Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Berkshire Weighs Kraft Heinz Exit, Adding to Market Woes

As Wall Street sifts through the wreckage of today's geopolitical-driven rout, significant company-specific news is emerging that could shape tomorrow's session. Most notably, reports surfaced late Tuesday that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) may be considering a sale of its massive stake in Kraft Heinz (KHC), adding a significant headwind for the consumer staples giant.

The news adds another layer of uncertainty after a session where markets closed sharply lower due to an escalating tariff dispute. The risk-off sentiment was pervasive, hitting nearly every sector during the regular session.

However, strategic long-term plans appear intact for some mega-caps. Amazon (AMZN) announced it is launching its largest-ever physical store, a move to compete more directly with big-box retailers. Elsewhere, the post-market session is revealing some potential red flags, with regulatory filings showing co-CEOs at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX) sold a combined total of over $3.7 million in stock.

Global Sell-Off Spreads; Tech Giants Navigate Aftershocks

The deep risk-off sentiment from today's brutal session is bleeding into the global open, as Asian markets extended their sell-off in early trading. This confirms that the geopolitical shockwave from the U.S.-Europe tariff dispute over Greenland has thoroughly soured international investor appetite, setting a cautious tone for the week.

While Wall Street sifts through the wreckage, a flurry of after-hours news is creating a complex picture for the tech sector, which bore the brunt of today's decline. On the positive side, Microsoft (MSFT) highlighted a series of new AI partnerships across healthcare and retail, demonstrating the continued powerful adoption of its technology. In a similar vein, Meta (META) announced a deal with nuclear firm Oklo to power its data centers, a major move to secure energy for its AI ambitions.

However, new headwinds are also emerging. The AI narrative was complicated by reports that the CEO of Anthropic, a key partner, publicly criticized Nvidia (NVDA). Elsewhere, legal woes mounted for Dow component Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) after a judge ruled that experts could testify that its talc products cause cancer. The ongoing weakness in traditional retail was also underscored by news that Macy's (M) is closing warehouses and laying off over 1,000 employees.

Tesla Woes Deepen as Wall Street Sifts Wreckage

Following a brutal regular session where geopolitical fears triggered a broad market rout, fresh negative catalysts are hitting the tech sector in late trading. The day's sell-off, driven by a tariff standoff over Greenland, punished high-valuation growth stocks, and the pain is continuing for some after hours.

Specifically, Tesla (TSLA) is under renewed pressure following reports that its Cybertruck sales have plummeted. This news compounds the earlier after-hours weakness stemming from CEO Elon Musk's cautious comments on future production ramps, creating a fresh headwind for one of the day's biggest losers.

However, the after-hours session isn't entirely negative. A powerful counter-narrative is emerging in the data storage space. Analysts at Bank of America and other firms issued a wave of significant price target upgrades for Western Digital (WDC) and Seagate (STX). The bullish calls are rooted in soaring demand for high-capacity hard drives, a direct beneficiary of the AI data boom, creating a clear pocket of strength amidst the tech wreckage. Elsewhere, regional bank Zions Bancorporation (ZION) posted strong earnings, beating estimates and showing continued expansion in its net interest margin.

Tesla Stumbles After-Hours as Market Digests Tariff Fallout

Following a brutal regular session where markets recorded their worst day in months, the after-hours landscape is proving treacherous for some of tech's biggest names. The session was dominated by a geopolitical rout, as President Trump's threats of new tariffs against European allies over a Greenland dispute sparked a classic flight from risk assets.

Adding to the pressure on the already beaten-down tech sector, Tesla (TSLA) is seeing weakness in late trading. New comments from CEO Elon Musk surfaced, stating that the production ramp for the company's anticipated Cybercab and Optimus robot would be "agonizingly slow." This outlook on future growth drivers provides fresh headwinds for a stock that was already caught in today's broad-based tech sell-off.

