Economic Update 1-12-2026
Economic data included improvements in ISM services, mixed results for housing starts and the December employment situation report. On the more lackluster side, ISM manufacturing and JOLTs job openings declined.
Equities gained globally last week as the New Year started with optimism and a lack of bad news. Bonds were higher in the U.S. and mixed abroad. Commodities gained in every segment last week, with oil markets in focus after the regime change in Venezuela.
U.S. stocks started the first trading week of the year positively, led by a rally in economically-sensitive small cap names. Economic data was mixed, but perhaps not strong enough to push off several expected Fed interest rate cuts in 2026. By sector, gains of 4-6% in consumer discretionary (Amazon and Home Depot, among others) and materials led for the week, while utilities fell by over a percent. Real estate was up slightly.
