Stephen Whiteside opens the Wednesday morning update by noting quiet stock index futures, with tech slightly leading lower ahead of upcoming job numbers that could shift market direction. The VIX shows divergence versus the major indexes, signaling options traders remain cautious despite strong index performance.
Sector-wise, mining and precious metals dominated Tuesday, with gains across gold, silver, copper, platinum, and related stocks like Newmont. In contrast, the Venezuela-driven energy rally reversed sharply. Chip stocks posted outsized gains, while individual names showed mixed signals, with some breakouts, reversals, and ongoing buy or sell signals across popular equities
Stephen Whiteside
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
