It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re checking your brokerage app expecting to see flickering green and red candles for the S&P 500, you’re gonna be disappointed. The big exchanges in New York and London are locked up tight for the weekend. But honestly, thinking nothing is happening just because the floor at the NYSE is empty is a massive mistake.
While the "official" markets are resting, the actual gears of global finance are screaming.
The question of what did markets do today isn't just about a closing number on a chart. It’s about the massive undercurrents that happen when the world is supposedly "off." Right now, the big story is the shadow move in crypto and the frantic prep work for a week that looks like a total gauntlet for your portfolio.
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The Crypto "Tell" and Weekend Volatility
Bitcoin doesn't sleep. It’s currently hovering around $89,800, and the vibe is... weirdly tense. We’ve seen a "neutral" reading on the Fear & Greed Index, which basically means everyone is staring at each other waiting for someone else to make a move.
Historically, when we ask what did markets do today on a Sunday, we look at crypto as the "canary in the coal mine." If Bitcoin slides 3% on a Sunday night, you can almost bet your house that the Nasdaq is going to open with a headache on Monday morning. Right now, buying interest is "gaining traction" (to use the fancy analyst speak), but it’s fragile.
There’s also this weird legal milestone today—Crypto Legal just got named the best blockchain law firm for 2025. Why does that matter for your money? Because it signals that the "Wild West" era is officially dead. The markets today are being shaped by forensic accountants and regulators as much as by "diamond handed" traders.
Why Tomorrow Is Going To Be Absolute Chaos
If you’re wondering what did markets do today to set up your week, look at the calendar. Tomorrow, January 19th, is the start of a "catch-up" period that’s going to be brutal.
Remember that 43-day government shutdown that finally ended? Well, the federal workers have been working overtime, and they’re about to dump a mountain of delayed data on us. We’re talking:
- Retail sales figures that were stuck in a drawer.
- Industrial production numbers.
- The "big one": Personal Income and Outlays (PCE price indices).
Basically, the market has been flying blind for weeks. This week, the blindfold comes off.
The Nvidia Factor and the $50 Trillion Prediction
You can't talk about what the markets are doing without mentioning the 800-pound gorilla: Nvidia. Today, James Anderson (the legendary guy from Scottish Mortgage) is making headlines with a prediction that is, quite frankly, insane. He’s suggesting Nvidia could hit a $50 trillion market cap in the next decade.
For context, Nvidia is sitting around $4.55 trillion right now.
Even on a Sunday, this kind of talk moves the "pre-market" sentiment. Investors are currently debating whether the AI bubble is finally ready to pop or if we're just in the second inning. The S&P 500 managed a 16.4% gain in 2025, marking three straight years of double-digit growth. That kind of winning streak makes people nervous. It makes them wonder if the "what did markets do today" answer will eventually be "they collapsed."
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Bond Yields: The Boring Stuff That Actually Matters
While you were likely having brunch, the 10-year Treasury yield is sitting at 4.24%.
That number is the gravity for the entire financial universe. When yields go up, your tech stocks usually go down. The spread between the 2-year and 10-year notes is still being watched like a hawk. People used to say an inverted curve meant a recession was 100% guaranteed. But in 2026, the old rules feel sorta broken. The economy is growing, yet the "signals" are screaming "danger."
What You Should Actually Do Right Now
Stop refreshing the price of Bitcoin every ten minutes. It’s Sunday.
If you want to be ready for the opening bell, here is the actual "expert" move:
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- Check the "Reinvestment Dollars": About $42 billion is currently floating around looking for a home in Municipal bonds. This is the "January Effect." If you're looking for safety, that’s where the big money is hiding.
- Brace for the "Data Dump": Monday and Tuesday are going to see a flood of reports that were delayed by the shutdown. Expect higher-than-normal volatility. If a stock you like drops 5% on Monday, check if it’s because of the data or because the company is actually in trouble.
- Watch the $90k Mark: If Bitcoin breaks and holds above $90,000 tonight, expect a "risk-on" environment for tech stocks tomorrow. If it fails, keep some cash on the sidelines.
The answer to what did markets do today is simple: they held their breath. Tomorrow, they start screaming again.
Actionable Insights for Your Monday Open:
- Audit your Tech exposure: If you're 90% in AI-related stocks, the "catch-up" economic data this week could be a wake-up call.
- Watch the 10-year Yield: If it pushes toward 4.3%, consider trimming your growth positions.
- Identify "Shutdown Laggards": Look for companies that were unfairly punished during the government shutdown—they might see a "relief rally" as official data finally confirms they’re doing fine.