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  • Scott Peters
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

ASML Holding jumped 5.5% to $1,535.68 after the advanced semiconductor equipment company reported strong sales and orders in its latest quarter. 

Net sales in the fourth quarter increased to €9.7 billion from €9.2 billion, net income increased to €2.8 billion from €2.7 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced to €7.34 from €6.83 a year ago. 

Net bookings in the quarter rose to €13.2 billion from €5.4 billion in the previous quarter, and backlog at the end of the quarter increased to €38.8 billion. 

ASML expects total net sales in the first quarter to be between €8.2 billion and €8.9 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%, and 2026 total net sales to be between €34 billion and €39 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%.

The company announced a new stock repurchase program of up to €12 billion ending at the end of 2028. 

Texas Instruments gained 9.3% to $215.0 after the advanced chipmaker issued a better-than-expected outlook for the first quarter. 

The company estimated revenue between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion, and earnings per share between $1.22 and $1.48. 

Seagate Technology soared 11% to $411.0 after the digital storage infrastructure company reported higher-than-expected earnings in its latest quarter. 

Revenue in the fiscal second quarter increased to $2.8 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $3.11. 

Qorvo Inc. dropped 11% to $73.70 after the chipmaker's current quarter guidance fell short of market expectations. 

The company reported higher-than-expected results in the fiscal third quarter, and revenue increased to $993 million, and earnings per share were $2.17. 

  • Scott Peters
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

ASML Holding jumped 5.5% to $1,535.68 after the advanced semiconductor equipment company reported strong sales and orders in its latest quarter. 

Net sales in the fourth quarter increased to €9.7 billion from €9.2 billion, net income increased to €2.8 billion from €2.7 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced to €7.34 from €6.83 a year ago. 

Net bookings in the quarter rose to €13.2 billion from €5.4 billion in the previous quarter, and backlog at the end of the quarter increased to €38.8 billion. 

ASML expects total net sales in the first quarter to be between €8.2 billion and €8.9 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%, and 2026 total net sales to be between €34 billion and €39 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%.

The company announced a new stock repurchase program of up to €12 billion ending at the end of 2028. 

Texas Instruments gained 9.3% to $215.0 after the advanced chipmaker issued a better-than-expected outlook for the first quarter. 

The company estimated revenue between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion, and earnings per share between $1.22 and $1.48. 

Seagate Technology soared 11% to $411.0 after the digital storage infrastructure company reported higher-than-expected earnings in its latest quarter. 

Revenue in the fiscal second quarter increased to $2.8 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $3.11. 

Qorvo Inc. dropped 11% to $73.70 after the chipmaker's current quarter guidance fell short of market expectations. 

The company reported higher-than-expected results in the fiscal third quarter, and revenue increased to $993 million, and earnings per share were $2.17. 

  • Barry Adams
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

Wall Street indexes extended weekly advances ahead of the Fed's rate decisions and quarterly results from leading tech companies.

The S&P 500 index increased 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index gained 0.7% as investors awaited earnings reports from Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms Wednesday after the close of the regular trading session. 

Health insurance stocks extended two-day losses amid pessimism about revenue growth over the next two years as the Trump administration proposed a 0.1% increase in payout for key insurance plans. 

Gold surged 1.8% to $5,276.31 a troy ounce, and silver gained 1% to $113.18 an ounce after the U.S. president said he was not concerned about the recent decline in the dollar.

The U.S. dollar weakened for the fifth session in a row and hovered at a four-year low against a basket of currencies amid U.S. policy uncertainty, the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration, and the attacks on the Federal Reserve's independence. 

 

U.S. Movers 

Texas Instruments gained 9.3% to $215.0 after the advanced chipmaker issued a better-than-expected outlook for the first quarter. 

The company estimated revenue between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion, and earnings per share between $1.22 and $1.48. 

Seagate Technology soared 11% to $411.0 after the digital storage infrastructure company reported higher-than-expected earnings in its latest quarter. 

Revenue in the fiscal second quarter increased to $2.8 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $3.11. 

Qorvo Inc. dropped 11% to $73.70 after the chipmaker's current quarter guidance fell short of market expectations. 

The company reported higher-than-expected results in the fiscal third quarter, and revenue increased to $993 million, and earnings per share were $2.17. 

