**Global Market Brief: January 29, 2026** **US Markets: Fed Steady, Tech Earnings in Focus** US indices closed mixed following the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady at **3.50%–3.75%**. Chair Powell cited an improving economic outlook, though inflation concerns linger. * **S&P 500**: Flat at **6,978** (-0.01%). * **Nasdaq**: Edged up to **23,857** (+0.17%), nearing record territory. * **Dow Jones**: Rose slightly to **49,015** (+0.02%). Megacap earnings drove volatility: **Meta** surged on strong results, while **Microsoft** slipped despite beating estimates due to high AI spending. **Tesla** reported mixed numbers but beat profit expectations. **Asian & Indian Markets: Trade Deal Optimism** Indian equities rallied, driven by the conclusion of the **India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)**. * **Nifty 50**: Climbed to **25,342** (+0.66%). * **Sensex**: Jumped to **82,344** (+0.60%). * **Regional Trends**: Japan’s **Nikkei** and South Korea’s **Kospi** also closed in the green, tracking positive global cues. **Commodities: Gold & Silver Smash Records** Precious metals saw historic gains as safe-haven demand spiked amid US dollar fluctuations and geopolitical signals. * **Gold**: Breached **$5,300/oz** for the first time in history. * **Silver**: Surged past **$116/oz**. * **Oil**: Brent Crude slipped to **$67.25** per barrel despite winter storm disruptions in the US affecting short-term supply. **Crypto: Consolidation Continues** Digital assets remain in a consolidation phase following late 2025 volatility. * **Bitcoin**: Trading below **$90,000**, with support testing **$86,000**. * **Market Cap**: Total crypto market cap stands at **$2.93 trillion**. *** **Next Step for You:** I can provide a deeper technical analysis of the gold breakout levels or a breakdown of the specific sectors benefiting from the new India-EU trade agreement.