Trump Posted Unpublished Jobs Report Data Ahead of Scheduled Release

In a surprising move late Thursday, former President Donald Trump shared economic data that had not yet been officially released. This data, detailing job creation figures, was posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform approximately 12 hours before the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was set to unveil its anticipated December jobs report. The graph, prepared by the Council of Economic Advisors, illustrated the total number of jobs created since January during Trump’s second term.

When the official jobs report was eventually published on Friday morning, the figures corroborated Trump’s earlier post. According to the BLS, U.S. employers added just 473,000 jobs from February through December of 2025, marking the slowest pace of job creation outside of a recession since 2003. Notably, the data highlighted that the private sector accounted for all new jobs created during this period, while government employment saw a significant decline.

Stocks Could Keep Rising Even If AI Spending Slows Down

Big tech has been a dominant force in the stock market, largely driven by massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite predictions of a slowdown in AI spending, analysts suggest that the stock market may continue to rise. According to Dhaval Joshi, chief strategist at BCA Research, U.S. hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon could collectively invest over $500 billion on infrastructure this year. This spending could propel tech capital expenditures as a percentage of GDP to levels reminiscent of previous tech investment booms, like those seen during the personal computing and Dotcom eras.

However, experts caution that while some sectors might thrive, others, particularly those tied to AI, might face imminent danger as market dynamics evolve. Interestingly, with the current ultra-accommodative policies from the Federal Reserve, the stock market rally could continue despite potential declines in AI investment.

Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Easily Post Weekly Gains

As the first trading week of 2026 wrapped up, major stock indexes showed considerable weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 2.3%, the Nasdaq rose 1.9%, and the S&P 500 saw a gain of 1.6%. This upward turn followed a prior week of losses, bringing the Dow, tech-heavy Nasdaq, and benchmark S&P 500 to increases of 3.0%, 1.8%, and 0.8% respectively over the first six trading days of the year.

Building Materials, Homebuilder Stocks Soar as Trump Orders $200B of Mortgage Bond Purchases

On Thursday, President Trump ordered his representatives to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move intended to lower mortgage rates and make homeownership more affordable. Following this announcement, stocks of building materials firms and homebuilders surged, with Builders FirstSource witnessing an 11% advance and companies like Lennar, PulteGroup, and D.R. Horton gaining roughly 7% to 8%. Furthermore, the iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF saw an increase of nearly 6%.

Intel Stock Surge Following President Trump’s Social Media Praise

Intel’s stock experienced a notable bump, nearing a two-year high, after Trump praised CEO Lip-Bu Tan in a social media post. The chipmaker’s shares rose roughly 10% in morning trading, driven by Trump’s comments and the U.S. government’s pride in being an Intel shareholder. Trump’s change in tone was particularly notable given his earlier calls for Tan to resign. The dynamics around Intel highlight how corporate performance can be tied to political discourse in unexpected ways.

Small-Caps Set to Outperform Their Larger Peers

Experts are optimistic about small-cap stocks, predicting that they may finally get their long-awaited boost in 2026. Analyses suggest that despite past struggles, small caps—which generally refer to companies with market capitalizations of $250 million to $2 billion—are poised to outperform larger companies. This sentiment is bolstered by stronger projections for earnings growth, an accommodating monetary policy, and potential decreases in tariffs. Notably, the S&P 600 and the Russell 2000 indexes are already showing early signs of outperformance year-to-date, indicating a potential trend for small-cap investments.

Affordable Care Act Sticker Shock: Cheaper Alternatives and the Subsidy Cliff

As the deadline for open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans approaches, many individuals are grappling with significant premium increases, prompting some to explore alternatives outside of the health insurance marketplace. For instance, some residents are now considering plans from private brokers. The reality of rising health insurance costs is compounded by the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which used to alleviate the financial burden for those making above 400% of the federal poverty level. Households facing a "subsidy cliff," where a slight increase in income results in the complete loss of tax credits, must now navigate these challenging waters carefully.

Trading Strategies for Upcoming Earnings Season

With the earnings season approaching, analysts at Goldman Sachs suggest traders consider options trading to capitalize on potential stock moves post-earnings announcements. As implied volatility appears low, Goldman’s analysis indicates that stocks typically move up or down significantly after earnings releases, presenting opportunities for savvy traders. They especially highlight sectors such as utilities, healthcare, materials, and industrials as ripe for volatility, suggesting that trading strategies might focus on these areas.

Venezuela: High-Risk Investments Amid Political Turmoil

In light of recent political developments in Venezuela, with U.S. special forces capturing President Nicolás Maduro, investors are speculating about the potential reopening of the country’s massive oil reserves for business. However, investments in Venezuela remain fraught with risks due to the country’s massive debt and moribund oil infrastructure. For most U.S. investors, the path to investing in Venezuelan assets is complex and filled with regulatory hurdles, with many options currently unavailable.

Retirement Saving Trends for Older Americans

The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances reveals concerning trends regarding retirement savings among Americans aged 55 to 64. Even though income and net worth typically peak in this age group, many households appear underprepared for retirement. While 57% reported having retirement-specific accounts, this figure reflects a concerning representation of those not prioritizing or maintaining contributions. The findings underscore the urgency for better financial education and planning, particularly as this demographic approaches retirement age.

This wealth of information underscores the diverse landscape of economic and financial challenges currently shaping investment strategies, market performance, and individual financial realities. As developments unfold, remaining informed will be crucial for both investors and consumers alike.