Global Market Outlook

13 January 2026 — Today’s Market News — Nikkei Jumps 3.3% as Tech Stocks Surge & on Sanae Takaichi Election Hopes

January 13, 2026

Asian equities rise, led by Japan, as investors await U.S. inflation data

Markets were mixed today. Asian stocks jumped, led by Japan, where the Nikkei rose over 3% to record highs on a weaker yen near 159 per dollar and spending hopes. Nasdaq rose about 0.26% ahead of U.S. inflation data, while gold stayed near $4,590.99/oz as investors remained cautious.

Today’s Snapshot

  • Nikkei 225: ~53,800 (+3.3%)
  • MSCI Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan): ~1,820 (+1.2%, record high)
  • Nasdaq Composite: ~23,733 (+0.26%)
  • Spot Gold: ~$4,590.99/oz (−0.32%)
  • Spot Silver: ~$85.90/oz (−0.23%)
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Global Markets

Precious Metals

Gold: ~$4,590.99/oz (−0.32%)
Gold fell 0.32% as some investors took profits after recent record highs, while a slightly stronger dollar put pressure on prices.

Spot Silver: ~$85.90/oz (−0.23%)
The metal fell 0.23% as traders sold a bit after recent gains, and a slightly stronger dollar made the metal less attractive to buy.

FX

Dollar Index (DXY): 98.0 (slightly weaker)
The dollar slipped to around 98.0 as investors stayed cautious ahead of U.S. inflation data, while U.S. policy uncertainty reduced buying interest.

USD/JPY: ~158.9 (yen weaker)
The yen fell to ~158.9 per dollar as Japan is expected to keep policy loose and boost spending.

Stock Market — What Happened Today

U.S. Equities

  • S&P 500: ~6,977.27 (+0.16%)
  • Nasdaq Composite: ~23,733.90 (+0.26%)

U.S. stocks edged higher as investors stayed cautious ahead of key inflation data.

Japan

 Nikkei 225: ~53,800 (+3.3%)

  • Nikkei rose 3.3%, as investors bought shares on expectations of more government spending after reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call an early election.
  • Gains were also led by technology and exporter stocks, with Advantest and Tokyo Electron (+8%), SoftBank (+5%), and exporters Toyota (+7%) and Subaru (+4%), as investors bought chip and AI-related companies while automakers benefited from a weaker yen that boosts outside Japan earnings.

Volatility & Positioning

The VIX hovered near 14, indicating subdued market volatility.

What Traders Are Watching

1. U.S. inflation data, to see if prices are cooling enough for the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates.
2. Japan’s stock rally and weak yen, as markets wait to see if Japanese authorities step in to slow the currency’s fall.
3. Central bank comments, especially from the Federal Reserve, for clues on the next move in interest rates after the inflation data.

Uncertainty is the friend of the buyer of long-term values.
- Warren Buffett

Yesterday’s Market News— 12 January 2026

Markets stayed cautious amid global uncertainty. U.S. stocks rose after a weaker jobs report increased expectations of interest-rate cuts, while Asian markets edged higher, led by Hong Kong. Gold jumped about 2% to a record near $4,601/oz.

Catch up on: Gold Hits Record $4,601/oz as Global Tensions Shake Markets

1. Reuters — Asian stocks climb as Nikkei hits record highs on weak yen and election speculation

2. Reuters — Japan snap election bets push stocks to record highs, sink yen and bonds

3. Reuters — Commodities: Gold prices ease as investors book profits near record highs

4. Reuters — U.S. Markets: U.S. futures dip ahead of inflation data

 

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