Markets Open the Year Higher
Energy and tech lead early gains
US stocks moved higher Monday as a rebound in technology shares and a sharp rally in oil stocks lifted the major indexes at the start of the first full trading week of the new year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged roughly 1.5%, climbing above 49,000 for the first time. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each gained about 0.8%, reversing part of last week’s choppy performance.
Investor focus centered on geopolitical developments in Venezuela over the weekend, alongside renewed optimism around artificial intelligence demand.
Oil Stocks Surge on Venezuela Outlook
Energy names price in rebuilding potential
Energy stocks outperformed after expectations grew that US oil companies could benefit from a rebuilding of Venezuela’s long-neglected energy infrastructure.
- Chevron jumped nearly 5%
- Halliburton surged more than 9%
- Other oil services and exploration firms also moved sharply higher
Despite the rally, Venezuela currently produces less than 1 million barrels per day, representing under 1% of global oil supply, limiting near-term impacts on crude markets.
Crude prices still edged higher:
- WTI crude rose more than 1%
- Brent crude also gained over 1%
Tech Rebound Driven by AI Optimism
Nvidia supply chain lifts sentiment
Technology stocks found support as investors rotated back into AI-linked names.
Shares of major chip suppliers climbed after:
- A bullish analyst upgrade for a leading contract chipmaker
- Record quarterly revenue reported by a major server manufacturer tied to AI demand
The renewed momentum sets the stage for the upcoming CES technology conference, where Nvidia’s CEO is scheduled to deliver a keynote that could shape near-term sentiment around AI spending trends.
Safe Havens and Rates React
Gold and dollar rise as yields dip
Alongside equity gains:
- Gold prices moved higher as geopolitical risks remained in focus
- The US dollar strengthened modestly
- The 10-year Treasury yield slipped toward 4.15%, putting bonds on track for their first weekly gain in several sessions
Economic Data Back in Focus
Jobs report looms
With markets settling after holiday trading, attention now turns to a fuller slate of economic data.
The key release this week will be Friday’s US jobs report, where economists expect roughly 55,000 payroll additions for December. The data could shape expectations around interest rates early in the year.
Bitcoin Breaks Higher
Crypto shows early-year momentum
Bitcoin climbed above $93,000, signaling improving momentum after a volatile end to last year.
Market watchers point to:
- Normalizing trading volumes
- Early signs of renewed institutional positioning
as drivers behind the move.
WSA Take
The early market tone reflects rotation rather than conviction. Energy stocks are reacting to geopolitical optionality, not immediate supply shifts, while tech’s rebound is once again tied to AI narratives. With jobs data ahead and earnings season approaching, this rally will need confirmation from fundamentals — not headlines — to sustain momentum.
Read our recent coverage on US Oil Stocks Jump.
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Disclaimer
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