Why did the Dow rise while the Nasdaq fell today?

Early strength in semiconductors lifted value-leaning blue chips, while weakness in a few mega-cap software and platform names pressured growth-heavy tech. That mix pushed the Dow higher and left Nasdaq today slightly lower. It reflects rotation after strong 2025 gains, with investors seeking AI hardware exposure and trimming crowded positions.

What key levels on the Dow should traders watch this week?

Watch the 50-day average near 47,547 and the 200-day near 44,510 for trend context. Recent Bollinger levels imply a zone around 47,565 to 48,862, with average true range near 431 points. A sustained move above the mid-band could invite momentum buying, while fades near the upper band suggest trimming strength.

How should Canadian investors position around a split market open?

Keep U.S. equity weights close to plan targets, and decide on hedged versus unhedged ETF exposure based on your USD/CAD view. If chips lead and Nasdaq today lags, balance growth with quality cyclicals. Set alerts around key averages, add on controlled pullbacks, and reassess after CES headlines and January macro data.

Is the semiconductor-led rally sustainable into CES week?

Sustainability depends on guidance. If companies point to firm orders, improving supply, and healthy datacenter capex, chips can keep leadership. If commentary turns cautious on inventory or pricing, momentum may fade. Use CES updates and early January data to confirm trend strength before adding exposure on breakouts.

What are the main risks to this early 2026 rally?

Key risks include hotter inflation that lifts yields, cautious corporate guidance at CES, and earnings revisions that undercut high expectations. Geopolitical shocks or sharp USD moves could tighten financial conditions. In that case, focus on risk control, staggered entries, and diversification across quality value and select growth.

Global Market Insights

^DJI Today, January 03: Dow Opens 2026 Higher as Semis Rally, Nasdaq Slips

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Dow Jones today opened 2026 on a positive note as a chip-led rebound lifted blue chips while parts of Big Tech weighed on the Nasdaq. For Canadian investors, the split start highlights AI momentum into CES week and a data-heavy January for the Fed. We track ^DJI levels, what moved the S&P 500, and why Nasdaq today lagged. Here is what matters for positioning in RRSPs and TFSAs.