Stock market today: Dow crosses 49,000, S&P 500 jumps to new high in record-setting start to year

On January 6, 2026, the U. S. stock market achieved significant milestones, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above 49,000 for the first time, gaining 485 points (1%). The S&P 500 also reached a record high, rising by 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.7%, marking a notable start to the year amidst ongoing economic evaluations.