News in Brief: Stocks, Metals and CES 2026 Shape Global Markets
Asian and European shares extend gains as AI optimism builds, metals rally and geopolitical risks remain firmly in focus.
Global financial markets were driven largely by momentum on Tuesday, with strength in Asia spilling over into Europe. Technology, commodities and geopolitics all played a role in shaping investor sentiment as 2026 gets underway.
Asian and European shares push higher
Equity markets across Asia posted solid gains, supported by optimism around artificial intelligence investment and strong cues from the US.
Key highlights included:
- Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan leading regional advances
- Semiconductor stocks outperforming after updates from Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices
- Renewed confidence that AI spending remains resilient despite valuation concerns
European markets followed the positive tone, with the UK’s FTSE 100 outperforming peers and rising by around 0.6%.
US markets show early signs of caution
In contrast, US equity futures pointed to a slightly weaker open on Wall Street.
- Dow futures slipped roughly 0.2%
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures edged down around 0.1%
This modest pullback follows a strong run in US cash markets, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a fresh record on Monday.
Gains had been supported by optimism around Venezuela’s political transition and comments from Donald Trump, who said US energy companies could help revive the country’s oil industry.
Growth stocks also continued to attract buyers, with shares in Tesla, Amazon and Palantir posting sharp gains.
CES 2026 dominates technology headlines
The CES 2026 technology conference in Las Vegas remained a central driver of market sentiment, particularly in the semiconductor sector.
Key developments included:
- Nvidia confirming strong demand for its upcoming Rubin data-centre processors
- Chief executive Jensen Huang stating that production is underway and customer testing will begin soon
- AMD unveiling a new data-centre chip aimed at corporate customers, seeking to narrow Nvidia’s lead
AI remains a dominant investment theme, with competition intensifying but overall demand still described as robust.
Metals rally as supply fears grow
Commodity markets continued to strengthen, led by precious and industrial metals.
- Silver jumped more than 2%
- Copper rose around 1.5% to a new record high
- Gold gained roughly 0.6%, moving closer to the $4,500 per ounce level
The rally has been fuelled by concerns that potential US tariffs on refined metals could disrupt global supply chains, particularly for copper.
Oil prices edged lower, however, after comments from Trump suggesting possible subsidies for oil investment in Venezuela, though details remain unclear.
Geopolitics remain a key risk factor
Geopolitical tensions stayed firmly in focus:
- Denmark warned that any US move against Greenland would threaten NATO’s future
- US and European officials are set to meet in Paris to discuss post-war security guarantees for Ukraine
What this could mean for investors
For investors, the backdrop remains supportive but increasingly complex. Strong momentum in equities and commodities suggests risk appetite is intact, particularly around AI and infrastructure. However, stretched valuations, geopolitical uncertainty and policy risk mean volatility is likely to remain elevated.
Markets may continue to reward selective exposure to AI, energy and metals, but diversification and risk management will be critical as 2026 unfolds.
Sources: (Investing.com, MotleyF.com)