However, the post-market session isn't entirely negative. The commodities sector showed resilience, with mining giant Rio Tinto (RIO) reporting strong fourth-quarter iron ore production. In financials, regional bank Zions Bancorporation (ZION) also delivered a solid earnings beat, demonstrating that positive company-specific news can still find buyers even amid widespread macro fear.

Alphabet, Apple AI Pact News Jolts Tech After Hours

A potentially game-changing partnership is making waves in late trading, providing a stark counterpoint to today's brutal sell-off. Reports have emerged that Alphabet (GOOGL) and Apple (AAPL) are in discussions to integrate Google's Gemini AI engine into the iPhone's Siri. This news provides a powerful, positive catalyst for two of the world's largest companies after a session where tech was punished severely.

The development comes after a trading day dominated by a fierce, geopolitically-driven rout. Markets closed sharply lower after threats of new U.S. tariffs related to a dispute over Greenland sparked a flight from risk. This macro fear hammered mega-cap tech stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA), which led the decline.

Elsewhere in the after-hours session, the market is punishing dilution. Biotechs Corvus Pharma (CRVS) and Erasca (ERAS) are both trading sharply lower after each announced plans for a $150 million stock offering, a common headwind for the sector.

Netflix Stumbles on Weak Guidance; UAL Soars

The post-market session is delivering a mixed verdict on corporate earnings, with Netflix (NFLX) shares reversing sharply lower. After an initial spike on strong subscriber growth, investors are now focusing on the company's forward-looking guidance, which fell short of Wall Street's expectations. The reversal highlights the market's unforgiving mood, where even a beat on key metrics isn't enough if the outlook is cloudy.

In stark contrast, United Airlines (UAL) is flying high in late trading. The airline delivered a robust quarterly report and projected record earnings for the year ahead, citing sustained demand for travel. The positive reaction makes it a rare bright spot after a brutal day for the broader market.

These individual earnings reports came after a session dominated by a fierce geopolitical sell-off. Markets logged their worst day since October, driven by fears of an escalating trade dispute over Greenland. The risk-off stampede hit the tech sector hardest, with names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) ending the day with significant losses.

Netflix Soars on Earnings Beat, Defying Market Carnage

In a stark contrast to the day's brutal sell-off, strong earnings from key companies are providing a glimmer of positive news in post-market trading. Netflix (NFLX) is surging in the after-hours session after the streaming giant beat revenue estimates and reported a massive subscriber gain, reaching 325 million users.

The positive report offers a dose of company-specific good news after a regular session dominated by a geopolitical rout. The market closed sharply lower, with the Dow shedding hundreds of points, as investors fled risk assets amid an escalating tariff dispute between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland. Tech stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) were hit particularly hard during the day's risk-off stampede.

Other companies are also seeing positive reactions to their quarterly results. United Airlines (UAL) is trading higher after offering an upbeat outlook, citing strong demand for premium travel. The regional banking sector also delivered solid numbers, with Zions Bancorporation (ZION) and ServisFirst Bancshares (SFBS) both beating estimates, though results from Bank OZK (OZK) were more mixed.

Greenland Fears Spark Wall Street Rout

Markets closed sharply lower, capping a session dominated by a sudden and severe geopolitical shock. The sell-off was triggered by an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland, with White House tariff threats sending a wave of fear through global risk assets. The Dow reportedly shed around 900 points, confirming the deeply negative sentiment that began building in the pre-market session with a flight to safe havens like Gold.

The selling was most acute in the market's former leadership: the high-valuation technology sector. Mega-cap names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Amazon (AMZN) led the decline as investors shed exposure to growth stocks most vulnerable to global economic instability. The anxiety was made more tangible by comments from Amazon's CEO, who confirmed that existing tariffs are already starting to increase consumer prices.

Despite the broad-based rout, there were pockets of defiance. In a classic defensive rotation, shares of Walmart (WMT) bucked the trend to hit an all-time high. M&A activity also provided a spark, with shares of Ardelyx (ARDX) soaring on reports of a potential takeover bid, proving that company-specific catalysts could overcome even the most powerful macro headwinds.

