Dow Jones Dips Slightly Amid Political Pressure
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy PLTR?
The major averages were mixed near noon, with the Dow Jones marginally in the red as traders react to an escalation in political pressure on the Federal Reserve. The Trump administration threatening a criminal indictment of Fed Chair Jerome Powell has renewed concerns about the independence of the central bank. Banking stocks and credit card lenders also have taken early hits because of policy proposals such as a one-year cap on credit-card interest rates that could compress financial sector profitability.With key inflation data and the start of earnings season approaching, traders are monitoring how persistent inflation signals might influence the Fed's policy path, even as central bank independence concerns loom large.Looking to commodities, gold shares surged past the $4,600 threshold to hit record highs, with the "safe haven" asset rising nearly 3%. Oil prices were also fractionally higher as traders await more news surrounding Venezuela.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Alphabetbriefly hit thethreshold as Applepicked Google's Gemini to run an AI-powered SiriMeanwhile, Google and Walmartplan to launch a new experience for shopping thatAdditionally, Walmart will become a component of theParamount Skydanceplans toto Warner Bros. Discovery'sboardAllegiantSun Country Airlinesfor $18.89 per share in cash and stock2. WALL STREET CALLS:CitiPalantirto Buy on potential 80% sales growth in 2026Morgan StanleyAkamaito Overweight from UnderweightNetflixwith a Buy at HSBCCrowdStriketo Sector Weight at KeyBancGitLabto Underweight at Barclays and Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley3. AROUND THE WEB:President Trump may block Exxon Mobilfrom drilling in Venezuela after the company's CEO said the country was "uninvestable" without significant commercial and legal changes, WSJ saysIn 2025, global smartphone shipments increased by 2% year-over-year, with Appleleading the market with a 20% share supported by demand in mid-sized markets and strong iPhone 17 sales, Reuters reportsThe Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, has approved Boeing'sMAX 10, the largest variant of its 737 MAX jet, to move to the second phase of flight testing, Reuters saysLast year, Volkswagenwas overtaken by Geely Autoin sales in China, Reuters reportsWalmartplans to launch delivery-by-drone at an additional 150 stores over the next year, WSJ reports4. MOVERS:Albemarlehigher after Scotiabankthe stock to Outperform from Sector PerformVistrarises after at least three analystson the sharesShake Shackgains after reportingCapital Onefalls after President Trump called for ainterest for one yearSoleno Therapeuticslower after5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCEUsanaraised itsPetcobacked itsDexComreportedand provided guidance for FY26Alphatecraised itsand provided its outlook for Q4 and FY26Lululemonsees Q4 revenueof prior guidanceINDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was down 0.08%, or 41.39, to 49,462.68, the Nasdaq was up 0.29%, or 69.48, to 23,740.82, and the S&P 500 was up 0.09%, or 6.51, to 6,972.79.
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Analyst Views on PLTR
Wall Street analysts forecast PLTR stock price to rise
17 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
10 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 133.020
Low
50.00
Averages
192.88
High
255.00
Current: 133.020
Low
50.00
Averages
192.88
High
255.00
About PLTR
Palantir Technologies Inc. is engaged in building software to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations. The Company has built four principal software platforms, including Palantir Gotham (Gotham), Palantir Foundry (Foundry), Palantir Apollo (Apollo), and Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). Apollo is a cloud-agnostic, single control layer that coordinates ongoing delivery of new features, security updates, and platform configurations, helping to ensure the continuous operation of critical systems. Gotham enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants. Foundry transforms the ways organizations operate by creating a central operating system for their data. AIP enables responsible artificial intelligence (AI)-advantage across the enterprise by using primary, core components built to effectively activate large language models and other AI within any organization.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Valuation Concerns: Despite the impressive stock rise, high valuation has caused some investors to worry, leading to a 25% decline in stock price this year, reflecting market caution regarding future demand.
