What changed with the federal stance on protests?

The White House signalled fewer federal deployments into Democrat-led cities unless requested, while keeping protection for federal property. This aims to reduce federal presence around demonstrations and lower the chance of confrontations. For markets, it trims tail risk from sudden flashpoints that can interrupt operations, transport, and retail access.

How could this affect the S&P 500 today?

Lower protest risk can ease volatility. ^GSPC trades at 6,939.02, down 29.99 points or -0.4303%, within a 6,893.48 to 6,964.09 range. Watch 6,866.40 as a pivot, 6,980.35 as resistance, and the 50-day at 6,852.326 for support. A calm news cycle can support consolidation.

What should Canadian investors prioritize now?

Review US exposure in CAD, hedge choices, and sector sensitivities to city access, insurance claims, and supply chain routes. Focus on levels: 6,866.40 pivot, 6,980.35 resistance, 6,852.326 support. If volumes stay above trend and headlines stay calm, maintain core positions and stagger entries with limit orders around support zones.

Does this remove protest risk entirely?

No. City authorities, event calendars, and local conditions still drive outcomes. The policy reduces federal triggers but does not end demonstrations. Use headline trackers, reassess sector exposures that rely on urban foot traffic, and monitor volatility against ATR 59.05. Trump orders DHS to avoid city lowers risk but does not eliminate it.

Law and Government

^GSPC Today: February 2 DHS Pullback Tempers City Protest Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 3, 2026

Trump orders DHS to avoid city signals fewer federal deployments into Democrat-led cities unless requested, while protecting federal property. Canadian investors want to know how this may affect US risk tone and the S&P 500 (^GSPC). Today the index sits near 6,939 with mild weakness. We review policy signals, market levels, and Canada-focused moves to manage US exposure in CAD, with clear, data-backed levels and scenarios for the next sessions.