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Here is Your Complete Market Rundown (01/30/2026)
Top Stories
Silver Plunges 20% in Biggest Intraday Drop Since 2008 as Precious Metals Sell Off
Silver crashed 20% to $93.46 per ounce in its steepest intraday decline since 2008, while gold fell 9% to $4,905.43 per ounce in a broad precious metals selloff.
Trump Names Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair, Markets React to Hawkish Pick
President Trump nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, sparking mixed market reactions. While advisors praised the selection and Trump suggested discussing rate cuts, analysts warn Warsh’s hawkish reputation could conflict with White House pressure for lower rates, potentially undermining his credibility with investors.
Bitcoin Plunges to $81K Amid $2B Crypto Liquidations and Fed Chair Uncertainty
Bitcoin fell to a two-month low near $81,000, triggering approximately $2 billion in liquidations across major cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. The selloff intensified amid speculation over Federal Reserve chair appointments and an $8.3 billion Bitcoin options expiry, with volatility indicators surging as traders grow increasingly cautious about risky assets.
Company News
Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 0.57%
5D Change: 4.61%
News Volume: 182
Unusual Volume Factor: 3x
Apple Reports Record iPhone Sales But Memory Chip Shortage Threatens Premium Model Strategy
Apple delivered a blowout first quarter with record-breaking iPhone sales, driven by a 38% revenue surge in China and strong demand for the iPhone 17. CEO Tim Cook called it the “best iPhone quarter in history,” with the company forecasting revenue growth of up to 16% for the March quarter, exceeding analyst expectations. The robust performance prompted several Wall Street firms to raise their price targets, with Goldman Sachs lifting its target to $330 and Wedbush maintaining its $350 outperform rating.
However, the celebration was tempered by concerns over rising memory costs and supply constraints. Apple announced it will prioritize launches of its three premium iPhone models in 2026, including its first foldable device, while delaying the standard iPhone 18 until the first half of 2027 due to memory chip shortages. Cook warned of escalating memory costs as AI features strain global supply, raising questions about margin compression despite the company’s current pricing power.
Analyst reactions were mixed. While many praised Apple’s strong margins and supply chain management, some expressed concern about the company’s AI strategy. Gene Munster noted the stock’s tepid reaction stemmed from investors wanting more AI substance, while Needham highlighted worries about Apple’s partnership with Alphabet’s Gemini limiting its AI upside potential. The company also lost several AI researchers to Meta and Google DeepMind, including a top Siri executive.
Despite the strong quarter, some analysts struck a cautious tone. Barclays maintained its underweight rating while raising its price target to $239, and one analyst downgraded the stock citing the tension between booming iPhone 17 sales and soaring memory costs. Evercore ISI removed Apple from its tactical outperform list following the earnings report. The results underscore Apple’s continued strength in hardware sales and its rebound in key Asian markets, particularly China and India. However, the memory shortage and questions about AI monetization present significant challenges as the company navigates an increasingly competitive technology landscape in 2026.
UBS Group Ag (UBS)
Performance Overview
1D Change: -2.09%
5D Change: -0.87%
News Volume: 111
Unusual Volume Factor: 1x
UBS Raises Gold Target to $6,200 and Adjusts Coverage Across Multiple Sectors
UBS significantly raised its gold price target to $6,200 per ounce, driving substantial increases in mining stock targets. The bank lifted Newmont’s target to $160 (36% upside), Franco-Nevada to $310 (28% upside), and Agnico Eagle to $240 (21% upside). Barrick Mining and SSR Mining also received notable target increases. In equity coverage changes, UBS downgraded Antofagasta to Neutral from Buy, citing valuation concerns after the stock’s sharp rally outpaced copper gains. The downgrade sent shares down 6%.
Conversely, the bank upgraded Royalty Pharma to Buy from Neutral, highlighting an attractive growth profile with 20% upside potential. Technology sector adjustments included raising Western Digital’s target to $285 and KLA Corp’s to $1,575, while AppFolio’s target was lowered to $260. Retail coverage saw Walmart’s target increase to $135 (15% upside) and Starbucks to $100, though the latter maintained a Neutral rating. UBS initiated coverage on Rithm Capital, praising its acquisition strategy.