- Commercial Customer Expansion: Palantir has increased its U.S. commercial customer base from under 20 five years ago to over 500 today, with the latest quarter's U.S. commercial contract value exceeding $1.3 billion, marking a 67% year-over-year increase, showcasing its successful business transformation.
- AI Platform Driving Growth: The launch of Palantir's Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 provides customers with a fast and cost-effective way to implement AI, further boosting revenue growth and enhancing market competitiveness.
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- Performance Surge: Recent reports indicate that Palantir's revenue increased by 70% year-over-year in Q4, with operating income surging approximately 2.1 times, showcasing the company's robust growth momentum, and analysts predict that this growth will persist and accelerate, solidifying its competitive position in the software industry.
- Market Outlook: The Skywise platform not only enhances airline operational performance but also delivers secure, AI-enabled capabilities that improve efficiency across manufacturing, supply chain, maintenance, and flight operations, highlighting its strategic significance in the aviation sector.
- Investment Potential: While Palantir is viewed as a promising investment, analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, urging investors to carefully assess market dynamics.
See More
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See More
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- Competitive Primary Race: Bores faces a crowded field in the Democratic primary, where the winner is likely to secure the general election due to the district's demographics, making AI regulation a pivotal issue in the campaign.
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See More
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- Walmart Earnings Preview: Walmart is set to report earnings before the bell today, with investors keenly awaiting insights from the new CEO regarding consumer health and demand, which will directly impact retail sector performance and investor confidence.
- Meta Smartwatch Plans Revived: Reports suggest that Meta has revived its smartwatch plans targeting a launch this year, a strategic shift that could enhance its competitiveness in the wearables market and provide new revenue streams for the company.
- Economic Data and Market Reaction: Key economic indicators such as Initial Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Business Index are scheduled for release today, with investors closely monitoring their impact on the market, especially amid heightened uncertainty regarding Fed policies.
See More
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- Internal Control Issues: While Palantir employs its own 'Gotham' and 'Foundry' software to enhance efficiency, critics argue that the CEO's travel budget indicates a lack of similar discipline internally, potentially harming the company's reputation and investor confidence.
- Stock Price Warning: Investor Burry warns that Palantir's stock could face a 55.68% decline, predicting a 'landing area' between $50 and $60, while the current trading price is around $135.38, which could negatively impact market sentiment.
See More
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- Significant Stock Growth: Palantir's shares have surged 1,200% over the past three years, driven by consistent earnings growth and positive outlook on demand, attracting early investors' interest.
- Valuation Concerns: Despite the impressive stock rise, high valuation has caused some investors to worry, leading to a 25% decline in stock price this year, reflecting market caution regarding future demand.
- Commercial Customer Expansion: Palantir has increased its U.S. commercial customer base from under 20 five years ago to over 500 today, with the latest quarter's U.S. commercial contract value exceeding $1.3 billion, marking a 67% year-over-year increase, showcasing its successful business transformation.
- AI Platform Driving Growth: The launch of Palantir's Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 provides customers with a fast and cost-effective way to implement AI, further boosting revenue growth and enhancing market competitiveness.
See More
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- Agreement Extension: On February 10, Palantir Technologies Inc. announced the extension of its multi-year agreement with Airbus to further enhance the Skywise civil aviation data platform, which improves aircraft design and efficiency while providing ongoing technological support amid increasing innovation and competitiveness demands in the aerospace sector.
- Performance Surge: Recent reports indicate that Palantir's revenue increased by 70% year-over-year in Q4, with operating income surging approximately 2.1 times, showcasing the company's robust growth momentum, and analysts predict that this growth will persist and accelerate, solidifying its competitive position in the software industry.
- Market Outlook: The Skywise platform not only enhances airline operational performance but also delivers secure, AI-enabled capabilities that improve efficiency across manufacturing, supply chain, maintenance, and flight operations, highlighting its strategic significance in the aviation sector.