Tech Sell-Off Deepens; Wall Street Hunts for Bargains

The broad market slide is deepening in the afternoon session, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading the way down. The primary driver remains the escalating geopolitical standoff over Greenland, with White House tariff threats sparking a sell-off in the Treasury market and sending a wave of fear through risk assets.

While the major indices are a sea of red, the focus is narrowing on the battered tech giants. Prominent analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush is out with a note urging investors to "buy the dip" on weakness in names like Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and Tesla (TSLA). This view stands in stark contrast to the market's current price action and commentary from a major bank CEO who sees "no path of normalization" amid the upheaval.

Despite the macro-driven rout, M&A activity is providing pockets of extreme strength. Shares of Ardelyx (ARDX) are soaring on reports of a potential takeover bid, demonstrating that company-specific catalysts can still deliver massive gains even on a deeply negative day for the overall market.

Macro Fears Hammer Tech, But M&A and Upgrades Defy Downtrend

The broad market slide continues this afternoon, with technology and retail stocks bearing the brunt of the selling. The escalating U.S.-E.U. tariff dispute over Greenland remains the primary catalyst, souring risk appetite and hitting mega-caps like Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), and Amazon (AMZN) particularly hard.

However, the sea of red in the indices is masking significant pockets of strength driven by company-specific news. The M&A market is showing signs of life, with GSK announcing a $2.2 billion deal to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, sending shares of the food allergy drugmaker soaring.

Analyst actions are also creating winners against the tape. Intel (INTC) is rallying after receiving multiple upgrades from firms like HSBC and Seaport, who are citing a stronger server and foundry outlook ahead of the chipmaker's earnings report. This divergence highlights a market where macro fears are punishing the indices, while conviction in specific corporate stories is still being rewarded.

Tech Leads Market Rout as Tariff Fears Intensify

The midday session sees the market extending its sharp losses, as any semblance of stability from the opening bell has been thoroughly erased. The primary catalyst remains the escalating geopolitical standoff between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland, with new tariff threats fueling a broad-based flight from risk assets.

High-valuation growth sectors are bearing the brunt of the selling pressure. Big tech, the market's leadership for months, is now leading the charge lower. Names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Amazon (AMZN) are seeing significant declines as investors shed exposure to names most sensitive to global trade and economic sentiment.

However, not all stocks are in the red. Memory chip maker Micron (MU) is a notable standout, gaining ground after a positive analyst note highlighted strengthening pricing trends in its sector. In M&A news, Netflix (NFLX) has officially shifted its offer for parts of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to all-cash, a major development that is struggling to find an audience amidst the widespread macro-driven fear.

Markets Extend Losses as Geopolitical Fears Roil Tech

The broad market sell-off is intensifying into the midday session, with investors continuing to dump equities in response to escalating geopolitical tensions. The Trump administration's threats of new tariffs related to Greenland are the clear catalyst, fueling a flight from risk that is hitting nearly every corner of the market.

Technology and other high-growth sectors are bearing the brunt of the damage. The rout in names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) comes as a new IMF report circulates, warning about the U.S. economy's heavy reliance on the AI boom. This highlights how the market's leadership is particularly vulnerable when risk appetite evaporates.

The anxiety is not confined to equities. The U.S. Treasury market is reportedly facing its worst day in months as yields surge, a sign investors are de-risking across asset classes. Even bellwethers like Amazon (AMZN) are under pressure after its CEO warned that tariffs are beginning to impact consumer prices, making the trade threats more tangible for the economy.

Geopolitical Shockwave Hits Wall Street; Tech Tumbles

Markets are broadly lower mid-morning, confirming the deeply negative sentiment that built overnight. The sell-off, which was sharp at the opening bell, is being driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland. President Trump's threats to seize the territory have reportedly been met with European Union countermeasures, rattling investors and prompting a classic flight from risk assets.

