Traders at NYSE

Dow Futures remain muted, as investors evaluate a resurgence in technology shares while anticipating significant U.S. economic indicators set to be released later this week. A series of upcoming corporate earnings reports are set to be disclosed, encompassing results from and . In other developments, Japan’s index reaches a new record high, whereas gold experiences a decline.

Dow Futures remained near the flatline on Tuesday, indicating a possibly cautious opening for equities after a rebound led by the technology sector in the previous session. As of 03:04, the Dow futures contract remained largely stable, with futures experiencing a slight decline of 18 points, equivalent to 0.1%. The primary indices experienced gains on Monday, building on the increases recorded at the conclusion of the prior trading week, primarily due to the rise of technology stocks linked to the artificial intelligence-fueled expansion in data centers. Aiding sentiment was a report that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman informed staff in an internal memo that its flagship ChatGPT chatbot had returned to growth, enhancing optimism for a business regarded as a pivotal hub linking a significant array of AI-focused companies. Indeed, analysts indicated that expectations for a positive shift in OpenAI’s prospects prompted DA Davidson to revise its outlook for a company that holds a $300-billion data-center contract with the ChatGPT creator. At the conclusion of the trading session, the tech-centric Nasdaq recorded an increase of 0.9%, positioning it just shy of a new all-time high. The benchmark S&P 500 approached its record highs.

On Tuesday, a packed schedule of corporate earnings reports will capture attention, as investors seek to analyze results that may shed light on the condition of Corporate America during the early months of 2026. Healthcare group CVS Health, beverage maker Coca-Cola, hotel chain, and music streaming service are set to report their earnings prior to the market opening. Pharmaceutical name is set to release its returns following the closure of U.S. markets. In extended hours movers, shares slipped after the chipmaker unveiled underwhelming fourth-quarter revenue due to an ongoing inventory glut. A significant number of customers of the Arizona-based firm are persistently navigating through inventories of chips accumulated during recent supply chain disruptions. Sluggish electric vehicle sales and heightened competition from China have cast uncertainty over the outlook for Onsemi’s silicon carbide chips division. The midpoint of the group’s current-quarter sales projection range fell short of estimates.

In terms of data, market participants are expected to monitor the forthcoming release of U.S. retail sales figures for December. Consumer spending serves as a vital engine of the overall American economy, constituting more than two-thirds of total output. In the third quarter, it contributed significantly to a 4.4% annualized growth in U.S. gross domestic product. Core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials, and food services, and are most closely associated with the consumer spending component of GDP, are projected to increase by 0.3% in December 2025, a deceleration from the 0.5% growth observed in November. Analysts have observed that a weakening labor market may be a factor contributing to the potential slowdown, despite Federal Reserve officials in January characterizing the employment landscape as “stabilizing.” In a note, analysts indicated that the figures are anticipated to sustain “reasonably healthy” growth and reinforce the perspective that “the U.S. consumer is alive and well.”

Asian stock markets continued their upward trajectory on Tuesday, driven by technology stocks, with Japanese shares notably reaching new record highs as investors responded positively to the recent electoral success of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a phenomenon referred to as the “Takaichi trade.” The rally indicated robust investor confidence in Takaichi’s policy agenda, perceived by markets as conducive to growth, corporate profitability, and domestic investment. Takaichi achieved a significant electoral victory over the weekend, reinforcing anticipations that her administration will advance pro-business reforms, fiscal support, and initiatives designed to enhance capital investment, innovation, and strategic industries.

Gold prices declined on Tuesday, pulling back from significant gains observed in the previous session as metal markets exhibited caution ahead of a series of important U.S. economic indicators scheduled for release this week. Platinum prices experienced a decline, receiving minimal support from a recent decrease in the dollar, despite the greenback stabilizing during Asian trading hours. Precious metals experienced significant volatility over the past week, as a combination of profit-taking and excessive positioning led to a decline from record highs. Uncertainty surrounding U.S. monetary policy, in anticipation of a possible leadership transition at the Fed, has also led to increased volatility. In the interim, the demand for safe-haven assets, which typically enhances the attractiveness of gold, was influenced by a series of conflicting developments in U.S.-Iran relations. Despite the countries highlighting some advancements during the weekend discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Washington issued a caution on Monday for U.S.-flagged vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.