and AI-related infrastructure investments.

Hot Stocks

Tech Giants:

• Intel (INTC): +6.77%
• ASML Holding (ASML): +5.04%
• Sandisk (SNDK): +7.72%
• Meta (META): +0.49%
• Alphabet C (GOOG): +1.07%

Energy & Mining:

• Hecla Mining (HL): +6.52%
• Cameco (CCJ): +5.14%
• Oklo (OKLO): +13.38%
• Vistra (VST): +13.11%

High-Flyers:

• Rich Sparkle (ANPA): +108.45%
• Alpha Technology (ATGL): +91.61%
• Greenpower Motor (GP): +63.82%
• Offerpad Solutions (OPAD): +50.66%
• La Rosa Holdings (LRHC): +37.18%

AI & Semiconductors:

• Lam Research (LRCX): +5.95%
• Credo Technology (CRDO): +9.00%
• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS): +8.81%

Financials & Real Estate:

• Rocket Companies (RKT): +6.38%
• Nebius Group (NBIS): +6.31%

Macro & Corporate News

Meta's Nuclear Power Pact Ignites Sector Rally

Meta Platforms (META) signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Vistra (VST) and a deal with Oklo (OKLO) to develop small modular reactors. Oklo surged 13.38%, while Vistra jumped 13.11%. Analysts noted this validates nuclear energy's role in powering AI infrastructure, with Wedbush's Dan Ives calling it "incrementally positive for the entire nuclear industry."

U.S. Equity Funds Face $26B Outflows Amid Geopolitical Jitters

Investors withdrew $26 billion from U.S. equity funds in the week through January 7, driven by concerns over global tensions and the upcoming U.S. jobs report. Large-cap funds saw $31.75 billion in outflows, the largest since September 17, as markets await clarity on the Federal Reserve's rate path.

Altcoins Outperform Bitcoin as XRP, Solana Surge

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) lagged while altcoins like XRP (+10%) and Solana (+7%) led gains. Analysts attributed the rotation to speculative demand and ETF-related optimism, though fundamentals remain mixed. Bitcoin's year-to-date gain halved to 4% amid consolidation.

Argentina Repays U.S. Swap Dollars, Easing Tension

Argentina returned dollars from a swap facility with the U.S., signaling improved financial stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the repayment as a "reflection of Argentina’s strengthened position," reducing risks of renewed currency volatility.

Venezuela Debt Restructuring Hopes Fuel Market Caution

VisualA key bondholder group announced readiness to negotiate Venezuela’s debt restructuring once U.S. sanctions are lifted. The news briefly boosted risk appetite but left broader markets cautious ahead of potential geopolitical developments.