US OPEN: The market looks for direction after inflation data

The final session of a turbulent week is opening on Wall Street in an uncertain mood. Investors received important inflation data today, but it still does not appear to be affecting valuations. Earnings season is still ongoing; however, shareholders seem to be placing greater weight on sentiment than on the data. The main U.S. indices are limiting moves to below 0.5%.

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Macroeconomic data:

In the U.S., inflation data for January 2026 was published.

• Year-on-year inflation came in at 2.4% versus expectations of 2.5%. On a monthly basis, the reading was 0.2% versus expectations of 0.3%.
• Core inflation was in line with expectations at 2.5% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month.

US100 (D1)

Buyers failed to reclaim levels above the 23.6% Fibonacci level, signaling weak demand and a gradual loss of momentum. For sellers, the main target is resistance at the 61.8% Fibonacci level, a break of which could open the way for a deeper correction. Before that happens, the 50% Fibonacci level must be overcome. Some support for price comes from the RSI, which has fallen close to overbought territory. Source: xStation5

Company news:

• Arista Network (ANET.US): The electronics manufacturer is up more than 6% after strong results. The company beat expectations on both earnings and revenue. Management stated that despite cost pressure from memory components, profit margins in the coming quarters remain unthreatened.
• Applied Materials (AMAT.US): The stock is up more than 10% after a clear beat versus market expectations during the earnings call and optimistic sales forecasts for the coming quarters.
• Pinterest (PINS.US): Shares of the social platform are down as much as 20% after disappointing results. Q4 results showed both EPS and revenue slightly below expectations, but it was pessimistic forward revenue guidance that weighed on valuations.
• Alibaba (BABA.US): The U.S. administration is considering adding Alibaba to the list of entities subject to export restrictions (1260H); the stock is down about 2%.
• Rivian (RIVN.US): The electric vehicle maker is up more than 20% after announcing sales forecasts for the company’s new car model.