Wall Street Today in the Buzz

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Your pulse on Wall Street! WallStreetBuzz delivers real-time market intelligence, breaking news, and expert analysis. From opening bell to closing bell, we cover major movers, market trends, sector rotation, institutional flows, and the stories moving stocks. Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive market coverage.
 

•  12 Jan 2026
 

•   AKAM  
   
  -1.92%
•   ALGT  
   
  -0.50%
•   C  
   
  +0.72%
•   COF  
   
  -0.19%
•   GILT  
   
  +1.25%

The stock markets are trading mixed as the session continues, after recovering from a clearly negative opening. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 have erased most of their early losses and are trading slightly higher, while the Dow Jones remains marginally lower after deeper declines earlier in the day.

The main source of volatility is growing concern over political pressure on the Federal Reserve. Reports of a Justice Department investigation involving Fed Chair Jerome Powell have sparked debate around the independence of US monetary policy. Powell has warned that such actions could undermine the credibility of the central bank, and markets are treating this as a serious risk. When confidence in policy stability weakens, investors tend to reduce exposure and move defensively, even before any concrete policy change occurs.

$SEDG SolarEdge Technologies is one of the clear standouts during the session, jumping around 10%. After a prolonged period of weakness in the solar sector, the move signals renewed interest from traders looking for rebound candidates. It also reflects how quickly sentiment can shift when expectations are low and positioning is crowded to one side.

$GILT Gilat Satellite Networks is surging roughly 13%, outperforming both local and global peers. The sharp move highlights ongoing appetite for smaller-cap stocks with focused business models and clearer growth narratives, even as broader indices struggle for direction.

$COF Capital One is under heavy pressure, down about 7%, after President Donald Trump warned that credit card companies could face legal consequences unless interest rates are capped at 10%. Investors are reacting immediately to the potential impact on margins, pricing in a scenario where consumer credit profitability comes under sustained regulatory pressure.

$JPM JPMorgan Chase is trading lower as the negative sentiment spreads across the banking sector. With earnings season starting, investors are particularly sensitive to any risk that regulation or political intervention could affect lending activity, consumer demand, or forward guidance.

$C Citigroup is also trading sharply lower ahead of its earnings report later this week. The stock’s weakness reflects broader concern that large banks may face a more challenging operating environment if credit regulation tightens while economic growth cools.

$GOOGL Alphabet is edging lower despite announcing new AI-powered tools for retailers. The market response has been muted, suggesting investors want clearer evidence of adoption and revenue impact, especially after the stock’s recent strength pushed valuations higher.

$NVDA NVIDIA continues to trade softly as recent announcements in robotics and autonomous driving have not delivered a fresh catalyst. After an extended rally, expectations remain elevated, and investors are increasingly selective, favoring profit-taking over chasing incremental news.

$WMT Walmart is trading higher after confirmation that it will be added to the Nasdaq 100 index later this month. Index inclusion typically brings demand from passive funds, and Walmart’s expanding use of AI within its retail operations supports a steady, defensive growth narrative.

$AKAM Akamai is moving higher following an upgrade from Morgan Stanley, with analysts pointing to improving trends in cloud computing and cybersecurity. In a cautious tech market, investors are responding positively to clearer visibility on growth and margins.

$ALGT Allegiant Travel is trading up after announcing an agreement to acquire Sun Country in a deal valued at roughly $1.5 billion. The market reaction has been constructive, as investors focus on the strategic benefits of scale and a stronger position in US leisure travel.

As the session continues, attention remains on upcoming inflation data, a heavy earnings calendar, and escalating geopolitical risks tied to unrest in Iran. Together, these factors are keeping volatility elevated and conviction cautious.

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