12 January 2026 — Today’s Market News — Gold Hits Record $4,601/oz as Global Tensions Shake Markets
Safe-haven demand pushes metals higher while stocks stay cautious in thin trading
Markets were cautious today as investors reacted to rising political and global uncertainty. U.S. stock futures slipped, with the S&P 500 pointing lower, while Asian markets edged higher in early trading. Precious metals stood out today, with gold rising about 2% to a record $4,601/oz, while silver jumped around 6%.
Today’s Snapshot
- S&P 500: 6,966.28 (last close + 0.65%)
- Nasdaq: 23,671.35 (last close + 0.81%)
- Hang Seng Index: 26,535.15 (+1.18%)
- Spot Gold: $4,601/oz (+~2%)
- Spot Silver: ~$85.55/oz (+~6%)
Global Markets
Precious Metals
Gold: $4,601/oz (+~2%)
The metal rose around 2% to a record high as geopolitical risks and a weak U.S. jobs report increased expectations of interest rate cuts.
Silver: ~$85.55 per ounce (+~6%)
Silver jumped around 6%, moving sharply higher alongside gold as investors shifted into safe assets and strong demand for physical metal pushed prices toward record levels.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
U.S. Equities
- S&P 500: 6,966.28 (last close — + 0.65%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 23,650 (last close — + 0.7%)
U.S. stocks ended higher, with the S&P 500 rising 0.65% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.7%, as investors reacted to expectations of interest rate cuts after a weaker U.S. jobs report.
Hong Kong
Hang Seng Index: 26,535.15 (+1.18%)
The Hang Seng Index rose 1.18% to around 26,535, lifted by gains in Chinese technology stocks.
FX
Dollar Index (DXY): ~97.9 (weaker)
The dollar weakened as investors reacted to political uncertainty around the Federal Reserve and rising demand for safe-haven assets.
USD/JPY: ~158.1 (slightly lower)
The dollar-yen pair eased from recent highs but stayed near the 158 level, which remains closely watched by Japanese officials.
Volatility & Positioning
The VIX was around 14.3 today, showing that market risk remains low even as investors stay cautious amid political and economic uncertainty.
What Traders Are Watching
1. Political and legal tension involving the U.S. Federal Reserve and concerns about central bank independence.
2. Rising expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts after a weaker-than-expected jobs report.
3. U.S. stock futures direction, as early weakness could shape market sentiment at the market open.
Last Available Market News— 9 January 2026
Markets were mixed, with Asian stocks near record levels and U.S. stocks little changed. Venezuela’s stock market surged about 50% in a single day on political optimism, while oil rose to around $62.38 a barrel. Gold and silver fell as investors took profits after recent gains.
Catch up on: Caracas Stock Exchange Surges 50% & Oil rises to around $62.38 a barrel
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