**Global Market Brief: January 30, 2026** **Equities: Tech Volatility & Healthcare Sell-Off** Global stock markets are ending the week on uncertain footing as investors digest mixed corporate earnings and rising geopolitical tensions. In the US, the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** slipped toward **49,000**, dragged down by a sharp decline in the healthcare sector. Major insurers like **UnitedHealth** and **CVS** plummeted following disappointing Medicare Advantage payment proposals. The **S&P 500** hovers near **6,970**, struggling for direction, while the **Nasdaq Composite** shows resilience around **23,700**. Tech performance remains deeply divided: **Meta** shares rallied on strong earnings, acting as a counterweight to **Microsoft**, which tumbled **10%** amid concerns over massive AI capital rapid spending. In Asia and Europe, sentiment is cautious. Japan’s **Nikkei 225** managed a slight gain to **53,400**, supported by a weaker yen, while the **Hang Seng Index** in Hong Kong dropped nearly **2%** to **27,400**. Germany’s **DAX** also faced pressure, falling over **2%** to trade near **24,300**. **Commodities: Safe-Haven Rush** Geopolitical risks are driving a historic rally in precious metals. **Gold** prices have surged past **$5,500** per ounce, hitting fresh record highs as traders hedge against escalating tensions between the US and Iran. **Silver** followed suit, breaking above **$116** per ounce. Oil markets are reacting to the same geopolitical triggers. **WTI Crude** jumped to the **$65–$70** range after threats of military action in the Middle East raised fears of supply disruptions. **Crypto: Bitcoin Retracts** Digital assets are decoupling from the safe-haven rally seen in gold. **Bitcoin** faced heavy selling pressure, dropping over **5%** to trade around **$84,400**. The broader crypto market is seeing liquidations as investors rotate capital into traditional defensive assets, pushing the total crypto market cap down to **$1.68 trillion**. **Economic Outlook** The Federal Reserve’s recent policy stance remains a "non-event" for markets, shifting the focus entirely to earnings execution and geopolitical developments. Investors are closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, which has become the primary driver for energy and precious metal prices this week.