Markets are quiet. If you're checking your portfolio right now and wondering what's the stock market up or down today, the short answer is: neither. It's Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq are buttoned up tight. But don't let the lack of blinking green and red lights fool you into thinking nothing is happening. Behind the scenes, the vibes are... let's say, tense.
We’re staring down a long weekend. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. That means Wall Street stays dark for an extra 24 hours. No pre-market. No closing bell. Just a lot of nervous traders watching the news coming out of Europe.
The Greenland Tariff Shock
Usually, a Sunday market update is just a recap of Friday’s closing numbers. Friday wasn't great. The S&P 500 slipped about 0.06% to close at 6,940.01. Not a crash, but definitely a "let's take some chips off the table" kind of day.
But the real story broke this morning. President Trump just threatened eight European countries with 25% tariffs. The reason? He wants them to support his push to acquire Greenland. Yeah, you read that right.
Global markets are already bracing for a messy Tuesday open. IG weekend markets—which are basically a way to bet on market moves when the actual exchanges are closed—are pointing to a sharp drop. Gold and silver are spiking. People are scared, and they're running toward "safe" assets. Honestly, it’s a classic "risk-off" move that usually happens when the headlines get this weird.
🔗 Read more: Why Everyone is Asking What is the Issue with Cracker Barrel Lately
Is the AI Rally Finally Breaking?
For the last three years, the "Magnificent Seven" have basically carried the entire economy on their backs. NVDA, AAPL, MSFT—you know the names. But the momentum is shifting.
In the first two weeks of 2026, we’ve seen a massive rotation. Investors are dumping Big Tech and piling into stuff that has been ignored for years. I’m talking about consumer staples and industrials.
Think about it this way:
- The Invesco Equal Weight S&P 500 ETF (RSP) is up 3.9% this year.
- Big Tech (the weighted index) is actually struggling.
- Apple and Meta have both dropped about 6% since New Year's Day.
People are looking for "value." They’re tired of paying astronomical prices for AI hype and are starting to buy companies that actually make cereal, soap, and airplanes.
What to Watch This Week
When the doors finally open on Tuesday, it won’t just be about tariffs. We’ve got a massive week of earnings and data.
The Davos Factor: President Trump is headed to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He’s expected to talk about housing reform and trade. Every word he says will move the needle.
Inflation Data: We are finally getting the delayed Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report. Remember the government shutdown last year? It messed up all the data collection. We’re finally seeing the real numbers, and if they’re hot, the Fed might keep interest rates higher for longer.
👉 See also: 2800 USD to CAD: Why Your Bank Is Probably Ripping You Off
Earnings Season: This is the big one. Netflix and Intel report this week. Intel has been on a tear lately because of their new AI PC chips and government backing. If they miss, it could get ugly for the whole semiconductor sector.
Actionable Steps for Your Portfolio
So, what do you actually do when the market is closed and the news is chaotic?
First, check your tech exposure. If 80% of your money is in three AI stocks, you’re probably feeling the heat right now. Diversification isn't just a buzzword; it's what keeps you from losing your shirt when the "rotation" happens.
🔗 Read more: Hems Brothers El Centro: Why This Local Legend Still Dominates the Imperial Valley
Second, watch the 10-year Treasury yield. It’s hovering around 4.17%. If that keeps climbing, stocks will likely stay under pressure.
Lastly, don't panic-sell on Tuesday morning. Historically, the first day back from a long holiday weekend can be emotional and volatile. Wait for the "lunchtime lull" to see where the real trend is heading. Markets are at record peaks, and a little breathing room—even if it's caused by a Greenland tariff threat—is actually healthy in the long run.
Stay patient. The numbers will start moving again at 9:30 AM ET on Tuesday.