The selling is particularly acute in the high-valuation technology sector, with names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Alphabet (GOOGL) leading the decline. The risk-off mood is so pervasive that it's overriding positive company-specific news; industrial giant 3M (MMM) is trading lower despite reporting a quarterly profit beat. This dynamic underscores that macro fears are firmly in the driver's seat today.

In a clear sign of the defensive rotation, consumer staples giant Walmart (WMT) is bucking the trend and hitting an all-time high as investors seek safety. The anxiety is also visible in commodities, where gold and silver futures have surged, and the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) has jumped over 8% to breach the 20 level.

Markets Defy Plunge, Open Flat Amid Political Storm

Wall Street is showing surprising resilience at the open, with major indices trading flat despite a pre-market session rife with fear. Futures had pointed to a sharp drop after hitting one-month lows overnight, driven by escalating tariff threats over Greenland and a broader 'Sell America' trade that sent gold to record highs. However, the anticipated gap-down has not materialized, suggesting a tentative calm or a pause as traders assess the chaotic overnight news flow.

While geopolitical risk remains the primary focus, a significant domestic political cloud is also gathering. A high-stakes Supreme Court case is underway that could challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve, adding a fresh layer of profound uncertainty for investors. The tariff threat is also becoming more tangible, with Amazon (AMZN) CEO Andy Jassy stating that the impact of tariffs has started to 'creep' into consumer prices.

Beneath the flat surface of the indices, there are clear winners and losers. Defensive giant Walmart (WMT) is hitting an all-time high, a classic sign of a flight-to-quality within equities. On the other end, AppLovin (APP) shares are sliding after being targeted by a short-seller alleging ties to money laundering. Elsewhere, industrial supplier Fastenal (FAST) is down after missing revenue estimates, blaming higher tariffs for weaker demand.

Futures Plunge on Greenland Tariff Standoff

U.S. markets are bracing for a sharply lower open as a geopolitical storm that brewed overnight prepares to make landfall on Wall Street. The primary driver is an escalating dispute over Greenland, which has prompted White House threats of new tariffs against Europe. This has cemented a deeply risk-off tone, confirming the flight-to-safety trade that sent Gold and Silver to fresh all-time highs in the overnight session.

Futures contracts for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are indicating a significant gap down at the opening bell, extending losses that took them to one-month lows in pre-market trading. Technology and high-growth stocks are bearing the brunt of the selling pressure, with names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) indicating losses of over 2%.

The macro anxiety is so potent that it's completely overwhelming positive company-specific news. In a clear sign of the market's mood, industrial giant 3M (MMM) is trading lower despite reporting a profit beat. Even a major M&A development, with Netflix (NFLX) amending its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to all-cash, is struggling for air amid the widespread fear.

Futures Plunge as Geopolitical Storm Sinks Sentiment

U.S. equity futures are pointing to a sharply lower open, continuing a flight-to-safety that dominated the overnight session. The primary catalyst is an escalating geopolitical standoff, with the White House reportedly threatening new tariffs against European nations over a dispute involving Greenland. This has pushed futures on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to one-month lows, confirming the deeply risk-off tone set by a record-setting rally in Gold overnight.

The selling pressure is particularly acute in big tech. Each of the "Magnificent Seven" mega-cap stocks are indicating significant losses in pre-market trading. Amazon (AMZN) is reportedly down over 3%, and Tesla (TSLA) is trading lower by more than 2.5% as investors shed high-valuation growth names amid the uncertainty.

Even strong corporate earnings are failing to find buyers in this environment. 3M (MMM) reported a fourth-quarter profit that beat expectations, citing successful cost-cutting measures. However, the stock is still caught in the downdraft, a clear signal that macro fears are completely overwhelming company-specific news this morning. A massive planned $15 billion AI investment into Anthropic by Nvidia (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT) is also being ignored amid the broad-based selling.