The bank also cautioned investors about positioning for further dollar weakness. Energy targets rose, with Valero increased to $215 and Liberty Energy to $34 (40% upside). Industrial names including Oshkosh, Corning, and Deckers Outdoor received higher targets, while Tractor Supply and Meritage Homes saw reductions.
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 3.32%
5D Change: -4.15%
News Volume: 105
Unusual Volume Factor: 1x
Tesla Shares Rally on SpaceX Merger Speculation as Company Phases Out Legacy Models
Tesla stock rose over 5% Friday following Bloomberg reports that SpaceX is exploring potential mergers with other Elon Musk-controlled companies, including Tesla and artificial intelligence firm xAI, ahead of a planned initial public offering. SpaceX is targeting a public debut as early as June at a valuation approaching $1.5 trillion, with discussions centering on how to consolidate Musk’s business empire.
The merger speculation overshadowed Tesla’s mixed fourth-quarter earnings results. The company reported revenue of $24.9 billion, beating estimates despite a 3% year-over-year decline. Automotive revenue fell 11% as deliveries dropped 16%, but gross margins surprised at 20.1% versus the 17.1% estimate. Growth came from the Energy division, up 25%, and Services, which rose 18%. Tesla announced it will discontinue production of the Model S and Model X, marking the end of an era for vehicles that helped establish the company’s position in the electric vehicle market.
The move signals Tesla’s strategic shift toward newer models and autonomous technology as the company repositions itself beyond traditional automaking. Analyst reactions were mixed. TD Cowen raised its price target to $519 from $509, while Truist lowered its target to $438 from $439. Jefferies noted Tesla may need Musk-related deals to achieve supercompensation goals.
The debate intensified over whether Tesla should be valued as an automaker or technology company, with analysts Dan Ives highlighting Tesla’s role in defining the “physical AI” era alongside Nvidia. Additional developments included Tesla’s Shanghai Megafactory producing over 2,000 Megapack energy storage units in 2025 for export to Europe and Australia. The company held its Bitcoin position in Q4 but recorded paper losses. Musk also discussed the possibility of creating an “AI-first phone” and promoted his vision of an Airbnb-style economy for Tesla vehicles, while emphasizing robotics as a potentially iPhone-scale product opportunity.
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 11.81%
5D Change: 12.66%
Verizon Reports Best Subscriber Growth in Six Years as New CEO’s Turnaround Strategy Takes Hold
Verizon Communications delivered a strong fourth-quarter earnings beat on Friday, posting adjusted earnings per share of $1.09 versus estimates of $1.06 and revenue of $36.4 billion against expectations of $36.1 billion. The telecom giant added 616,000 wireless retail postpaid phone subscribers, marking its highest quarterly gain since 2019 and significantly exceeding analyst estimates of 420,491 additions.
The results signal that turnaround efforts under new CEO Dan Schulman are gaining traction. The company issued an optimistic 2026 outlook, forecasting adjusted earnings per share between $4.90 and $4.95, above the consensus estimate of $4.75. However, Verizon’s cash flow guidance of $37.5 billion to $38 billion came in slightly below the $38.75 billion estimate. Verizon announced a $25 billion share buyback program and raised its quarterly dividend by 2.5% to $0.7075 per share.
The company outlined plans for $5 billion in operating expense savings and targets up to 1 million postpaid net additions in 2026 as it integrates its Frontier acquisition. The stock surged more than 4% in premarket trading and was on track for its best single-day performance in 18 years. Adjusted EBITDA reached $11.9 billion, slightly below the $12 billion estimate, while net income totaled $2.4 billion for the quarter. The strong subscriber growth and forward guidance suggest Verizon is successfully competing against rivals in the intensely competitive wireless market, with the new CEO sending a clear message about the company’s renewed competitive positioning.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 19.48%
5D Change: 19.39%
Deckers Outdoor Surges on Record Earnings as Analysts Raise Targets Despite Mixed Ratings
Deckers Outdoor stock jumped 12.6% in premarket trading after reporting record third-quarter revenue and profits, with management raising full-year guidance to $5.40-$5.42 billion. Strong sales from flagship brands Hoka and UGG drove the quarterly beat, prompting widespread analyst price target increases across Wall Street. Multiple firms boosted their targets, with UBS raising to $161 (40% upside), Barclays to $143 (43% upside), and Stifel to $140 (40% upside). KGI Securities upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $129 target, citing 29% upside potential.
