Stock market on January 6: S&P 500 and NASDAQ hit fresh highs

[Ben Graham]

Yesterday, equity indices closed higher. The S&P 500 rose by 0.64%, the Nasdaq 100 added 0.69%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average strengthened by 1.23%.

The market extended its record run as investors rotated into regional stocks, attracted by higher relative valuations and stronger growth prospects. Asian equities climbed by 1.3% to another all-time high, while Hong Kong?listed Chinese tech stocks jumped to their highest level since November. The emerging?markets index and the MSCI All Country World Index also reached record highs.

Futures on US and European stock indices edged higher, signaling further upside potential. Treasury yields partially recovered from earlier losses, rising by nearly two basis points to 4.18%. On Monday, yields had fallen after a report showed US manufacturing activity contracted by the most since 2024, reinforcing arguments for further Fed easing. Precious metals extended gains.

Investors kept buying aggressively, largely ignoring tensions in Venezuela and sustaining a three?year bull trend driven by demand for tech and AI?related stocks. Equities are also supported by expectations of Fed rate cuts and optimism about profits from companies using AI to boost productivity and margins.

That said, risks remain. Heavy concentration in tech and AI names raises bubble concerns similar to last October's episode. Geopolitical risks — notably developments in Venezuela and their potential impact on global oil supplies — could quickly unsettle markets.

As noted above, precious metals have resumed gains: gold rose by 0.3%, trading above $4,460 per ounce, and silver jumped by 3.2%. Oil eased slightly after posting its biggest weekly gain.

Key US economic releases will shape the week ahead. Beyond the December employment report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish data on job openings, hires, and separations on Wednesday. Later in the week, the government will release housing starts, and the University of Michigan will publish the preliminary January consumer sentiment index.

As for the technical S&P 500 outlook, the immediate task for buyers is to break through the nearest resistance level of $6,914. Doing so would confirm further upside and open the path to $6,930. An additional priority for bulls is to secure control above $6,946, which would strengthen the bullish case. In case of a downside move, buyers should defend around $6,896. A break below this level could quickly push the index back to $6,883 and open the way to $6,871.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com