  • Barry Adams
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

Wall Street indexes extended weekly advances ahead of the Fed's rate decisions and quarterly results from leading tech companies.

The S&P 500 index increased 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index gained 0.7% as investors awaited earnings reports from Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms Wednesday after the close of the regular trading session. 

Health insurance stocks extended two-day losses amid pessimism about revenue growth over the next two years as the Trump administration proposed a 0.1% increase in payout for key insurance plans. 

Gold surged 1.8% to $5,276.31 a troy ounce, and silver gained 1% to $113.18 an ounce after the U.S. president said he was not concerned about the recent decline in the dollar.

The U.S. dollar weakened for the fifth session in a row and hovered at a four-year low against a basket of currencies amid U.S. policy uncertainty, the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration, and the attacks on the Federal Reserve's independence. 

 

U.S. Movers 

Texas Instruments gained 9.3% to $215.0 after the advanced chipmaker issued a better-than-expected outlook for the first quarter. 

The company estimated revenue between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion, and earnings per share between $1.22 and $1.48. 

Seagate Technology soared 11% to $411.0 after the digital storage infrastructure company reported higher-than-expected earnings in its latest quarter. 

Revenue in the fiscal second quarter increased to $2.8 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $3.11. 

Qorvo Inc. dropped 11% to $73.70 after the chipmaker's current quarter guidance fell short of market expectations. 

The company reported higher-than-expected results in the fiscal third quarter, and revenue increased to $993 million, and earnings per share were $2.17. 

  • Akira Ito
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • Tokyo

The yen anxieties dominated in Tokyo's trading amid dampened earnings growth expectations. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6%, the mainland-focused Topix fell 0.9%, and the yen hovered at 152.60 against the U.S. dollar. 

Over the last four trading sessions, the yen has strengthened 4% against the U.S. dollar amid growing speculation over potential Japan-U.S. joint intervention to prop up the yen. 

The U.S. dollar faced renewed pressure, and the currency extended a 4-day decline to over 2% and fell to a four-year low after the U.S. president brushed aside the recent decline.  

The Trump administration's chaotic trade policy and attacks on the Federal Reserve's independence, and rising odds of a U.S. government partial shutdown as early as this weekend further pressured the U.S. dollar. 

The Bank of Japan's December policy meeting minutes showed that members are ready to raise short-term rates if the outlook for growth and inflation holds. 

Japan's central bank held its short-term rates at 0.75% at its first policy meeting of 2026, as widely anticipated, keeping borrowing costs at their highest levels in three decades and ahead of February's snap election. 

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 52,996.56, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.9% to 3,530.0. 

Japan's export-driven stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading, as the firmer yen dampened earnings outlook. 

Sony Group decreased 2.5% to ¥3,401.0, Toyota Motor Corp. declined 2.5% to ¥3,347.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries fell 2.5% to ¥4,418.0. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group decreased 1.3% to ¥5,360.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group eased 0.4% to ¥2,758.50, and Mizuho Financial Group added 0.7% to ¥6,625.0. 

 

  • Akira Ito
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • Tokyo

The yen anxieties dominated in Tokyo's trading amid dampened earnings growth expectations. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6%, the mainland-focused Topix fell 0.9%, and the yen hovered at 152.60 against the U.S. dollar. 

Over the last four trading sessions, the yen has strengthened 4% against the U.S. dollar amid growing speculation over potential Japan-U.S. joint intervention to prop up the yen. 

The U.S. dollar faced renewed pressure, and the currency extended a 4-day decline to over 2% and fell to a four-year low after the U.S. president brushed aside the recent decline.  

The Trump administration's chaotic trade policy and attacks on the Federal Reserve's independence, and rising odds of a U.S. government partial shutdown as early as this weekend further pressured the U.S. dollar. 

The Bank of Japan's December policy meeting minutes showed that members are ready to raise short-term rates if the outlook for growth and inflation holds. 

Japan's central bank held its short-term rates at 0.75% at its first policy meeting of 2026, as widely anticipated, keeping borrowing costs at their highest levels in three decades and ahead of February's snap election. 

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 52,996.56, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.9% to 3,530.0. 

Japan's export-driven stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading, as the firmer yen dampened earnings outlook. 

