Global markets ended January 8, 2026, with a mixture of gains and losses across regions as investors balanced early-year optimism with ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. U.S. markets showed measured gains, Europe remained cautious, and Asia displayed mixed performance, while Tel Aviv equities recorded modest declines, highlighting the selective and cautious sentiment prevailing ahead of January 9 trading.

Americas: Modest Gains Amid Selective Optimism

U.S. markets closed mixed on January 8, with the Russell 2000 climbing 1.11% to 2,603.91, while the Dow 30 rose 0.55% to 49,266.11. S&P 500 was largely unchanged at 6,921.46, and Nasdaq dipped 0.44% to 23,480.02. The VIX increased slightly to 15.45, reflecting cautious expectations for near-term volatility.

In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite gained 0.76% to 32,378.64, and in Brazil, IBOVESPA advanced 0.59% to 162,936.48. The US Dollar Index was stable at 98.94, signaling steady currency conditions as global investors balance risk appetite against macroeconomic uncertainties. Overall, the session demonstrated selective optimism, with small-cap and resource-linked equities outperforming larger, growth-oriented indices.

Europe: Mixed Performance Amid Cautious Trading

European markets exhibited muted movements, with the CAC 40 rising 0.12% to 8,243.47 and DAX virtually unchanged at 25,127.46. In contrast, FTSE 100 fell 0.04%, and EURO STOXX 50 and MSCI Europe declined 0.32% and 0.37%, respectively.

Investors reacted cautiously to early-year earnings guidance and macroeconomic reports, favoring selective sectors such as defensive equities and industrials. Currency fluctuations in the euro and British pound further tempered investor risk-taking, keeping broader indices range-bound.

Asia: Divergence Between Growth Leaders and Caution

Asian markets delivered mixed results. The Nikkei 225 led gains, rising 1.24% to 51,750.70, supported by a weaker yen and optimism in export-driven sectors. South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 0.65% to 4,582.06, while China’s SSE Composite added 0.30% to 4,095.33.

Conversely, India’s S&P BSE SENSEX dipped 0.06% to 84,133.96, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.11% to 8,711.20. The regional divergence reflects optimism in Japan and South Korea due to domestic stimulus and export demand, contrasted with caution in India and Australia driven by currency sensitivity and global economic uncertainty.

Tel Aviv: Equities Slip Amid Cautious Positioning

The Tel Aviv 35 index closed at 3,830.54 points, down 0.40%, with TA-90 and TA-90 Banks falling 0.48% and 0.38%, respectively. TA-125 decreased 0.39%, while TA-125 Value and Sector-Balance indices dropped 0.55% and 0.29%. Declining stocks outnumbered advancing issues across the board.

Equity turnover reached roughly 4.6 billion shekels, with bond market trading totaling 4.9 billion shekels. Short-term government bonds and All-Bond indices showed minor declines, indicating a cautious stance as investors awaited signals from global markets and domestic economic updates.

Outlook: Key Drivers for January 9, 2026

Looking ahead, markets will focus on upcoming economic data, corporate earnings, and global macro developments. In the Americas, attention will remain on U.S. labor market trends and inflation data, while Europe may continue its range-bound behavior. Asian markets, particularly Japan and South Korea, could guide early trading momentum, whereas Tel Aviv investors will monitor whether selective declines continue or stabilize. Interest rate expectations, currency trends, and geopolitical developments are likely to shape volatility and investor positioning across all regions.