**Market Brief: Tech Earnings & Fed Decision in Focus** **Global Momentum & Key Indices** US markets closed higher Monday as investors positioned for a pivotal week of mega-cap earnings and central bank policy. The **S&P 500** climbed to **6,950** (+0.5%), while the **Dow Jones** rose to **49,412** (+0.6%). The tech-heavy **Nasdaq** advanced to **23,601**, driven by optimism ahead of "Magnificent Seven" reports. **Indian Market Outlook** Domestic indices return to action today following the Republic Day holiday. * **Last Close (Friday):** Sensex settled at **81,537**, while Nifty 50 ended at **25,049**, dragged by heavy selling in Adani group stocks and banking majors. * **Opening Signals:** GIFT Nifty trends suggest a **positive start** for Indian equities, aiming to recover lost ground despite mixed cues from Asian peers. * **Regional Headwinds:** Asian markets are trading lower this morning, with the Kospi dipping on renewed US tariff threats against South Korean goods. **Strategic Watchlist: AI & The Fed** * **Federal Reserve:** The FOMC meeting is underway (Jan 27–28). Markets widely expect rates to hold steady at **3.50%–3.75%**, with intense scrutiny on Chairman Powell’s commentary regarding future cuts amid mixed economic data. * **Mega-Cap Earnings:** Critical reports from **Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla** (Wednesday) and **Apple** (Thursday) will test valuations. Investors demand concrete evidence of AI monetization to justify massive capital expenditures. **Commodities & Currency** * **Gold:** Surged to a historic high, crossing **$5,000 per ounce**, fueled by geopolitical tension and dollar weakness. * **Oil:** WTI Crude remains subdued around **$60.80**, limiting inflationary pressure. * **Currency:** The US Dollar Index (DXY) weakened as traders speculate on potential joint intervention to support the Japanese Yen. **Summary** Volatility is expected as Indian markets price in three days of global action. The trajectory for the remainder of the week hinges on the Fed’s tone and whether Big Tech can deliver on AI growth promises.