Markets are mixed in early trading, with stocks and crude oil alternating between gains and losses. The same goes for gold and silver. Treasuries are mostly flat, while the dollar is a bit higher.
The European Central Bank did it. The US Federal Reserve did it. And overnight, the Bank of Japan did it, too. I’m talking about hiking interest rates of course!
Source: Bloomberg
The BOJ’s policy rate is now 1.25% - up 25 basis points though still very low relative to other parts of the world. That said, the Japanese yen lost some ground because two policymakers dissented in the committee's hike vote. The market also judged Governor Kazuo Ueda’s post-meeting comments to be less hawkish than expected.
AI and tech stocks have bounced back post-Fed, but one popular name is continuing to struggle. Netflix Inc. (NFLX) is dropping again after a downgrade to “underweight” at Wells Fargo. The firm’s analyst cited weakening engagement and a lackluster slate of upcoming releases. Netflix stock is down 17.2% year-to-date, compared with a 16.9% gain for the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ).
Finally, Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman at Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B) and handing the keys to his son Howard. He already passed on the CEO role to Greg Abel earlier in 2026. Buffett is 96, and had held the role for around six decades. Berkshire stock is underperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), up just 1.8% compared to 14.9% YTD.
