**Global Market Snapshot: Friday, January 30, 2026** **Equities: Mixed Close to End the Week** US markets remained largely flat as investors digested mixed tech earnings. The **S&P 500** hovered near **6,978** (-0.01%), while the **Dow Jones** inched up to **49,015** (+0.02%). The **Nasdaq** managed a slight gain to **23,857** (+0.17%), despite heavy pressure from the software sector. **Key Movers** **Microsoft** faced a sharp sell-off, dropping nearly **10%** following disappointing cloud growth numbers, acting as a major drag on the tech sector. Conversely, **Meta** surged over **10%** on strong earnings, while **Apple** shares rose **0.72%** ahead of its own earnings report, helping to balance the indices. **Commodities: Gold Retreats, Oil Stabilizes** After a record-breaking rally, **Gold** prices faced a significant correction, dropping over **4%** to trade around **$5,203** per ounce amid profit-taking and a rebound in the dollar. **Crude Oil** remains relatively soft, with **Brent** trading near **$68.50** and **WTI** around **$59.00**, pressured by eased supply fears. **Crypto: Bearish Sentiment Persists** The crypto market continues to face headwinds. **Ethereum** is struggling below **$3,000**, risking its fifth consecutive month of losses. **Bitcoin** remains under pressure, failing to reclaim key support levels as broader market risk appetite cools. **Economic Focus: Fed Holds Steady** The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at **3.50%–3.75%**, maintaining a "wait-and-see" approach. Market attention has now shifted to the political arena, with President Trump expected to announce his nominee for the new Fed Chair imminently, a move likely to spark further volatility.