Gold broke above $5,000 per ounce for the first time, extending a powerful rally fueled by safe‑haven demand, a softer dollar and steady central‑bank buying. The milestone puts fresh attention on miners and portfolio hedges as traders weigh geopolitics and the path of U.S. rates; volatility around record levels remains a risk.
Source: MarketWatch
Winter storm triggers most U.S. flight cancellations since Covid
A massive winter system wiped out more than 16,000 U.S. flights from Saturday through Monday, marking the worst air-travel disruption since the pandemic. Major hubs from New York and Washington to Boston, Charlotte and Chicago were effectively shut, with some carriers canceling over half their schedules and ripple effects hitting operations nationwide.
Source: Crain's New York Business
Shutdown risk spikes: betting markets put odds near 80%
Wagering on a U.S. government shutdown by Jan. 31 surged over the weekend, with prediction markets implying odds around 78%–80%. A potential lapse in funding would add another layer of political uncertainty for markets already focused on Fed policy and earnings season.
Source: MarketWatch
Fed seen holding rates this week; timing of next move in focus
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep policy steady, with investors refocusing on how long rates stay unchanged and when cuts could begin. Market expectations for quick easing have faded, pushing the likely timing of the next move into mid‑year as the Fed balances disinflation progress against resilient activity.
Source: MarketWatch
Nat gas jumps above $6 on Arctic blast as power plant outages rise
U.S. natural gas futures topped $6 for the first time since 2022 as frigid weather drove a surge in demand and forced power plant outages. The deep freeze is tightening supply stacks across power and industrial markets, amplifying price swings and highlighting grid vulnerabilities during extreme cold snaps.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Big Tech earnings to test investor faith in AI spending
Results from the largest platforms will offer a reality check on whether heavy AI infrastructure outlays are translating into revenue and profit. With markets more selective and valuations elevated, commentary on capex, cloud AI demand and monetization timelines will be key swing factors for the sector.
Source: Seeking Alpha
VW warns Audi plant plan in U.S. at risk if tariffs aren’t cut
Volkswagen’s CEO said a planned Audi factory in the U.S. could be canceled unless tariffs are reduced, underscoring how trade policy is shaping industrial investment decisions. The warning comes as tariff threats and broader trade tensions inject fresh uncertainty into global auto supply chains.
Source: Seeking Alpha
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