Sony Group decreased 2.5% to ¥3,401.0, Toyota Motor Corp. declined 2.5% to ¥3,347.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries fell 2.5% to ¥4,418.0. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group decreased 1.3% to ¥5,360.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group eased 0.4% to ¥2,758.50, and Mizuho Financial Group added 0.7% to ¥6,625.0. 

 

  • Li Chen
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced, and investors anticipated a strong rise in earnings in the final quarter of 2025. 

The Hang Seng Index gained 2.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.4%, reacting to advances in overnight trading in New York.  

Tech and financial services Extended gains and metals mining companies advanced following another day of weakness in the U.S. dollar. 

The dollar index traded at 96.08 and extended its losses for four straight sessions to a four-year low, as the U.S. president brushed aside the recent decline in the currency. 

Gold prices rose 2.5%, and silver inched up 1.5% ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decisions later on Wednesday. 

The central bank is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75%, and investors are hoping to get more insights into the long-term outlook for rates. 

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 2.2% to 27,728.43, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.4% to 4,727.85. 

Alibaba Group increased 1.8% to HK $172.90, HSBC Holdings increased 2.5% to HK $138.40, SMIC inched up 2.4% to HK $78.40, and NetEase edged up 2.2% to HK $211.80. 

Three mainland companies priced their initial public offering amid strong demand from investors. 

Busy Ming Group soared more than 80% to HK $407.20, and the food and beverage retailer priced its initial public offering at HK $236.60 per share. 

The chain operating convenience stores in busy areas raised gross proceeds of HK $3.7 billion through the sale of 15.5 million shares. 

Shandong Nongda Fertilizer jumped to 51.10 yuan on the Beijing stock exchange after the company completed its initial public offering. 

Shenzhen CSL Vacuum Science and Technology soared 275% to 345 yuan after the company listed its stock on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. 

 

  • Li Chen
  • 28 Jan, 2026
  • Hong Kong

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced, and investors anticipated a strong rise in earnings in the final quarter of 2025. 

The Hang Seng Index gained 2.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.4%, reacting to advances in overnight trading in New York.  

Tech and financial services Extended gains and metals mining companies advanced following another day of weakness in the U.S. dollar. 

The dollar index traded at 96.08 and extended its losses for four straight sessions to a four-year low, as the U.S. president brushed aside the recent decline in the currency. 

Gold prices rose 2.5%, and silver inched up 1.5% ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decisions later on Wednesday. 

The central bank is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75%, and investors are hoping to get more insights into the long-term outlook for rates. 

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 2.2% to 27,728.43, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.4% to 4,727.85. 

Alibaba Group increased 1.8% to HK $172.90, HSBC Holdings increased 2.5% to HK $138.40, SMIC inched up 2.4% to HK $78.40, and NetEase edged up 2.2% to HK $211.80. 

Three mainland companies priced their initial public offering amid strong demand from investors. 

Busy Ming Group soared more than 80% to HK $407.20, and the food and beverage retailer priced its initial public offering at HK $236.60 per share. 

The chain operating convenience stores in busy areas raised gross proceeds of HK $3.7 billion through the sale of 15.5 million shares. 

Shandong Nongda Fertilizer jumped to 51.10 yuan on the Beijing stock exchange after the company completed its initial public offering. 

Shenzhen CSL Vacuum Science and Technology soared 275% to 345 yuan after the company listed its stock on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. 

 

  • Barry Adams
  • 27 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

Wall Street indexes retained an upward bias as earnings season gathered momentum.

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.5% ahead of a barrage of earnings from key tech leaders.

Earnings are on top of investors minds this week, and at least 90 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results. 

American Airlines, Boeing, and UnitedHealth Group are set to release their results on Tuesday, followed by updates on Wednesday from IBM, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Microsoft. 

Apple, Visa, Mastercard, and Caterpillar are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Thursday.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75% at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday.  

On the economic front, investors are awaiting the latest update on home prices and consumer confidence data later in the day. 

Gold futures advanced 1.5% to $5,087 an ounce, and silver traded at $112.58 an ounce, extending their record runs amid rising elevated geopolitical tensions and trade frictions. 

Gold and silver prices also benefited from the debasement trade as investors shifted from bonds and currencies into real assets amid growing anxieties over elevated debt levels in developed economies.  