- Investment Potential: While Palantir is viewed as a promising investment, analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, urging investors to carefully assess market dynamics.
See More
AI Regulation Showdown in New York Congressional Race
- Ad Campaign Support: The Jobs and Democracy PAC, aligned with the Democratic Party, is launching a six-figure ad campaign to support Alex Bores in New York's 12th congressional district, where Bores is a key proponent of the RAISE Act, which mandates large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report serious misuse of their technologies.
- Competitive Primary: Bores faces a crowded field in the Democratic primary, and given the district's demographics, the winner of this primary is likely to secure the general election, making AI regulation a pivotal issue for voters.
- Bipartisan Backing: The Jobs and Democracy PAC is part of a larger bipartisan initiative led by former lawmakers Brad Carson and Chris Stewart to support candidates advocating for increased AI regulation, recently bolstered by a $20 million donation from Anthropic.
- Regulatory Debate Intensifies: Congressional discussions on AI regulation are centered around whether to temporarily ban states from implementing certain AI laws to prevent a patchwork of regulations, with proponents arguing it could slow AI development, although the proposal has failed to gain bipartisan support.
See More
Pro-Regulation AI PAC Launches Ad Campaign in NY Primary
- Ad Campaign Support: The pro-regulation Jobs and Democracy PAC is launching a six-figure ad buy in support of candidate Alex Bores, a key proponent of New York's new AI law, highlighting the AI industry's keen interest in shaping policy direction.
- Competitive Primary Race: Bores faces a crowded field in the Democratic primary, where the winner is likely to secure the general election due to the district's demographics, making AI regulation a pivotal issue in the campaign.
- Funding from Industry Giants: The ad buy by Jobs and Democracy PAC is part of a larger bipartisan effort led by former lawmakers Brad Carson and Chris Stewart to support candidates who favor increased AI regulation, showcasing the significant influence of the industry on policy.
- Legislative Context for AI Regulation: The RAISE Act, championed by Bores, mandates large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report serious misuse of their technology, reflecting growing concerns over AI safety and sparking widespread debate on regulatory policies.
See More
Investors Focus on Fed Minutes and Walmart Earnings
- Fed Minutes Analysis: The January FOMC minutes indicate broad support among policymakers for pausing rate cuts despite ongoing inflation risks, which could influence future monetary policy directions and affect market sentiment and investment decisions.
- Walmart Earnings Preview: Walmart is set to report earnings before the bell today, with investors keenly awaiting insights from the new CEO regarding consumer health and demand, which will directly impact retail sector performance and investor confidence.
- Meta Smartwatch Plans Revived: Reports suggest that Meta has revived its smartwatch plans targeting a launch this year, a strategic shift that could enhance its competitiveness in the wearables market and provide new revenue streams for the company.
- Economic Data and Market Reaction: Key economic indicators such as Initial Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Business Index are scheduled for release today, with investors closely monitoring their impact on the market, especially amid heightened uncertainty regarding Fed policies.
See More
Palantir CEO Flight Costs Surge 123% to $17.2 Million
- Controversial Reimbursement: Palantir reimbursed CEO Karp $17.2 million for his 'executive aircraft' in 2025, representing a staggering 123% increase from $7.7 million in 2024, raising significant governance concerns.
- Flight Time Implications: Analysts suggest that this level of spending implies Karp could be spending 2,457 flight hours in the air, equating to 28% of the year, or 1,147 hours if using a high-end G650 jet, which is about 13% of the year.
- Internal Control Issues: While Palantir employs its own 'Gotham' and 'Foundry' software to enhance efficiency, critics argue that the CEO's travel budget indicates a lack of similar discipline internally, potentially harming the company's reputation and investor confidence.
- Stock Price Warning: Investor Burry warns that Palantir's stock could face a 55.68% decline, predicting a 'landing area' between $50 and $60, while the current trading price is around $135.38, which could negatively impact market sentiment.
See More