Futures Hit One-Month Lows on Geopolitical Fears

The risk-off sentiment that has been building overnight is now clearly visible in U.S. market futures, with contracts for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq sliding to one-month lows. The primary catalyst is the escalating geopolitical tension surrounding Greenland, which has morphed into a direct tariff standoff between the U.S. and Europe, rattling investor confidence ahead of the opening bell.

The anxiety is being amplified by warnings from top financial policymakers. The IMF's chief issued a blunt message for Europe to "get your act together," while the Bank of England's Governor Bailey explicitly cited geopolitics and trade tensions as significant financial risks. This high-level concern validates the flight-to-safety trade seen in assets like Gold during the overnight session.

Despite the macro gloom, Wall Street analysts are active this morning. Alcon (ALC) is a standout gainer in pre-market indications after a significant upgrade from Deutsche Bank, which sees 25% upside. Conversely, Incyte (INCY) is under pressure following a downgrade to 'Equal Weight' by Wells Fargo. Elsewhere, shipping giants UPS and FedEx (FDX) are receiving positive reiterations from Raymond James.

Citi Slashes Europe Outlook as Geopolitical Fears Bite

The risk-off sentiment that has defined the overnight session is hardening as geopolitical threats translate into concrete Wall Street action. Analysts at Citi are out with a significant downgrade to European market earnings, citing the escalating tariff standoff over Greenland as a primary risk. This move gives weight to the anxiety that has sent investors flocking to safe havens like Gold and has European bourses poised for a weak open.

Against this turbulent macro backdrop, corporate deal-making continues unabated. In a major healthcare move, GSK announced a $2.2 billion deal to acquire a company developing a novel food allergy drug. Separately, there's positive news for Walmart (WMT), as its backed Indian payments firm, PhonePe, reportedly received regulatory approval for a major IPO.

However, not all corporate news is positive. Tech giant Meta (META) is facing fresh scrutiny in the UK, with regulators claiming the company is 'turning a blind eye' to illegal gambling advertisements on its platform, creating a potential headwind for the stock ahead of the U.S. open.

UK Data Offers Relief as Analysts Hunt for Bargains

A fresh batch of economic data is providing a counterpoint to the dominant risk-off narrative this morning. The latest UK jobs report showed a cooling labor market, a development that could ease inflationary pressures and give the Bank of England more flexibility. This follows a surprisingly optimistic note from the IMF, which boosted its global growth forecasts. However, these positive data points are struggling for traction against the severe geopolitical overhang from the U.S.-Europe tariff standoff and the massive overnight spike in Natural Gas prices.

Amid the macro turmoil, Wall Street analysts are actively seeking opportunities. Intel (INTC) is in focus after receiving an upgrade to 'Hold' from HSBC, which cited strong demand for AI servers. The positive analyst sentiment extends to other sectors, with HSBC also initiating coverage on Agilent (A) with a 'Buy' rating and Morgan Stanley resuming Performance Food Group (PFG) at 'Overweight'.

The mood in Europe remains cautious, however, with several UK-listed stocks facing pressure. Shares in brickmaker Ibstock (IBSTF) slid after its earnings outlook disappointed investors, underscoring the challenging environment for industrial firms. In other major corporate news, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (AZN) announced it will delist its shares from the Nasdaq and consolidate its listing on the NYSE.

EU Eyes 'Trade Bazooka' as Natural Gas Soars

The pre-market session is dominated by escalating geopolitical tensions and a violent move in commodity markets. Following earlier U.S. threats of tariffs on French wine over the Greenland dispute, reports now indicate the European Union is considering deploying its "Anti-Coercion Instrument," a retaliatory trade weapon. This sharpens the risk-off tone that has gripped overnight markets, keeping safe havens like Gold well-supported near record highs.

Adding to the volatility, Natural Gas futures are skyrocketing, jumping as much as 20% in anticipation of a severe cold snap in the Northeastern U.S. This massive price spike introduces a new and powerful catalyst into the energy sector, which is now contending with both geopolitical risk and extreme weather forecasts.

