Market Recap: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Edge Lower as Energy Sector Rises 0.65% Amid Earnings Season Open

The U.S. market closed mixed on Friday, with major indexes edging lower despite a strong start to the earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 81.8 points (-0.168%) to 49,359.33, the S&P 500 dipped 4.46 points (-0.064%) to 6,940.01, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 14.7 points (-0.062%) to 23,515.39. Commodities saw divergent trends: WTI crude oil rose 0.203% to $59.20, while gold fell 0.504% to $4,600.4. Copper and silver slumped sharply (-2.378% and -2.628%, respectively). Sector-wise, Energy (+0.65%) and Real Estate (+1.05%) outperformed, while Materials (-0.64%) and Communication Services (-0.74%) lagged. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with investors digesting mixed macroeconomic signals and geopolitical tensions.

Hot Stocks

Tech Giants:

• Microsoft (MSFT): +0.70%
• Apple (AAPL): -1.04%
• Amazon (AMZN): +0.39%
• Meta (META): -0.09%
• Tesla (TSLA): -0.24%
• Nvidia (NVDA): -0.44%
• Alphabet (GOOG): -0.85%

Notable Movers:

• Micron Technology (MU): +7.76%
• Super Micro Computer (SMCI): +10.94%
• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS): +14.34%
• Bloom Energy (BE): +7.42%
• CoreWeave (CRWV): +6.55%

Analysts Opinions

Analysts highlighted a mixed market environment driven by strong bank earnings and geopolitical uncertainty. Earnings season began with S&P 500 companies expected to report 8% year-over-year growth, led by the tech sector. The Federal Reserve’s potential pause in rate cuts and ongoing investigations into Chair Jerome Powell added volatility. Energy stocks benefited from a U.S.-Taiwan trade deal, while gold and oil faced pressure from easing geopolitical tensions.

Analysts emphasized that strong earnings growth, particularly in AI and industrials, will be critical for sustaining market momentum in 2026.

Macro & Corporate News

1. Earnings Season Kicks Off Strong

Fourth-quarter earnings began with major banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley exceeding estimates. The S&P 500 is projected to see 7% earnings growth in Q4 and 15% for 2026, driven by tech and industrials.

2. Trump’s Fed Chair Uncertainty

President Trump’s reluctance to confirm Kevin Hassett as the next Fed chair fueled speculation about dovish policy shifts. The DOJ investigation into Powell’s renovation project raised concerns about central bank independence.

3. U.S.-Taiwan Trade Deal Boosts Energy

A deal limiting tariffs on Taiwanese imports to 15% spurred gains in energy and tech stocks, including TSMC and Nvidia, as investors bet on expanded chip manufacturing.

4. Crypto Bill Stalls, Bitcoin Volatility Rises

The Senate Banking Committee delayed the Clarity Act, which aims to regulate crypto markets. Bitcoin fell to $94,300 amid regulatory uncertainty, while stablecoin adoption in global payments hit $18 billion annually.

5. Credit Card Rate Cap Debate Intensifies

Trump’s proposed 10% interest rate cap on credit cards drew criticism from banks and economists, who warned of reduced credit availability. Billionaire Bill Ackman argued competition, not caps, would lower rates.

6. Geopolitical Tensions Ease, Oil Slumps

Improved U.S.-Iran relations and reduced Houthi attacks in the Red Sea led to a 5% drop in oil prices. However, analysts noted lingering risks from potential U.S. military escalation in the region.