Weekly Outlook: Jan 5, 2026
Welcome to 2026. If the first weekend of the year is any indication, “boring” is not on the menu.
While markets were digesting the tail end of the “Santa Claus Rally,” the geopolitical landscape shifted overnight with the US military operation in Venezuela. This reintroduction of the Monroe Doctrine, combined with the extraction of Nicolás Maduro, has injected a temporary geopolitical risk premium back into the market.
Simultaneously, we are entering a heavy data week. The “Silver Spike” we forecasted two weeks ago has cooled, but the capital rotation continues. With ISM Manufacturing (Monday) and Non-Farm Payrolls (Friday) on the docket, the market will have to balance the euphoria of the holiday rally with the cold hard math of the labor market.
For the week of Jan 5, CI Markets suggest that while the “Anti-Dollar” trade remains the long-term theme, the immediate focus is shifting to Energy Security, Liquidity Laggards, and Yield Sensitivity.
The Geopolitical Play Forecast: Energy Select Sector (XLE)
Moving Higher The headline news out of Venezuela is a game-changer for US energy interests. While crude oil prices (CL=F) may see volatility as the supply picture clears, the immediate beneficiaries are likely the US energy majors tasked with rebuilding infrastructure. CI Markets forecasts XLE to trend higher. This isn’t just a commodity trade anymore; it’s a policy trade. Investors are likely to front-run the “reconstruction” contracts, making the energy sector a key defensive pivot this week.
The “Anti-Fiat” Catch-Up Forecast: Bitcoin (BTC) Trend Up
Gold and Silver stole the show in December, hitting all-time highs while Bitcoin quietly consolidated. That divergence is ending. CI Markets signals a “catch-up” move for BTC this week. As the “Anti-Dollar” trade broadens and liquidity conditions remain loose (despite Fed posturing), the crypto complex is poised to attract the speculative flows rotating out of the overheated precious metals. If you missed the Gold run, this is the liquidity proxy to watch.
The Macro Reality Check Forecast: 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) Under Pressure
The bond market is the “Adult in the Room,” and it is getting nervous. With the 10-year yield testing 4.2% and a hot jobs report potentially looming on Friday, the “Fed Pivot” narrative is facing a stress test. CI Markets forecasts TLT to trend lower (yields higher) this week. The bond market is beginning to price in a “No Landing” scenario where growth and inflation remain stickier than the Fed wants.
Conclusion
The signal for the week of Jan 5 is Turbulence. The Venezuela operation proves that 2026 will be defined by “Real World” events, not just central bank liquidity. We expect high volatility as traders return to their desks and position for Friday’s jobs number. The easy “Santa Rally” money has been made; now the market forces us to pick sides: Hard Assets vs. Financial Collateral. Choose wisely.
The content presented in this note is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or trading advice. This analysis is generated from the output of Complete Intelligence’s proprietary artificial intelligence platform and does not constitute a personal recommendation. You should not base any investment decision solely on this material. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Complete Intelligence is not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.