| Index | 1 Month % | Year To date % | One Year % |
| S&P 500 Total Return | 1.45 | 1.45 | 16.35 |
| NASDAQ Composite** | 0.95 | 0.95 | 20.99 |
| S&P Developed Ex-US BMI* | 6.15 | 6.15 | 36.96 |
| Dow Jones Commodity (DJCI) | 9.25 | 10.66 | 19.87 |
| S&P US Aggregate Bond* | 0.23 | 0.23 | 6.79 |
January Market Recap: Resilience Amidst Rising Volatility
The first month of 2026 proved to be a high-stakes rollercoaster for U.S. equities. January was defined by a sharp dichotomy: while the S&P 500® reached new all-time highs and closed the month up 1.45%, the path was marked by significant turbulence and a palpable shift in market leadership.
A Turbulent Start
Market stability was tested early as the VIX® spiked above the 20 mark. Much of this anxiety centered around January 20th, which saw the S&P 500® suffer its largest single-day decline since October 2025. This volatility was fueled by a “perfect storm” of macro pressures, including:
- Tariff Tensions: Renewed geopolitical friction created immediate headwinds for global trade sentiment.
- International Bond Turmoil: A significant sell-off in Japanese government bonds sent ripples through domestic markets.
- Leadership Transitions: Investor jitters were heightened by fresh inflation data and the announcement of a new Federal Reserve Chair.
The Great Rotation: A Regime Shift
While the broader index finished in positive territory, the internal mechanics of the market suggested a “regime shift.” The dominance of Big Tech faced a reckoning as disappointing earnings reactions dampened enthusiasm for the sector.
In its place, investors pivoted toward dividend-yielding and defensive strategies. This rotation was most evident in the performance of traditional “old economy” sectors:
Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates. Data as of January 30, 2026, except * as of January 29, 2026. Index performance based on total return (USD). Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
**NASDAQ Data as of January 30, 2026 Overview for COMP
Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors and Synergy Wealth Management are separate entities.
