U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Show Progress but No Breakthrough Amid Rising Military Tensions 
U.S.-Canada Trade Talks Resume as Trump Administration Reviews USMCA 
Rubio Urges Caribbean Cooperation on Crime as U.S. Tightens Cuba Policy 
Reliance Industries Surges on Strong Quarterly Profit, Retail Recovery 
Claudia Sheinbaum Confirms Call With Trump After El Mencho Killed in Major Mexico Cartel Raid 
South Korea to End Short-Selling Ban as Financial Market Uncertainty Persists 
UK Markets Face Rising Volatility as Hedge Funds Target Pound and Gilts 
Kim Jong Un Vows to Expand North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal, Signals Conditional Talks With U.S. 
Philippines, U.S., and Japan Conduct Joint Naval Drills in South China Sea to Boost Maritime Security 
Trump’s Iran Nuclear Claims: Missiles, Uranium Enrichment, and Protest Death Toll in Focus 
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Meets President Trump to Tackle Housing Crisis and ICE Detentions 
Top Democrat Accuses DOJ of Withholding FBI Records in Trump-Epstein Investigation 
China's Refining Industry Faces Major Shakeup Amid Challenges 
Venezuela Oil Exports to Reach $2 Billion Under U.S.-Led Supply Agreement 
Mexico's Undervalued Equity Market Offers Long-Term Investment Potential 
Maduro Seeks Dismissal of U.S. Drug Trafficking Case, Citing Sanctions Interference 
ICE Hiring Surge Raises Vetting Concerns Amid Rapid Expansion 
Investors are closely watching Donald Trump’s second inauguration, eyeing potential benefits from his pro-business agenda while wary of protectionist trade policies, particularly tariffs. His ambitious plans include trade reform, immigration crackdowns, tax cuts, and easing cryptocurrency regulations.
Market participants are preparing for near-term volatility, with Trump's inaugural address seen as a key signal for policy direction. "Uncertainty remains the watchword, with everyone alert for answers to questions like whether the threat of tariffs will become a reality or remain a negotiating ploy," said Sam Stovall, CFRA Research's chief market strategist.
Investment managers expect the impact of Trump’s major policy changes to unfold over time. Michael Arone, CIO at State Street Global Advisors, believes initial responses may be muted, suggesting, "The Trump bark might be worse than the Trump bite in the early going."
However, concerns linger over inflationary pressures from potential tariffs, which could impact bond and stock prices. Immigration controls might further affect markets. On the other hand, deregulation has already boosted bank stocks and cryptocurrencies, with Wall Street CEOs optimistic about the administration's business-friendly stance. "Investors are enthusiastic about regulatory easing and potential tax cuts," added Stovall.
The S&P 500, which gained 2.7% post-election, saw cooling momentum amid inflation fears. Markets anticipate Trump’s wave of executive orders targeting immigration and energy. The cryptocurrency industry is hopeful he will deliver on campaign promises, including creating a federal bitcoin stockpile and establishing a crypto council.
Trump’s first term saw the S&P 500 climb nearly 68%, despite trade war volatility. With U.S. markets closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, trading reactions to his second inaugural address will emerge Tuesday.
Investors remain vigilant, balancing optimism with caution as Trump’s policies take shape.
