If you’re checking your portfolio this Saturday morning, you might notice things feel a bit quiet. That’s because the market is actually closed today, January 17, 2026. However, the ripple effects from yesterday’s closing bell are still very much the talk of the town. Honestly, the mood on Wall Street right now is "cautiously confused."
So, is the Dow Jones industrial average up or down today? Technically, the "today" everyone is talking about refers to the final trading session of the week. The Dow finished Friday down 83.11 points, closing at 49,359.33. That’s a 0.17% slip. It’s not a crash, but it definitely capped off a wobbly week where the major indexes just couldn't find their footing.
Why the Dow Slipped Into the Red
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the Federal Reserve. It’s the primary driver behind why the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down. There’s a lot of drama surrounding who President Trump will pick to lead the Fed once Jerome Powell’s term ends in May.
Specifically, the market got jittery when hints dropped that Kevin Hassett—a favorite for the role—might not be a shoo-in. Investors generally like Hassett because he’s seen as someone who would aggressively cut interest rates. When that certainty wavered, Treasury yields spiked. The 10-year Treasury yield hit 4.23%, its highest level since September.
When yields go up, stocks usually take a breather. It’s a classic tug-of-war.
The Winners and Losers Under the Hood
Even though the index was down overall, it wasn't a total wash for every company. The Dow is only 30 stocks, but they tell a big story.
- IBM was a surprise star, climbing 2.64%.
- American Express followed suit, up about 2.09%.
- On the flip side, Salesforce took a 2.76% hit, and UnitedHealth dropped 2.33%.
It’s interesting to see how divided the sectors were. While the blue-chip Dow struggled, small-cap stocks actually had a decent day. The Russell 2000 index eked out a 0.1% gain. This suggests that while the "big guys" are worried about interest rates and political appointments, smaller domestic companies are still finding some momentum.
Is the Dow Jones Industrial Average Up or Down Today Compared to the Records?
Context is everything. We’ve spent much of early 2026 hovering near all-time highs. Even with Friday’s dip, the Dow is up about 2.7% for the year so far. If you look back at the last 12 months, the index has gained a staggering 13.5%.
People get caught up in the daily "red" on their screens, but the bigger picture is still quite bullish. We're sitting just a few hundred points shy of the 50,000 milestone. That’s a massive psychological level. Every time we get close, the market seems to get a little "stage fright" and pulls back.
Earnings Season Jitters
We are right in the thick of fourth-quarter earnings season. This always adds a layer of "wait and see" to the markets. This week, we saw mixed results from regional banks. PNC Financial jumped 4% after a great report, but Regions Financial fell 3% because their guidance looked a bit weak.
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Investors are hyper-focused on corporate margins. With the Trump administration's new trade deals—like the one recently announced with Taiwan—there’s a lot of speculation about how supply chains will shift. While the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) results earlier in the week gave tech a boost, that energy didn't quite carry the Dow through Friday.
What to Watch When the Bell Rings Monday
Since the market is closed today, the real question is what happens next. The volatility we're seeing in bond yields isn't going away over the weekend.
Keep an eye on the "Wall Street Fear Gauge," also known as the VIX. It climbed slightly to 15.86. That’s not a panic level by any means (anything under 20 is relatively calm), but it shows that the "easy money" vibe of late 2025 is transitioning into a more tactical, choppy environment in 2026.
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If you are trying to figure out if the is the Dow Jones industrial average up or down today in terms of your long-term strategy, don't sweat the 83-point drop too much. The index is still fundamentally strong, supported by solid (if cautious) earnings and a labor market that is cooling just enough to keep the Fed from getting too aggressive with hikes, even if they pause the cuts for a minute.
Actionable Steps for Investors
- Review your bond exposure: With the 10-year yield hitting 4.23%, your fixed-income strategy might need a tweak.
- Check your "Magnificent Seven" weight: While the Dow struggled, names like Amazon are being eyed for a major 2026 comeback after an underwhelming 2025.
- Don't chase the 50,000 mark: Let the market consolidate. Buying into a dip is usually smarter than buying into a vertical spike driven by hype.
- Watch the Fed headlines: Until a successor for Powell is officially named, expect the Dow to react to every rumor coming out of the White House.
The market may be resting today, but the underlying data shows a financial landscape that is re-evaluating its risk. Use the weekend to look at your year-to-date performance rather than just Friday's closing numbers.