Stocks are kicking off 2026 with a mix of caution and big questions.

2025 was a strong year for equities, but markets ended the year choppy as investors reassess rates, geopolitics, and what comes next for growth. Last week we saw:

• Stocks struggle to find momentum

• Gold & silver hit record highs — then pull back fast

• Interest rates move higher again

• Rising global tensions that markets haven’t fully priced in yet

• Major corporate headlines from Warren Buffett, Tesla, and AI stocks

This week, all eyes are on:

• Developments out of Venezuela

• Key economic data — especially Friday’s jobs report

• What stronger or weaker labor data could mean for interest rates