Dow Futures show a slight increase, as anxious markets closely anticipate President Donald Trump’s forthcoming address at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Tensions surrounding Trump’s initiative for U.S. control of Greenland, alongside his threat to impose additional tariffs on various European nations, are expected to be central to the discussions the president is reportedly set to engage in with world leaders during the event’s sidelines. Meanwhile, it unveils conservative financial guidance shortly after sweetening its offer, while a filing indicates that it may offload its stake.

Dow futures indicate an upward trajectory on Wednesday, signaling a potential recovery following a significant decline in equities, which experienced their most challenging day since October in the previous session. By 02:21, the futures contract had increased by 103 points, representing a 0.2% rise, while another futures contract had advanced by 27 points, or 0.4%, and a separate futures contract had ascended by 114 points, equating to a 0.5% gain. The principal indices experienced significant declines on Tuesday, driven by a renewed escalation in geopolitical and trade tensions after President Trump issued a warning regarding the imposition of additional tariffs on various European nations unless his stipulations for U.S. ownership of Greenland were satisfied. U.S. Treasury yields experienced a significant increase, propelling the benchmark 10-year note to its highest level since August, while the dollar saw a slight decline against a range of currency counterparts. Market participants are endeavoring to ascertain whether Trump will act on his statements, while European authorities may react with significant economic interventions. In the background, there has been an increase in Japanese sovereign bond yields, which have been rising in anticipation of a snap election scheduled for early next month.

On Wednesday, Trump is set to assume a prominent role at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The president is anticipated to engage with multiple global leaders, likely advocating for the U.S. claim to Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory that has been characterized by Trump as essential for national security purposes. On Tuesday, Trump adopted a more conciliatory stance regarding the issue, expressing his desire to finalize an agreement that would leave America’s NATO allies “very happy.” When questioned about the extent of his ambitions regarding Greenland, Trump responded with a cryptic, “You’ll find out.” Nonetheless, investor sentiment remains apprehensive as Trump persists in his threats to impose an additional 10% tariffs on eight European nations concerning Greenland, with the possibility of escalating them to 25% in June should his demands not be met. European leaders have characterized the threat as a form of blackmail, a sentiment echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron at Davos. Trump’s address to the Alpine gathering of the global elite is expected to highlight his economic agenda for a potential second term, emphasizing the pivotal role of tariffs.

Netflix’s shares experienced a decline in after-hours trading following the company’s release of financial guidance that many analysts found to be disappointing, particularly as it embarks on an ambitious acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The company indicated that it anticipates operating margins of 32.1% in the first quarter and sales of $12.16 billion, both falling short of estimates. For 2026 overall, Netflix projected revenue in a range with a midpoint of $51.2 billion, exceeding forecasts. However, the operating margin of 31.5 was nearly 100 basis points below analysts’ predictions, attributed in part to approximately $275 million in acquisition-related expenses. However, the firm achieved a significant increase in fourth-quarter revenue and net income, reaching $12.05 billion and $2.42 billion, respectively. This growth can be attributed to its successful lineup of shows and movies, notably the final season of “Stranger Things” and the debut of “Frankenstein.” Netflix reported that paid membership has surpassed 325 million. The figures emerged soon after Netflix, headquartered in California, enhanced its $72 billion proposal for Warner Bros’ studios and streaming division, aiming to strengthen its position in a competitive bidding contest against Paramount Skydance. In a communication to clients, analysts at Jefferies characterized the earnings as “mixed” overall, noting that “[i]ncreased deal certainty” would serve as a “positive catalyst” for the stock. On Wednesday, the earnings slate will prominently feature pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson alongside financial services firm Charles Schwab.

Berkshire Hathaway announced following the conclusion of U.S. markets that it may divest as many as 325 million shares of Kraft Heinz, which is nearly equivalent to the conglomerate’s stake in the packaged foods behemoth. The stake represents approximately 27.5% of the outstanding shares in Kraft Heinz. Berkshire had previously disclosed a write-down on its Kraft Heinz investments last year and has been a vocal critic of the company’s efforts to divide its operations. Kraft Heinz experienced a decline of over 3% in after-hours trading activity. Analysts indicated that the potential decision to divest from Kraft Heinz represents the “first major corporate action” for Berkshire under the leadership of new CEO Greg Abel, who succeeds the long-time head and legendary investor Warren Buffett. It indicates that Abel is “already working to put his imprint on the firm’s sprawling portfolio,” they noted, adding that, since Berkshire “isn’t in need of cash or liquidity,” the decision is “purely a reflection” of a pessimistic outlook for the packaged food sector.

Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels on Wednesday, exceeding $4,800 an ounce and nearing $4,900/oz, as rising tensions associated with Greenland and renewed trade disputes unsettled global markets, prompting investors to seek refuge in safe-haven assets. Spot gold increased by 2.3% to $4,862.75 an ounce by 03:35, following a new all-time high of $4,887.82/oz reached earlier in the day. U.S. gold futures experienced an increase of 2.1%, reaching historic highs of $4,865.91 per ounce. In other markets, oil prices experienced a significant decline due to apprehensions regarding global economic growth stemming from U.S. tariff threats. Both contracts concluded approximately 1.5% higher on Tuesday following the announcement that OPEC+ producer Kazakhstan suspended output at two of its oilfields, which could restrict global supply. In addition to geopolitical tensions, a monthly report from the International Energy Agency is anticipated later in the session, while attention will also be directed towards the most recent data on U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles this week.