Beneath the turbulent macro surface, corporate activity continues. In healthcare M&A, GSK announced a deal to acquire RAPT Therapeutics for $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, analysts at Goldman Sachs (GS) are making waves with a flurry of calls, notably upgrading Enphase Energy (ENPH) to a Buy while downgrading European industrial firm SKF to Sell.

Global Risk-Off Mood Hardens Ahead of U.S. Open

The cautious sentiment driven by geopolitical and trade tensions is solidifying across global markets. Asian sessions closed firmly in the red, with Japan's Nikkei 225 finishing down 1.03%. That negative momentum looks set to continue into the European session, where futures are pointing to a lower open as the market continues to digest the threat of new U.S. tariffs.

A fresh batch of economic data from Europe is adding to the complex picture. While falling German producer prices could be seen as a positive for inflation, a stubbornly high U.K. unemployment rate and slowing wage growth underscore concerns about the health of the consumer. For now, the narrative remains dominated by the flight to safety seen earlier in Gold and away from the U.S. Dollar.

Amid the macro gloom, there are pockets of company-specific strength. Tesla (TSLA) is in focus on news it has resumed work on its Dojo supercomputer. In the U.K., positive earnings reports from Staffline (STAF) and Team Internet (TEAM) are being noted, but this micro-level good news is struggling to be heard over the widespread risk aversion.

Geopolitical Tensions Flare on New Tariff Threats

The risk-off sentiment gripping overnight markets has intensified following explicit new tariff threats from the White House. President Trump is now threatening a 200% tariff on French wines, directly linking the move to efforts to pressure European leaders over his strategic plans for Greenland.

This development provides concrete detail to the "Greenland jitters" cited earlier and is the primary catalyst fueling the flight to safety. The move is reinforcing the record rally in Gold, which continues to hold near its $4,700/oz high, as investors seek safe havens from escalating trade and geopolitical uncertainty.

Amid the macro anxiety, company-specific news continues to trickle out. In the EV space, Li Auto (LI) is reportedly offering 7-year financing plans, a move seen by analysts as a response to slowing delivery numbers. On a more positive note for individual names, Equitable Bank (EQB) received an upgrade from BMO Capital, while Jefferies initiated coverage on XP Inc. (XP) with a buy rating.

Gold Hits Record High as Geopolitical Fears Mount

The flight to safety is intensifying in the overnight session, with Gold prices surging to a record high of $4,700 per ounce. The move is being driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, specifically cited as "Greenland jitters" and new tariff concerns which are rattling global sentiment.

This risk-off impulse is also evident in other commodities, as Palladium climbed above $1,800 on supply disruption fears linked to the same geopolitical issues. The pressure is mounting on the U.S. Dollar, which continues to weaken as the "Sell America" trade narrative gains traction among international investors.

Attempting to offer a counter-balance, China announced it is planning new measures to stimulate consumption with a focus on its services sector. However, for now, this positive domestic news is being completely overshadowed by the more immediate and widespread geopolitical risk dominating the market's attention.

Global Headwinds Mount as Dollar Outlook Weakens

The risk-off sentiment from yesterday is carrying over into the overnight session, fueled by fresh concerns about the global economic picture. A major Australian pension fund has reportedly begun trimming its exposure to the U.S. dollar, signaling a significant institutional bet on a weakening outlook for the currency and potentially the U.S. economy.

This macro anxiety is echoed in the commodities market, where Palladium prices are climbing on geopolitical supply concerns. These developments add to the existing worries from yesterday, including disappointment from China's central bank and rising Japanese bond yields, painting a cautious backdrop for the upcoming U.S. session.

Despite the broader gloom, corporate activity continues. In Hong Kong, shares of Pop Mart (9992.HK) surged after the company announced its first share buyback in two years. Stateside, investment bank Piper Sandler (PIP) announced the completion of an acquisition, showing that strategic deals are still getting done despite the challenging macro environment.