Needham, Truist, and Wells Fargo also increased targets following the earnings strength. However, analyst sentiment remains divided on sustainability. While firms like UBS, Barclays, and Needham maintain Buy ratings, Goldman Sachs holds a Sell rating despite raising its target to $92. Piper Sandler kept its Underweight rating with a modest $95 target, and several firms including BTIG and Telsey Advisory maintain Neutral stances. The stock led S&P 500 futures gainers and outperformed competitors on strong trading volume as investors weighed the company’s momentum against valuation concerns.
Western Digital Corporation (WDC)
Performance Overview
1D Change: -10.19%
5D Change: 5.85%
Western Digital Surges on Strong Q2 Earnings as Analysts Raise Price Targets Across the Board
Western Digital stock climbed 5.8% in pre-market trading following a second-quarter earnings beat and strong guidance that prompted widespread analyst upgrades. Multiple firms raised their price targets, with Barclays, Cantor Fitzgerald, Mizuho, and TD Cowen all lifting targets to $325, while Morgan Stanley increased its target to $306. Goldman Sachs raised its target to $220 from $165, maintaining a neutral rating. The upgrades cited favorable pricing tailwinds and solid quarterly performance.
Analysts described the results as bullish, with UBS, Barclays, and Cantor Fitzgerald projecting upside ranging from 2% to 17%. Western Digital’s CEO attributed demand growth to AI inference generating increased data requiring storage solutions. The stock appeared among the day’s notable movers alongside Apple, Microsoft, and SoFi, though shares later gave up some gains during regular trading. Jim Cramer highlighted Western Digital and supply shortages in market commentary.
Geopolitics Events
China Lifts Travel Ban on British Lawmakers Following Starmer Visit
China has removed restrictions on British parliamentarians previously barred from entering the country, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Friday. The move follows Starmer's recent diplomatic trip to China, marking a thaw in bilateral tensions between the two nations.
Trump Clashes With UK Over China Trade as Ukraine Seeks Energy Infrastructure Truce
President Trump criticized Britain's trade engagement with China as "very dangerous" as UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds arrived in Shanghai, with British officials rejecting Trump's stance. Meanwhile, Ukraine proposed halting strikes on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow agrees to a US-brokered weeklong truce, with President Zelenskiy confirming readiness to reciprocate Putin's commitment to pause attacks on Kyiv's power grid through February 1. Trump separately threatened Canada with aircraft tariffs over Gulfstream approvals and declared a national emergency over Cuba.
Federal Judge Bars Death Penalty in Mangione CEO Murder Case
A U.S. federal judge dismissed the charge that would have allowed prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the CEO murder case.
Bombardier Shares Plunge 9% on Trump's Canada Aircraft Tariff Threat
Private jet-maker Bombardier's stock fell 9% Friday after President Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian aircraft and potential decertification of new planes manufactured in Canada.
Trump Escalates Iran Tensions as US Increases Venezuelan Oil Imports
President Trump deployed a large naval armada toward Iran while issuing threats and ultimatums, which Tehran rejected pending cessation of hostile rhetoric. Simultaneously, the US prepared to import its highest volume of Venezuelan oil in a year following Trump administration moves to control the country's production, keeping oil markets volatile.
Trump Deploys Major Naval Force Toward Iran, Threatens Military Action Without Deal
President Trump announced deployment of a large naval armada toward Iran, potentially including up to 25 battleships, exceeding the force sent to Venezuela. Trump declined to specify military plans but warned Iran to negotiate a deal or face unspecified consequences. Iran appears unlikely to yield to the escalating threats and ultimatums.
