weekly market commentary graphic

Weekly Market Commentary: Equity Markets Start 2026 on Positive Note

01/12/26

Sunflower Bank Weekly Market Commentary: January 12, 2026

Each week, our Wealth Management team analyzes the U.S. stock market and bond market activity and news of the previous week, summarizing their findings into a weekly market update report. The key points of this week's commentary, "Equity Markets Start 2026 on Positive Note," include:

  • Equity markets ended the first full week of 2026 higher. The S&P 500 rose +1.6%, the Nasdaq 100 gained +2.2%, and the Russell 2000 increased +4.6%.
  • Economic data last week included a mixed December Jobs Report. Job gains came in below expectations and prior month job numbers were revised lower. Positively, the unemployment rate improved slightly in December.
  • Turning to earnings, the fourth quarter 2025 reporting season begins this week with many major financial institutions scheduled to release results. According to Factset, analysts are expecting the combined earnings of companies in the S&P 500 to increase +8.3% year-over-year in Q4. If results come in as expected, 4Q25 would mark the eight consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year earnings growth.

Download This Week's Full Update

Ready to explore how Sunflower Bank can assist you? Speak to a personal banker at a branch near you, contact a specialist on our Wealth Management team, or find the right financial partner on our Commercial Banking team for your business needs. 

Back to Resource Articles

This article contains general information only. Sunflower Bank, N.A. is not, by means of this article, rendering accounting, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This article is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, before making any decisions related to these matters, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.