**Global Market Brief: February 3, 2026** **Equities: Tech Weighs on Wall Street** US markets opened on a subdued note this Tuesday, with major indices struggling for direction. The **S\&P 500** slipped **0.2%** to approximately **6,939**, while the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** shed **173 points** to trade near **48,892**. The tech-heavy **Nasdaq Composite** also declined **0.2%** to **23,462**, dragged down by large-cap weakness. Investors are digesting mixed corporate earnings and lingering concerns over a potential AI market bubble. While **Meta Platforms** rallied nearly **10%** on strong results, **Microsoft** faced selling pressure. The market is also assessing the nomination of **Kevin Warsh** as the next Federal Reserve Chair, whose perceived hawkish stance has sparked debates about future monetary policy independence. **Commodities: Gold Shines, Oil Tumbles** Safe-haven assets are outperforming riskier trades. **Gold** prices staged a robust recovery, rising over **1.3%** to reclaim the **$4,800 per ounce** level, driven by dollar volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. **Silver** saw even sharper gains, jumping nearly **6%** to **$83.19**. Conversely, energy markets faced a steep sell-off. **WTI Crude** plummeted approximately **5%** to **$62 per barrel**—its lowest level in six months. The drop follows reports of renewed diplomatic talks between the US and Iran, which have significantly reduced the risk premium associated with Middle East supply disruptions. [Image of crude oil price trend chart] **Crypto: Bitcoin Under Pressure** Digital assets remain in a corrective phase amidst the broader risk-off sentiment. **Bitcoin** dipped below **$78,000**, trading down roughly **2–5%** as ETF outflows and leveraged liquidations weigh on prices. The broader crypto market followed suit, with **Ether** and **Solana** posting notable declines as capital rotated back into traditional defensives like precious metals. **Geopolitics & Economy** Geopolitical tensions are easing in key regions, contributing to the slump in oil prices. The Trump administration announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods to **18%**, signaling improved trade relations. Meanwhile, the resumption of US-Iran negotiations has calmed immediate fears of a wider regional conflict. Market participants are now awaiting further clarity on the US labor market, although upcoming data releases face potential delays due to the partial government shutdown. [Market Summary: Gold Price Forecast](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DFjIu00uIn8Y) This video provides a technical analysis of the current gold market rally and price targets, relevant to today's sharp recovery in precious metals.