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Weekly NewsletterJanuary 5, 2026

This Week on Wall Street – Week of January 5th

Happy New Year! Markets overall started off strong last Friday during the first trading day of the year, while the Mag 7 experienced a weaker welcome.

This Week on Wall Street – Week of January 5th

MARKET COMMENTARY

Happy New Year! Markets overall started off strong last Friday during the first trading day of the year, while the Mag 7 experienced a weaker welcome. Over the weekend, President Trump took further action towards solving alleged drug-trafficking in Venezuela by capturing their  President, Nicolas Maduro. This follows months of attacks on assumed drug-smuggling boats. With Venezuela holding the world’s largest reserves of crude oil, this turmoil could alter future production of the resource. While this might create a disruption in short-term supply, there’s potential for a boost in long-term supply which could lead to lower oil prices and more production.

The week ahead will include a few important data releases with the center of attention being on an updated picture of December’s job market. After months of delayed and distorted data, we’re finally back on track with proper reporting. However, upcoming releases may not be promised with the Affordable Care credits officially over and the Senate still not at a consensus on how to move forward, risking yet another shutdown. For now, we’ll appreciate the data we have which is expected to continue reflecting a slower but improving job market with a slight decline to the unemployment rate making it 4.5% and a rise of 50k+ to nonfarm payrolls. If the case, this will likely support further Fed rate cuts in 2026.

A major concern lingering over investor heads in the past few years has been the heavy concentration in stock returns. We hope to see dynamic turn and provide a broader tailwind if breadth in the market finally begins to widen this year. As of now, things are looking optimistic for this change, with more stocks above their moving averages and reaching new highs outpacing new lows. Momentum remains mixed across indexes with U.S. large cap improving while small cap lags.


Economic Releases This Week

Monday: ISM Manufacturing Index

Tuesday: S&P U.S. Services PMI

Wednesday: ISM Services Index, ADP Employment, Job Openings

Thursday: Initial Jobless Claims

Friday: US Unemployment Data, Consumer Sentiment

Stories to Start the Week

Trump removes leader Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and attempts to take control over their government

Trump’s repeats threats to annex Greenland, currently a Danish territory

What to expect at CES, the tech industry’s biggest show of the year

First GLP-1 pill for obesity from Novo Nordisk launches in the U.S.

Stranger Things finale hit well over $25 million to the box office after releasing on New Year’s in over 620 locations

About This Series

Last Week on Wall Street

Last Week on Wall Street is Waterloo Capital's weekly market recap, published every Monday morning to keep advisors and clients informed on the most significant developments from the prior trading week. Each edition synthesizes equity market performance, fixed income moves, macroeconomic data releases, and notable corporate earnings into a concise, actionable read — cutting through the noise so our readers can focus on what actually matters for long-term wealth management.

Our research team tracks the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ Composite, and 10-year Treasury yield as primary benchmarks, while also covering sector rotations, commodity swings, and policy shifts from the Federal Reserve and Washington. When major cross-asset moves occur — such as the historic gold selloff covered in this edition — we dig into the mechanics and the likely ripple effects on diversified portfolios, helping clients contextualize volatility without reacting impulsively.

Our Research Approach

Evidence-Based Perspective for Long-Term Investors

Waterloo Capital's investment research is grounded in fundamental analysis and long-term thinking. We believe that disciplined, evidence-based investing — anchored in each client's specific goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon — consistently outperforms reactive decision-making driven by short-term headlines. Our weekly commentary is designed to inform, not alarm: we put market moves in their proper historical context so that clients can hold conviction in their financial plans through periods of uncertainty.

As an SEC-registered investment advisor headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices across the Southwest and Southeast, Waterloo Capital serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Our advisors use proprietary research like this weekly recap as one input among many — alongside in-depth portfolio reviews, tax planning, and estate strategy — to deliver comprehensive wealth management tailored to each client relationship. To learn more about how our investment philosophy and ongoing market research can serve your financial future, contact our team directly.

Investment Disclosure: The information contained in this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Waterloo Capital, LP is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

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