Why did the Dow rise while S&P 500 today and Nasdaq today slipped?

Rotation favored cash‑generative, dividend‑heavy names after flat retail sales lifted rate cut hopes. That helped the Dow, which has more industrials, healthcare, and consumer staples. Mega‑cap tech cooled, weighing on cap‑weighted benchmarks. Mixed breadth and light risk appetite into jobs and CPI also nudged investors toward perceived quality.

What are Fed rate cut bets, and why do they matter for stocks?

They reflect how many cuts traders expect this year and when. More cuts lower borrowing costs and usually pull down bond yields. Lower yields lift stock valuations, especially for long‑duration growth. If the market prices fewer cuts, yields can rise, compressing multiples and pressuring high‑beta areas more than steady dividend payers.

How could the jobs report and CPI affect markets this week?

A cooler jobs print and benign CPI would support lower yields and keep equities stable, favoring value and quality. Hot data could push yields up and pressure tech and small caps. Wage growth and services inflation are key for the path of policy. Expect higher intraday swings around the releases.

How should Canadian investors adjust for currency risk now?

Decide based on your CAD view and time horizon. If you expect a stronger loonie, CAD‑hedged U.S. ETFs can protect returns. If you see CAD staying soft, unhedged exposure may benefit you. Consider a blend, size positions modestly into data, and review hedges after jobs and CPI clarify the rate path.

Global Market Insights

^DJI Today, February 11: Third Record Close as Jobs Data Looms

ByDanny Kontos February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Dow Jones today scored a third straight record close as flat December retail sales lifted Fed rate cut bets. Big Tech eased, while blue chips held up, leaving leadership in flux. With the jobs report due Wednesday and CPI Friday, we think direction hinges on how growth cools without hurting earnings. For Canadians, currency, sector mix, and hedging choices matter as U.S. yields and policy expectations reset into mid‑week data.