Market Commentary | January 26th, 2026
Economic data released this week continued to show a U.S. economy growing at a steady, though gradually moderating, pace.
Economic data released this week continued to show a U.S. economy growing at a steady, though gradually moderating, pace.
Markets spent the week sifting through economic data still distorted by the lingering effects of last year’s federal shutdown.
Economic indicators over the recent period delivered a mixed but informative set of signals. The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) came in slightly worse than expected at 47.9% versus 48.3% expected, marking the tenth straight month of contraction and the lowest reading of 2025.
Economic indicators over the recent period provide a nuanced view of U.S. conditions as the year closed. Crude oil inventories showed mixed results at the end of the year, with a small increase followed by a decline. However, product stockpiles — like gasoline and distillates — rose sharply, reinforcing the view that supply remains ample.