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- Global Market Overview | January 2026
Global Market Overview | January 2026
02 February 2026
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Written by the FNB Wealth and Investments Research team
The first month of the new year was dominated by headlines surrounding geopolitical tension between the United States (US) and several nations as well as a fresh round of new tariff threats. This continued to fuel the “sell America” rhetoric, pushing the US dollar deeper into bearish territory towards levels last seen in 2022. Sentiment remained broadly “risk on” however and emerging markets rallied strongly with the MSCI Emerging Markets index getting ahead by ~10.8% - a strong outperformance compared to developed markets (MSCI World index: +2.7%). The risk-on shift also extended to the US with the Russell 2000 index (+7%) outperforming the tech sector (FANG+ Index: -2.2%), intensified by doubts resurfacing over whether spending on artificial-intelligence (AI) infrastructure will translate into earnings over time. Precious metals remained in the spotlight as well with safe-haven champion, gold, extending its record-breaking rally above $5 500 an ounce amid escalating geopolitical risks, the possibility of another US government shutdown, dollar debasement and growing expectations of further monetary easing.

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