Stocks and precious metals rise, dollar weakens. Markets wait for the Fed

The year 2026 has started with cautious optimism in global markets. Equity indices are rising, although trading volumes are subdued due to the Asian holidays.

Investors are expecting turbulent months - behind this is the impact of artificial intelligence, uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve and the return of President Donald Trump to the White House.

Precious metals continue to rise strongly: gold made its biggest annual gain in 46 years, silver and platinum broke all-time records. This is due to the weakening dollar, geopolitical tensions, lower Fed rates or central bank purchases.

The dollar entered the new year on the defensive - the euro, the pound and the Australian and New Zealand dollars strengthened.

Investors are watching to see when and how US economic data delayed by the government shutdown will be released. Trump is expected to name a successor to Fed chief Powell soon, which may reduce the bank's independence.

Analysts warn that volatility will persist - influenced by AI, geopolitics and monetary policy.

(reuters, pir)