New York, January 25, 2026 –
Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting and earnings reports from major tech companies amid concerns about interest rates and the impact of artificial intelligence investments.
- The Federal open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on January 28 is expected to hold interest rates steady, with a 97% probability according to futures markets.
- Rick Reeder, CIO of BlackRock’s global fixed income division, is currently favored in prediction markets to become the next Fed Chairman.
- Microsoft, Tesla, Meta, and Apple will release their fourth-quarter earnings this week, with investors focused on the profitability of AI investments.
- china’s Shanghai stock market is shifting toward a “performance market” as companies release annual forecasts for 2025.
The New York Stock Exchange is bracing for a busy week, with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the U.S. Central Bank (Fed) taking center stage on January 28, alongside anticipation of earnings reports from Big Tech and speculation surrounding the next Fed Chairman.
Federal Reserve and Leadership Watch
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The federal funds rate futures market indicates a 97% probability that the benchmark interest rate will remain unchanged at this week’s FOMC meeting. Market attention is increasingly focused on who will succeed as the next Fed Chairman. Currently,Rick Reeder,Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of BlackRock’s global fixed income division,former Fed Director Kevin Worth,and Fed Director Christopher Waller are considered the three leading candidates.Reeder has recently risen to the top of prediction markets.
Big Tech Earnings Under Scrutiny
This week will also see the release of fourth-quarter earnings reports from tech giants Microsoft, Tesla, Meta, and Apple. Microsoft, Tesla, and Meta are scheduled to report on January 28, while Apple will release its results on January 29. A key question for investors is whether these companies can maintain high profitability despite significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
Stock prices for Microsoft and Meta have already declined from their 52-week highs. Concerns that excessive investment in AI facilities could negatively impact existing businesses are cited as a primary driver of these declines.
China’s Market shift
Across the globe, China’s Shanghai stock market is expected to transition into a “performance market” as major listed companies begin to release their annual performance forecasts for 2025. The Shanghai Composite Index recently surpassed the 4,100 mark, its highest level in a decade, before entering a period of consolidation.These upcoming reports are anticipated to provide a crucial assessment of the health of China’s service industry and capital market.
Why It Matters
The convergence of these events-the Fed’s policy stance, Big Tech’s financial performance, and China’s market evolution-creates a complex landscape for investors. The Fed’s decisions will influence borrowing costs and economic growth, while the earnings reports will reveal whether tech companies are successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. In China, the performance forecasts will offer insights into the country’s economic recovery and the strength of its key industries.These developments collectively signal a period of heightened scrutiny and potential volatility in global financial markets.
