Global Market Brief – Friday, January 30, 2026 **Equities: Pausing After Milestones** Global markets are steadying themselves after a historic week where the **S&P 500** briefly breached the **7,000** barrier for the first time, fueled by AI optimism. US indices are mixed this morning as investors await critical policy announcements. The **Dow Jones** is holding near **49,015**, while the **Nasdaq** hovers around **23,857**. **Crypto: Sharp Pullback** Digital assets are under significant pressure today. **Bitcoin** has slipped below the **$90,000** support level, trading near **$88,950** amid a wave of leveraged liquidations and risk-off sentiment. **Ethereum** is also struggling, trading around **$2,920**, despite long-term bullish forecasts. The total crypto market cap has retreated to approximately **$2.97 trillion**. **Commodities: Geopolitical Tensions & Volatility** Oil prices have retreated slightly but are on track for their strongest monthly gain since 2023. **Brent Crude** is trading near **$69.80** and **WTI** around **$64.30**, supported by escalating tensions between the US and Iran. In metals, **Gold** is seeing extreme volatility, with recent reports indicating a sharp correction following its run to fresh records earlier in the week. **Key Economic Drivers** * **Fed Chair Announcement:** Markets are bracing for President Trump's announcement of the next Federal Reserve Chair later today, with Kevin Warsh emerging as a front-runner. * **US Growth:** Recent data shows the US economy accelerated to a **4.4%** growth rate in Q3, though core PCE inflation remains elevated at **2.8%**, complicating the rate-cut outlook. * **Trade Wars:** New tariff threats, including a potential **50%** levy on Canadian aircraft, are weighing on industrial sentiment.