Japan Fuels Asia Higher as Nikkei Jumps 2.3% While Markets Eye U.S. Data
Markets stayed firm with Asia in the lead, as Japan's post-election rally pushed the Nikkei up more than 1,300 points. U.S. tech stocks bounced back, and the USD/CNY fell by 0.2% with gold slipping below $5,030.78/oz after recent gains.
Today's Snapshot
- S&P 500: 6,964.82 (+32.52 pts, +0.47% — last close)
- FTSE MIB: ~38,450 (+750 pts, +2.0%)
- Nikkei 225: ~57,658.69 (+1,341.78 pts, +2.32%)
- Gold: $5,030.78/oz (−0.45%)
- Silver: $81.74/oz (~−2%)
Global Markets
Precious Metals
Gold: ~$5,030.78/oz (−0.45%)
Gold eased 0.45% after several days of gains, as traders waited for major U.S. economic data later this week.
Silver: ~$81.74/oz (~−2.0%)
Silver fell 2.0% today after several days of strong gains, as traders booked profits. Silver usually moves faster than gold, so when selling starts, the price drops more sharply.
FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 96.799 (slightly weaker)
The U.S. dollar fell 0.2% as traders sold dollars and reduced risk while waiting for key U.S. economic data.
USD/CNY: ~7.17 (slightly weaker)
The U.S. dollar fell against the Chinese yuan by 0.2% because traders sold dollars while waiting for important U.S. economic data. At the same time, China's central bank kept the yuan stable, which helped the currency strengthen slightly.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
U.S. Equities
- S&P 500: 6,964.82 (+32.52 pts, +0.47% — last close)
U.S. stocks rose, led by technology shares, as investors bought back large tech companies that had fallen sharply last week. Oracle (+~9.6%) after D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria upgraded the stock, while Broadcom (+~3–4%) gained because investors returned to buying AI chip companies after recent losses.
Italy
- FTSE MIB: ~38,450 (+750 pts, +2.0%)
Italy's FTSE MIB jumped about 2.0% as major bank stocks rallied on positive earnings expectations and deal-related optimism. UniCredit rose around 3–4%, Intesa Sanpaolo gained about 2–3%, and Banco BPM climbed roughly 3%, lifting the index higher.
Japan
- Nikkei 225: ~57,658.69 (+1,341.78 pts, +2.32%)
Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped about 2.3% because investors expect the new government to increase spending and support businesses, which should help companies earn more. Banks rose because stronger growth means more lending. Mitsubishi UFJ (+4%), Sumitomo Mitsui (+3%), and Mizuho Financial (+3%).
Volatility & Positioning
VIX is 17.36, showing calmer risk pricing after the recent equity rebound.
What Traders Are Watching
- Whether U.S. stocks can stay near record levels as key U.S. jobs and inflation numbers approach.
- Whether upcoming U.S. inflation data comes in higher or lower than expected and how markets react.
- Whether gold and silver stabilize after sharp falls.
“Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.”
Yesterday's Market News – 9 February 2026
Markets finished firmly higher as a tech-led rebound pushed the Dow above 50,000 and lifted the S&P 500 nearly 2%, while Asia outperformed on Japan's 5.7% Nikkei surge after elections. Gold climbed above $5,000/oz, silver jumped ~6%, the dollar stayed soft, and volatility eased with the VIX near 18.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters — Asia stocks rise as Nikkei sets record, dollar drops
- Reuters — European shares close at record high as AI worries ease, UniCredit gains
- AP — Asian shares climb, led by post-election rally in Japan
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