**Market Brief: Monday, February 2, 2026** **Equities** U.S. stock index futures are under significant pressure this morning, continuing a volatile start to the week. **Nasdaq 100** futures are leading the decline, down approximately **1.5%**, while **S&P 500** futures have shed over **1.1%**. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are also lower by roughly **0.7%**. The bearish sentiment comes as investors brace for a high-stakes week of earnings from the "Magnificent 7" and other major players. Key reports due this week include **Alphabet**, **Amazon**, and **Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)**, alongside updates from consumer giants like **Walt Disney** and **PepsiCo**. **Commodities** Precious metals are experiencing a violent selloff, with prices posting their steepest single-day declines in years. **Gold** futures have plunged nearly **4%**, trading below **$4,700** per ounce. **Silver** has been hit even harder, crashing between **7%** and **14%** to trade in the **$73–$79** range. Market analysts attribute the crash to a sharp rebound in the U.S. dollar and the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, which has stoked fears of a more hawkish monetary policy stance. **Economic Calendar** Traders are preparing for a "bevvy" of labor market data that could dictate the Federal Reserve's next moves. The schedule includes **JOLTS** data on Tuesday, the **ADP** employment report on Wednesday, and the critical **Non-Farm Payrolls** report on Friday. Global central bank policy is also in focus, with rate decisions expected from the **European Central Bank (ECB)** and the **Bank of England** later this week.