Published January 2, 2026
MarketsMacroRatesEquitiesEnergy
New Year Risk-On Kickoff
What Happened
- The first full session of the year saw broad equity gains led by cyclicals.
- ISM manufacturing returned to expansion, boosting growth expectations.
- Treasury yields rose modestly while the dollar slipped on risk-on flows.
- Oil pushed higher on improved demand expectations.
What It Means
- Early-year inflows can create a strong start, but they need data follow-through.
- Rising yields signal growth optimism, not yet a policy scare.
- A softer dollar keeps commodities supported into the reopening week.
What I Think
- I like the risk tone but want confirmation from next week’s labor data.
- If yields keep rising, expect leadership to rotate toward banks and value.
- For now, the reopening bid looks real.
Market Terms
- Reopening bid - Fresh flows that hit markets at the start of a new period.
- Cyclical leadership - Outperformance from sectors tied to growth.
- Risk-on flows - Capital moving into higher beta assets.