US stocks edge higher in a wobbly start to 2026
AP News••business
Key Points:
- U.S. stocks saw modest gains on the first trading day of 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 0.2% and the Dow Jones up 0.7%, while the Nasdaq fell slightly due to losses in Microsoft and Tesla.
- Technology stocks, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence like Nvidia, influenced much of the market's movement, continuing the trend from 2025.
- Furniture companies gained after President Trump delayed increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, with RH and Wayfair seeing significant stock price increases.
- Alibaba and Baidu shares rose in Hong Kong following Baidu’s announcement to spin off its AI chip unit Kunlunxin, aiming for a 2027 listing.
- Upcoming economic reports next
