ECONOMIC UPDATES

The first trading day of 2026 saw U. S. stocks making small gains, with tech giants steering the market. The day was marked by ups and downs, reflecting the uncertainty of the new year. The S&P 500 inched up by 12. 97 points, or 0. 2%, closing at 6, 858. 47. This follows a strong 16% gain in 2025. T

The new year began with a bumpy ride for Wall Street. After a strong 2025, stocks couldn't keep up the momentum. Tech stocks, which had been leading the charge, couldn't sustain their early gains. The S&P 500, which had surged over 16% in 2025, dipped slightly. The Nasdaq also fell, while the Dow ma