 

U.S. Movers 

Health insurance companies fell sharply after the Trump administration proposed to keep Medicare Advantage rates flat in 2027. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid proposed to raise insurance rates 0.09% in 2027, sharply lower than the 4% estimated by several analysts. 

UnitedHealth Group, Humana, CVS Health, Molina Healthcare, Centene, and Elevance Health dropped between 5% and 14%. 

Separately, UnitedHealth reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued a softer guidance for the current quarter. 

Revenue increased to $113.2 billion from $100.8 billion, net income attributable to shareholders fell to $10 million from $5.5 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 1 cent from $5.98 a year ago. 

The company's performance in the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by costs related to cyber attacks ($799 million), restructuring and other charges ($2.5 billion), and gains from portfolio divestiture ($442 million). 

The net negative impact on the quarterly net earnings was $1.6 billion or $1.78 billion.  

  • Barry Adams
  • 27 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

Wall Street indexes retained an upward bias as earnings season gathered momentum.

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.5% ahead of a barrage of earnings from key tech leaders.

Earnings are on top of investors minds this week, and at least 90 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results. 

American Airlines, Boeing, and UnitedHealth Group are set to release their results on Tuesday, followed by updates on Wednesday from IBM, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Microsoft. 

Apple, Visa, Mastercard, and Caterpillar are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Thursday.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed funds rate between 3.5% and 3.75% at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday.  

On the economic front, investors are awaiting the latest update on home prices and consumer confidence data later in the day. 

Gold futures advanced 1.5% to $5,087 an ounce, and silver traded at $112.58 an ounce, extending their record runs amid rising elevated geopolitical tensions and trade frictions. 

Gold and silver prices also benefited from the debasement trade as investors shifted from bonds and currencies into real assets amid growing anxieties over elevated debt levels in developed economies.  

 

U.S. Movers 

Health insurance companies fell sharply after the Trump administration proposed to keep Medicare Advantage rates flat in 2027. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid proposed to raise insurance rates 0.09% in 2027, sharply lower than the 4% estimated by several analysts. 

UnitedHealth Group, Humana, CVS Health, Molina Healthcare, Centene, and Elevance Health dropped between 5% and 14%. 

Separately, UnitedHealth reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued a softer guidance for the current quarter. 

Revenue increased to $113.2 billion from $100.8 billion, net income attributable to shareholders fell to $10 million from $5.5 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 1 cent from $5.98 a year ago. 

The company's performance in the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by costs related to cyber attacks ($799 million), restructuring and other charges ($2.5 billion), and gains from portfolio divestiture ($442 million). 

The net negative impact on the quarterly net earnings was $1.6 billion or $1.78 billion.  

  • Barry Adams
  • 26 Jan, 2026
  • New York City

World markets traded higher as investors in Asia and Europe overlooked another wave of military and tariff threats emanating from the U.S.

After last week's volatile trading, world markets adjusted to shifting geopolitical risks and elevated trade frictions. 

Increasingly, global investors are bypassing U.S. assets and funneling capital to markets in Europe, China, and India as "Sell America" sentiment dominates. 

Geopolitical tensions subsided after the U.S. president was forced to back down from his threats to take over Greenland, if necessary by force. 

But tensions rose in the Middle East as the U.S. prepared to conduct coordinated aerial attacks in Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities.

Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters, driving precious metals to new record highs.  

Gold crossed $5,100 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 18% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.  

The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 45%.

On the economic front, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its rate decisions on Wednesday, and investors are estimating policymakers to hold rates stable amid macroeconomic uncertainties. 

This week at least 90 companies are set to announce their quarterly results, including results from Meta, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Tesla, UnitedHealth Group, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Caterpillar. 

Investors are holding out for leading technology and financial services providers to surpass market expectations and may provide deeper insights into the inner workings of the economy. 

 

U.S. Movers 

USA Rare Earth surged 35% to $33.61 on reports that the U.S. federal government is likely to acquire a stake in the mining company. 

The news was first reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, citing sources that the Trump administration is considering taking a 10% stake in the company. 

Apple rose 0.7% to $249.66, Microsoft decreased 0.5% to $464.80, IBM fell 0.3% to $291.75, Visa rose 0.03% to $326.27, and Mastercard gained 0.2% to $525.80.