U.S. equity markets closed at record levels on January 14, 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.8%, defying expectations of volatility following a federal investigation into a high-profile political figure. Despite the probe’s escalation, investor confidence remained resilient.
- S&P 500 closed at 5,432.67, its highest level yet.
- Nasdaq Composite rose 1.8% to 17,890.45, a record high.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 340.88 points to 39,871.24.
- Apple (AAPL) reported $98.3B in Q4 revenue, driving a 2.4% stock gain.
- Federal investigation into political figure expanded to include two Fortune 500 firms.
- Nvidia (NVDA) closed at $1,135.42, up 3.1% on AI sector momentum.
The S&P 500 surged to 5,432.67, marking its 13th consecutive session above the 5,400 threshold, while the Nasdaq Composite reached 17,890.45, its highest close since the index’s inception. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 340.88 points to close at 39,871.24, erasing earlier intraday losses tied to regulatory developments. The rally occurred despite a formal federal investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving a senior political figure linked to a major national policy initiative. The probe, which began in late December 2025, has expanded to include multiple private entities and financial institutions, including two Fortune 500 firms under scrutiny for campaign-related donations. Market participants attributed the resilience to strong corporate earnings, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Apple Inc. (AAPL) rose 2.4% on better-than-expected Q4 revenue of $98.3 billion, while Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) gained 1.7% after reporting a 5.1% year-over-year increase in prescription drug sales. The tech-heavy Nasdaq’s performance reflected robust demand for AI-driven enterprise software, with Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) closing at $1,135.42—an increase of 3.1%. Despite the market’s composure, analysts caution that sustained political uncertainty could test investor tolerance. The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, scheduled for February 1, 2026, will be closely watched for hints on interest rate adjustments amid inflation pressures and labor market stability.