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Gold Hits Record High as Investors Seek Safety

What the Safety Trade Signals January 26, 2026
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Changes in the Market are on display Gold prices rise as investors seek stability.

Good Morning,

Markets are hitting fresh highs, but under the surface, investors are quietly paying up for protection. Gold just pushed to a new record as risk concerns linger, even with stocks pressing forward. We break down what’s driving the move into “safe” assets, why it matters for portfolios tilted toward growth, and what this signal may be saying about market confidence right now.

Lawmakers expect a crypto market structure bill by mid‑2026 despite stablecoin reward disputes, warnings of yen volatility threaten U.S. stocks as the New York Fed probes currency rates, and government shutdown odds spike to ~78% amid a DHS funding standoff.

Don't forget to voice your opinion in my polls below.

Here are your Morning Bullets.

– Truly yours, Fred Frost


📉 Yesterday's Market Recap

Yesterday, markets took a cautious step back as investors braced for a heavy week of tech earnings and policy updates. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures dipped, reflecting nerves over mega-cap reports and Fed signals, while a historic winter storm exacerbated economic pressures with widespread disruptions. Here’s what moved the needle.



  • Natural Gas Spikes on Storm Impact: Winter storm Fern drove a 70% surge in natural gas prices in under two weeks, with production risks threatening up to 80 bcf in losses. → CNBC

  • Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs: Gold soared to $5,111/oz (up 18% YTD) and silver to $110/oz (up 54% YTD), fueled by a weakening dollar and shutdown fears. → Stocktwits

  • Baker Hughes Beats Expectations: Baker Hughes (BKR) rose 3.7% premarket after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.78, beating estimates by $0.11. → TheStreet


📉 Daily Performance Snapshot

Index/Asset Closing Value Change
S&P 500 6,915.61 +2.26 (+0.03%)
Nasdaq 23,501.24 +65.22 (+0.28%)
Dow Jones 49,098.71 -285.30 (-0.58%)
Gold 5,103.00 +96.90 (+1.93%)
Crude Oil 60.97 -0.10 (-0.16%)
Bitcoin 87,689.00 -908.00 (-1.03%)
10-yr Treasury Yield 4.214% -0.026 (-0.61%)

🔭 What to Watch Today

Today’s calendar is packed with events that could sway markets, from central bank decisions to earnings reports and ongoing geopolitical spats. Keep your eyes on these key developments.

  • FOMC Meeting Concludes Wednesday: The Federal Reserve’s rate decision is expected, with a 97.2% probability of no change, but commentary on inflation and growth will be critical. → Benzinga
  • Mega-Cap Tech Earnings Rollout: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Alphabet report this week; their results could dictate tech sector momentum amidst AI and growth scrutiny. → CNBC
  • USMCA Tensions with Canada: Trump’s 100% tariff threat on Canadian goods over China trade deals adds pressure ahead of 2026 renegotiations—watch for policy updates. → Fortune

  • 💡 Opportunity Watch

    Amidst market jitters and policy storms, a few sectors and stocks stand out as potential plays for the sharp-eyed investor. Here are three worth a closer look.

    • Verizon Communications (VZ): Post-acquisition of Frontier, VZ is undervalued with a projected free cash flow jump to $25.4B by 2029, supporting a 7% dividend yield. → TheStreet
    • Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC): As a leader in AI chip production, TSMC could benefit from global tech demand despite geopolitical risks in emerging markets. → MoneyWeek

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    🔥 The Big Bullet

    Gold breaks above $5,100 as investors move to “safe” assets

    What happened: Gold prices pushed to a fresh record, moving above $5,100 per ounce, according to reports that gold surged past $5,100 per ounce as investors sought safety. The move happened quickly and caught attention because it followed a run of strong gains. The story points to investors shifting money toward assets that are seen as more stable during uncertain periods. It also notes that global tensions were part of the backdrop for the jump. When gold rises like this, it often signals that investors are feeling cautious. It can also reflect big, fast flows from large buyers, not just everyday traders. Even so, a single day’s move does not tell the whole story. The key point is that gold set a new high and did it in a risk-off mood.


    Why it matters: A sharp rise in gold can change how investors think about risk across markets, not just in metals. If money is moving into gold, it may also be moving out of stocks or other higher-risk assets. That can affect daily market tone, especially when big headlines hit. It can also influence how people position portfolios, with more focus on defense and less on growth. Higher gold prices may lift shares tied to mining, royalties, and metal-related services, while raising input costs for some buyers. The timing matters too, since gold often competes with other “parking spot” assets like cash-like products. When gold breaks records, it can attract new buyers who do not want to miss the trend, which can add to swings. The broader message is caution: investors are paying more for protection, and that can shape sentiment beyond gold itself. Market coverage also framed the move as part of a wider risk-off backdrop, including stock futures falling as gold hit a record.

    What’s next: Watch whether gold can hold above the $5,000 level or if it slips back after the headline surge. The next few trading sessions matter because breakouts can either strengthen or fade fast. Pay attention to whether gold moves are steady or jumpy, since big swings can signal crowded trades. Also watch how other markets react, especially broad stock indexes and the U.S. dollar, because gold often moves with shifts in risk mood. If gold keeps climbing, more investors may look for ways to get exposure, which can increase demand. If it reverses, it could suggest the “safety trade” was short-lived. Another key factor is how news flow develops, since changing headlines can quickly change demand for safe assets. For a practical view of what this price level means for everyday investors, see what investors should know now that gold costs more than $5,000 an ounce.


    Reader Feedback

    Last time, I asked you: Which do you think matters more for markets right now?

    The majority of you at 48% said "Tariffs getting rolled back or blocked"

    Paul from New Hampshire replied: ”I think tariffs matter more right now because changing them can quickly raise or lower prices and calm the markets."

    Here's what I'm asking you today:

    What do you think gold’s big jump is really saying right now?

    Login or Subscribe to participate

    As always if your opinion is not here, or you want to throw your two cents at me, reply to the E-mail, and let me know your exact thoughts.


    🧭 Policy & Market Ripples

    • Crypto Bill Progress: Kevin O’Leary predicts a crypto market structure bill by May 15, 2026, despite stablecoin reward disputes stalling progress. → Benzinga
    • Yen Volatility Risks: Michael Burry warns a yen reversal could hit U.S. stocks, as the New York Fed probes currency rates amid Japanese intervention signals. → MarketWatch
    • Government Shutdown Odds Spike: Polymarket odds for a U.S. shutdown by Jan 31 hit 78%, driven by DHS funding fights. → Daily Signal

    📜 This Day in History – January 26

    January 26 is about scale and signal: new media proves it can travel, cities brand culture into infrastructure, and institutions quietly lock in long-term economic gravity.

    Early mechanical television apparatus with spinning discs and exposed electronics, no text or people

    1926 – John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of a working television system, turning moving images into a technology that could scale into mass culture and mass advertising.

    1934 – Harlem’s Apollo Theater opened its doors, institutionalizing Black performance into a durable cultural and economic engine rather than a fringe venue.

    1837 – Michigan was admitted as the 26th U.S. state, adding industrial geography that would later anchor manufacturing, logistics, and labor innovation.

    1972 – The Sapporo Winter Olympics opened, marking the first Winter Games in Asia and signaling how global sport had become a platform for urban branding and tourism economics.

    87% of you chose the right answer to our previous trivia question: To provide assistance only to individuals or households that meet certain income or asset criteria


    A fool and his money are lucky enough to get together in the first place.
    – Gordon Gekko
    Thanks for Reading.

    Stay Sharp. Stay Focused.
    Fredrick Frost
    Editor, MorningBullets

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