Key insights and market outlook
US stock markets closed mixed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as tech stocks declined while defense shares surged. The S&P 500 rose 0.01% to 6,921.45, while Nasdaq fell 0.44% to 23,480.02 and Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.55% to 49,266.11. The mixed performance followed Nvidia's decline and a call by US President Donald Trump to increase military spending to $1.5 trillion.
The major US stock indices closed with mixed results on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The S&P 500 index ended slightly higher by 0.01% at 6,921.45. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite experienced a decline of 0.44%, settling at 23,480.02. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average showed stronger performance with a gain of 0.55%, reaching 49,266.11.
The technology sector witnessed a downturn, with Nvidia being a notable laggard, contributing to the Nasdaq's decline. Conversely, defense stocks saw a significant boost after US President Donald Trump called for a substantial increase in military spending to $1.5 trillion. This announcement provided a tailwind for defense-related companies, contributing to the Dow's positive performance.
The trading volume on US exchanges amounted to 16.9 billion shares, slightly above the 20-day average of 16.3 billion shares. This indicates a relatively active trading session amid the mixed market performance.
Tech Stocks Decline
Defense Stocks Surge
US President's Military Spending Call