S&P 500 Index Rises on First Trading Day of 2026

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Updated: Jan 02 2026

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The S&P 500 closed higher on the first trading day of 2026, with the markets looking to build on a strong 2025 despite a brief pullback at the end of December. The benchmark index finished last year with an advance of 16%, marking a third consecutive year of double-digit gains. Precious metals remain near record levels after gold and silver posted big gains in 2025.Sentiment remains cautiously constructive, with traders watching early 2026 catalysts such as upcoming U.S. labor and inflation data, expected policy signals from the Federal Reserve and initial corporate earnings previews for clues about growth and monetary policy direction.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Tesladeliveries of 418,227 vehicles and production of 434,358 vehicles in Q4President Trump hasfor furniture for another yearBaiduproposed aof the H shares of AI chip unit KunlunxinRivian9,745 vehicles in Q4, while Niodelivered 124,807 vehicles in Q42. WALL STREET CALLS:Vertivto Overweight at BarclaysApplewith a Market Perform at Raymond JamesBetterware de Mexicowith a Buy at Freedom CapitalCenovus Energywith a Buy at Goldman Sachs3. AROUND THE WEB:Microsoft-backedOpenAI is taking steps to improve its audio AI models, in preparation for its AI-powered personal device, which is expected to be largely audio-based, The Information reportsBrookfieldis planning to start its own cloud business to lease chips inside data centers directly to AI companies, The Information reportsDuring his last interview as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett said he believes the company is better positioned than any other to endure for the next century, CNBC saysTSMCtold Reuters in a statement: "The U.S. Department of Commerce has granted TSMC Nanjing an annual export license that allows U.S. export-controlled items to be supplied to TSMC Nanjing without the need for individual vendor licenses"4. MOVERS:Denisonincreases in New York afterfor Phoenix in-situ recovery uranium mineSable Offshoregains as Benchmark said the company isthan ever after a favorable appeals court rulingEquinorrises in New York after its Empire Offshore Wind unitagainst the U.S. Department of the InteriorXPengfalls after announcing itsfor December and FY255. EARNINGS/GUIDANCEIronwoodbacked itsand provided guidance for FY26AAR Corp.toon January 6, 2026Penguin Solutionstoon January 6, 2026Angiodynamictoon January 6, 2026INDEXES:The Dow rose 319.10, or 0.66%, to 48,382.39, the Nasdaq lost 6.36, or 0.027%, to 23,235.63, and the S&P 500 advanced 12.97, or 0.19%, to 6,858.47.

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.