US stocks open in the green ahead of Fed meet, major tech earnings

• About 76% of companies reporting earnings this season have beaten expectations according to FactSet, though not all positive surprises have been rewarded by investors
• Gold surged to a new all-time high above $5,100 per ounce as safe-haven demand increased amid political and fiscal uncertainty in the US
• The Fed is widely expected to leave rates unchanged on Wednesday, but investors will closely watch commentary for signals on timing and pace of future rate cuts

Market Summary: US Stocks Edge Higher Amid Fed Meeting and Earnings Season

Market Performance:

US stocks opened modestly higher on Monday, January 26, 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 0.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 170 points (0.4%). The Nasdaq Composite remained near flatline, reflecting caution in growth stocks.

Key Catalysts:

Investors are positioning ahead of the Federal Reserve's first policy meeting of the year, scheduled for Wednesday. The Fed is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate unchanged, though markets remain divided on the timing of future rate cuts. The central bank's commentary will be closely watched for guidance.

Earnings Season:

More than 90 S&P 500 companies are reporting quarterly results this week, including major technology names Apple, Tesla, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. So far, 76% of reporting companies have beaten analyst expectations, according to FactSet, though positive surprises haven't consistently driven stock gains.

Political Uncertainty:

Political risk has resurfaced as Democratic senators threaten to block a $1.2 trillion federal funding package over Department of Homeland Security allocations, raising government shutdown concerns. Growing outrage over federal immigration enforcement incidents has added to market uncertainty.

Safe-Haven Demand:

Gold prices surged to a new all-time high above $5,100 per ounce as investors sought safety amid fiscal and political risks.

Recent Context:

The S&P 500 posted its second consecutive weekly decline last week, falling 0.4% despite stabilizing after President Trump announced a "framework" for a Greenland deal. Markets remain sensitive to geopolitical, trade, and fiscal policy headlines.