Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq hit record territory as Venezuela oil shift, cooling inflation, and calm global tone reshape U.S. stock market in early 2026

U.S. stock market today: The Dow later slipped 240 points, or 0.49%, to 49,221.89. The S&P 500 edged down 0.10% to 6,937.81. The Nasdaq outperformed, rising 0.13% to 23,578.05. Despite modest pullbacks, all three indexes held close to record territory, showing resilience rather than weakness.