Trump Sues Treasury and IRS Over Tax Return Leak as Treasury Yields Climb on Hot PPI Data
Treasury yields rose following December's higher-than-expected Producer Price Index reading. Former President Trump filed suit against the Treasury Department and IRS over leaked tax returns. Treasury Secretary Bessent announced continued targeting of Iranian financial networks. BTIG upgraded Annaly Capital to Buy, citing interest rate volatility opportunities.
Macro Events
Spain Economy Outperforms as France Growth Slows in Fourth Quarter
Spain's economy accelerated in Q4 with GDP rising 0.8%, beating expectations of 0.6%, while inflation cooled to 2.4% year-over-year from 2.9%. France's growth slowed to 0.2% from 0.5% the previous quarter, constrained by weaker domestic demand and declining business inventories. French consumer spending fell 0.6% in December, worse than the 0.4% estimate. Spain's stronger performance contrasts with France's modest expansion despite political uncertainty, with French households maintaining resilience amid austerity concerns.
St. Louis Fed's Musalem Opposes Further Rate Cuts, Calls Current Policy Neutral
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Alberto Musalem stated that additional interest rate cuts would be "unadvisable" at this time, asserting that monetary policy has reached a neutral level. Musalem argued that lowering rates further could stoke inflationary pressures while the economy continues growing above trend, supported by favorable credit conditions and fiscal policy. He characterized risks as balanced and noted the labor market is "resuming its footing" with productivity providing a potential tailwind. However, Musalem indicated he could support additional easing if the job market weakens or new risks emerge, provided inflation remains controlled. He emphasized the importance of central bank independence in maintaining price stability.
Canada Economy Stalls as US Producer Prices Surge Beyond Expectations
Canada's GDP remained flat in November, missing the 0.1% growth estimate, putting the economy on track for a 0.5% fourth-quarter contraction. Meanwhile, US producer prices jumped 0.5% monthly and 3% annually in December, significantly exceeding forecasts of 0.2% and 2.7% respectively, with core PPI rising even more sharply at 0.7% monthly.
Fed's Waller Dissents on Rate Hold, Advocates for Additional 25 Basis Point Cut
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller broke from colleagues by dissenting on the decision to pause rate adjustments, arguing current economic data supports further monetary easing as policy remains restrictive.
US Producer Prices Surge Past Forecasts in December, Core Inflation Jumps
US producer prices rose 0.5% monthly in December, exceeding the 0.2% estimate, while annual PPI climbed 3.0% versus 2.8% expected. Core PPI excluding food and energy jumped 0.7% monthly, significantly above the 0.2% forecast, with the annual rate reaching 3.3% against expectations of 2.9%. The hotter-than-expected inflation data prompted market repricing of Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Crypto Events
Bitcoin Plunges to Two-Month Low as $2 Billion in Crypto Liquidations Shake Markets
Bitcoin fell to $81,000-$83,000, its lowest level in two months, triggering approximately $2 billion in liquidations across major cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. The selloff intensified amid Federal Reserve chair speculation and broader risk-asset weakness, with Ethereum dropping below $2,800. Bitcoin volatility surged as measured by DVOL, signaling heightened trader caution. An $8.3 billion Bitcoin options expiry looms as analysts warn Bitcoin may continue underperforming equities and gold. XRP breached key support levels while the Nasdaq redrew technical patterns during the downturn.
Binance Converts $1 Billion SAFU Fund to Bitcoin
Binance is shifting its $1 billion user protection fund from stablecoins to Bitcoin amid market downturn, marking a strategic long-term bet on cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin ETFs See Record 2025 Outflow as Price Tests $82K-$83K Support Levels
Bitcoin ETFs recorded their largest outflow of the year at $817.87 million in 24 hours as BTC tumbled to $82K-$83K amid heavy liquidations and Federal Reserve uncertainty. Options markets signal defensive positioning while technical analysts debate whether current levels represent a sustainable bottom.
