Morning Dose: Intel Plunge Rocks Pre-Market
A quick analysis of today’s market outlook and key trading opportunities to start your day.
Intro & Market Mood
Welcome to The Morning Dose – Everything You Need to Know Before the Market Opens. It is Friday, January 23rd, 2026. I’m your host, and we have a jam-packed show to close out the week. It’s been a volatile week, but let’s see if we can finish in the green. The market mood seems a little hesitant with modest losses across the board.
Overnight Headlines
- Intel (INTC) drops over 13% in pre-market due to supply concerns despite beating earnings expectations.
- China advising firms like Alibaba to prepare orders for Nvidia’s H200 chips, pushing Nvidia (NVDA) up about 1.3% pre-market.
- Capital One acquiring Brex in a deal valued over 5 billion dollars, but stock down nearly 3% after missing earnings estimates.
- Winners in earnings include Intuitive Surgical and Sallie Mae.
Economic Announcements
Watch out for the Flash Manufacturing and Services PMIs dropping at 9:45 AM Eastern, could break the market out of the consolidation range. Keep an eye on the VXX for any spikes signaling increased fear.
Earnings Highlights
Intel disappoints with guidance, while Nvidia and other sectors like healthcare show promise with positive earnings.
Top Movers
- NVDA (Nvidia): Up about 1.3% pre-market.
- COF (Capital One): Down nearly 3% after missing earnings.
- ISRG (Intuitive Surgical): Looking healthy after beating top and bottom lines.
- SLM (Sallie Mae): Up over 6% after earnings beat and announcing a new stock buyback program.
Quick Trade Ideas
Key levels to watch for trading: SPY support at 687, resistance at 690. QQQ tech traders, support at 619, and resistance at 622.
Watch sector rotation into Technology and Energy. Money moving out of defensive sectors like Utilities and Real Estate suggests underlying risk appetite.
Key Takeaway
Stay nimble, avoid forcing trades in choppy markets, and be aware of sector movements. Watch for economic data releases and keep an eye on stock reactions to earnings news.