Stocks were mixed last week as investors balanced a busy stretch of Q4 earnings, a widely expected Fed decision, and several economic reports that complicated the outlook heading into February.
The Numbers
- S&P 500: +0.34%
- Nasdaq: −0.17%
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: −0.42%
- MSCI EAFE: +1.22%
U.S. equities were split, with large-cap indexes diverging modestly. International developed markets continued to outperform.
Source: YCharts.com, January 31, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, January 26, to Friday, January 30. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends and cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
What Happened
Early Week: S&P 500 Touches 7,000 Equities advanced early as investors looked ahead to the Fed meeting and a heavy slate of earnings from large-cap companies, briefly pushing the S&P 500 to the 7,000 level.
Mid-Week: Fed Holds, Earnings Disappoint The Federal Reserve held rates steady on Wednesday, as broadly anticipated — the first pause since July, following three consecutive cuts. The fed funds rate remains in the 3.50%–3.75% target range. Market reaction to the Fed was muted. However, disappointing earnings from a major technology company, reported after Wednesday’s close, weighed on sentiment and dragged the Nasdaq lower on Thursday.
Late Week: New Headwinds Emerge Stocks opened lower Friday after the White House nominated Fed veteran Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair. A warmer-than-expected wholesale inflation reading for December and renewed concerns about a potential government shutdown added to selling pressure as the week closed out.
The Fed Holds Steady The January meeting marked the first time the Fed paused since July, ending a run of three straight rate cuts. With the next Fed meeting not until mid-March, markets will have several weeks of data — including this week’s jobs report — to recalibrate expectations around the pace of future cuts.
What We’re Watching
Fed Leadership Transition The nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair introduces a new variable for markets. Warsh is known as a hawk on inflation, and his eventual confirmation could shift tone and expectations around monetary policy.
Inflation Staying Warm December’s hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation data is a reminder that the path back to the Fed’s 2% target isn’t linear. Upcoming price reports will be closely watched.
Jobs Market in Focus Friday’s Jobs Report is the marquee release this week, alongside Consumer Sentiment — both will offer important reads on whether the consumer-driven resilience of 2025 is carrying into the new year.
This Week’s Critical Data
- Wednesday: ADP Employment Report
- Friday: Jobs Report; Consumer Sentiment
These releases will shape expectations around inflation trends and the Fed’s policy path early in 2026.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; January 30, 2026. Forecasts are subject to revision and may not materialize.
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Footnotes And Sources
WSJ.com, January 30, 2026
Investing.com, January 30, 2026
CNBC.com, January 26, 2026
CNBC.com, January 27, 2026
CNBC.com, January 28, 2026
WSJ.com, January 29, 2026
CNBC.com, January 30, 2026
WSJ.com, January 28, 2026
IRS.gov, July 8, 2025