XRP and Ethereum Lead Crypto Market Selloff Amid Whale Activity and Technical Breakdown
Cryptocurrency markets faced significant pressure as XRP experienced an extreme liquidation imbalance of 11,348% while whales moved coins off exchanges, contributing to $1.68 billion in market liquidations. Ethereum broke below $2,800 with technical indicators suggesting potential further decline to $2,600 support level.
Earnings Events
Exxon Mobil Beats Q4 Earnings Estimates on Lower Production Costs
Exxon Mobil exceeded fourth quarter profit expectations, beating earnings estimates by $0.03 to $0.20 per share despite low oil prices, aided by reduced production costs, though shares declined following the announcement.
Major Energy Companies and Telecom Giant Beat Q4 Earnings Expectations
Exxon reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.71, beating estimates of $1.69, with total revenue reaching $82.31 billion against expectations of $81.34 billion. Chevron exceeded forecasts with adjusted EPS of $1.52 versus $1.38 estimated, posting revenue of $46.81 billion and projecting 2026 production growth of 7-10% year-over-year. Verizon delivered adjusted EPS of $1.09, surpassing the $1.06 estimate, with operating revenue of $36.4 billion and wireless retail postpaid phone net additions of 616,000. Flagstar Bank also beat earnings by $0.05 with revenue topping estimates.
Regeneron Beats Q4 Estimates on Strong Dupixent Sales
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals exceeded fourth-quarter profit and revenue expectations, reporting adjusted EPS of $11.44 on $3.9B revenue. Growth was driven by blockbuster drug Dupixent and EYLEA HD, with strong collaboration revenue contributing to results.
SoFi Technologies Posts First $1 Billion Quarter With Strong Profitability Growth
SoFi Technologies reported fourth quarter 2025 revenue of $1.03 billion, surpassing the $982 million estimate and marking its first billion-dollar quarter. The fintech posted net income of $174 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.13, beating expectations by $0.02. Adjusted EBITDA surged 60% year-over-year to $318 million, while membership grew 35% to 13.7 million users, reflecting strong customer acquisition and product expansion.
Oil And Gas Events
Iran Sets Conditions for U.S. Talks as Oil Prices Fall on Diplomatic Signals
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran is prepared for negotiations with the United States, excluding defense capabilities from discussion. Tehran maintains no current plans to meet U.S. officials, citing America's lack of good faith historically. Iran signals readiness for both diplomatic engagement and military confrontation. Oil prices declined following Trump's indication of potential dialogue on Iran's nuclear program.
Oil Markets Defy Oversupply Forecasts as Geopolitical Tensions Drive Prices to $70
Oil prices have surged to $70 per barrel in early 2026, contradicting expectations of a supply glut and lower prices. While a Reuters poll projects Brent crude will average $62.02 for the year, geopolitical risks and supply disruptions have maintained a risk premium in markets. Analysts including Citi downplay chances of major shocks, though the geopolitical environment continues supporting elevated prices. European natural gas has also spiked amid winter cold and geopolitical tensions.
Exxon and Chevron Eye Venezuela Despite Posting Weakest Profits Since 2021
Major oil companies reported their slimmest annual earnings since 2021 amid falling crude prices. Despite weaker results, both Exxon and Chevron expressed interest in Venezuela's oil sector, with Exxon emphasizing technology capabilities for high-cost crude while noting democracy is needed for meaningful investment.
Oil Markets Face Iran Supply Risk as OPEC+ Holds Output, Majors Report Weakest Profits Since 2021
Oil prices test resistance above $66 amid potential Iran escalation threatening supply, while OPEC+ maintains March production levels with Brent breaking $70. Exxon and Chevron posted their slimmest annual profits since 2021, though Exxon targets 65% advantaged asset production by 2030. Oil outperforms gold year-to-date.
Metals Events
Gold and Silver Retreat Sharply on Fed Nominee Reports
Precious metals sold off as reports emerged of Warsh as Trump's potential Fed chair nominee, strengthening the dollar. Gold fell below $5,000 per ounce while silver dropped under $100, reversing recent gains. Despite the pullback, gold remains on track for its strongest monthly performance since 1999.
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