Market Minutes
Read snapshots of the latest market news
Oil prices rise on US–Iran tensions; Walmart hits $1 trillion
The primary global oil benchmarks, Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), advanced in tandem following an escalation in geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Market sentiment was further influenced by an US–India trade agreement, which is expected to bolster global demand through increased Indian imports of American crude. Concurrently, Walmart Inc. achieved a historic milestone, surpassing a $1 trillion market capitalisation for the first time.
3 Feb 2026, 23:22
Profit-taking and risk rotation push metals down
The initial pressure in the market originated in the Nasdaq, where selling emerged after a prolonged period of concentration-driven gains in large-cap technology stocks, gold and silver became sources of funding rather than destinations of fear. The market’s reaction to Kevin Warsh’s positioning was subtle but revealing. Rather than being interpreted as a dovish signal.
2 Feb 2026, 09:00
Stronger US dollar drives significant correction in metals
Precious metals underwent a substantial correction following a resurgence in the US dollar, which increased the cost of dollar-denominated commodities for international buyers. Simultaneously, the core Producer Price Index (PPI) accelerated year-on-year, intensifying pressure on the Federal Reserve’s inflation control measures. In the energy sector, blue-chip oil majors ExxonMobil and Chevron exceeded quarterly expectations, despite experiencing a contraction in their overall income levels.
31 Jan 2026, 01:20
Oil rises as US–Iran tensions escalate; Copper at records
The primary oil benchmarks, Brent and WTI, advanced by more than 3% following an escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran. Market participants expressed heightened concern regarding potential energy supply disruptions should Tehran move to blockade the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, copper futures reached a new record high, driven by a confluence of demand and hedging factors.
30 Jan 2026, 00:40
Fed holds rates and signals neutral stance; markets mixed as gold hits record high
The Federal Reserve has elected to maintain its benchmark interest rate, adopting a more neutral stance for future policy adjustments. Amidst persistent uncertainty regarding the central bank's trajectory, US equity indices finished the session mixed. However, gold futures surged to an unprecedented milestone, breaching the $5,300 threshold for the first time. In the corporate sector, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla exceeded market expectations in their latest quarterly reports.
29 Jan 2026, 01:37
Dow Jones slides after sharp decline in UnitedHealth shares
The Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated at the market close, diverging from the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, both of which advanced. The decline in the blue-chip index was primarily driven by a significant sell-off in UnitedHealth Group, whose shares plummeted by nearly 20%. Concurrently, investor sentiment was tempered by the looming threat of a US government shutdown as Congress struggles to reach a consensus on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget.
28 Jan 2026, 00:40
Precious metals hit record highs as investors seek refuge
Precious metals—gold, silver, and platinum—recorded significant gains during a highly volatile trading session. Both private investors and central banks are demonstrating a clear intent to hedge against heightened global geopolitical uncertainty and a burgeoning lack of confidence in the US dollar.
27 Jan 2026, 01:51
Silver tops $100 amid global geopolitical turmoil; oil prices rise
Silver futures have breached the historic $100 threshold, while gold nears the significant $5,000 psychological milestone. These unprecedented levels reflect an accelerating flight to safety as investors navigate escalating global geopolitical tensions. Simultaneously, the primary crude oil benchmarks, Brent and WTI, advanced following heightening friction between the United States and Iran.
23 Jan 2026, 21:59
US PCE inflation edges higher; global stock markets gain
The US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index accelerated slightly in November, aligning with market expectations. Concurrently, global equity markets rallied following a de-escalation of trade and diplomatic tensions between the US and the EU during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Furthermore, the Chinese government announced a significant treasury bond issuance aimed at financing industrial equipment upgrades and stimulating domestic consumption.
23 Jan 2026, 06:29
US markets rebound as US–EU tensions ease in Davos talks
US equity markets recovered by the close of trading as geopolitical tensions between the United States and the European Union moderated. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump announced a framework agreement with NATO regarding the status of Greenland and rescinded previously proposed tariffs on European nations.
22 Jan 2026, 06:44