**GLOBAL MARKET BRIEF: FEBRUARY 3, 2026** **Equities: Tech Rebound & Policy Optimism** Global markets are showing resilience as major US indices push higher, driven by renewed optimism surrounding Federal Reserve leadership and mixed-but-promising tech earnings. The **Dow Jones Industrial Average** surged over **500 points (+1.05%)** to reach **49,407**, closing in on the **50,000** psychological milestone. The **S&P 500** climbed **0.54%** to **6,976**, while the **Nasdaq Composite** added **0.56%** to sit at **23,592**. In Asia, Japan’s **Nikkei 225** staged a strong rebound, rising **2.94%** to recover from recent sell-offs, fueled by bargain hunting in the tech sector. **Commodities: Gold Volatility & Oil Jitters** Precious metals are stabilizing after a sharp correction. **Gold** has rebounded **2.42%** to trade around **$4,773 per ounce**, finding support from central bank buying and safe-haven demand. **Silver** also saw recovery, trading near **$82 per ounce**. Energy markets are heating up due to escalating geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran. **WTI Crude** has pushed higher, trading between **$61** and **$66 per barrel**, with traders eyeing potential supply disruptions. **Crypto & Currencies: Bitcoin Under Pressure** The cryptocurrency market remains volatile. **Bitcoin (BTC)** is struggling to maintain momentum, trading around **$78,300** after slipping below the **$80,000** support level earlier in the week. **Ethereum (ETH)** is trading near **$2,328**, facing similar downward pressure as risk appetite shifts back toward traditional equities. In currencies, the **US Dollar Index (DXY)** remains firm around **97.60**, bolstered by the nomination of **Kevin Warsh** as the next Federal Reserve Chair, a move interpreted by markets as hawkish for the long-term rate outlook. **Key Drivers to Watch** * **Fed Leadership:** The nomination of Kevin Warsh is reshaping interest rate expectations, supporting the dollar but adding volatility to bond markets. * **Tech Earnings:** Investors are closely watching AI monetization; **Meta** is outperforming with strong revenue guidance, while **Microsoft** faces scrutiny over cloud growth slowing. * **Geopolitics:** increasing friction in the Middle East is providing a floor for oil prices despite broader economic cooling signals.