US stocks edged higher as the S&P 500 gained about 0.4% on Monday, with investors positioning for a pivotal week dominated by major tech earnings and the Federal Reserve’s next rate decision.
The S&P 500’s advance came as traders focused on upcoming quarterly reports from some of the market’s biggest companies — including Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Tesla — with investors watching closely for signs that massive AI spending is turning into real profits.
Even as equities pushed higher, safe-haven assets stayed in demand. Gold surged to another record, adding to the sense that markets are still hedging against geopolitical risks and broader uncertainty.
Some sectors lagged. Airline stocks weakened amid widespread travel disruption linked to a major winter storm, while shares of precious metals miners outperformed as gold and silver prices climbed.
The Fed is widely expected to keep rates unchanged at this week’s meeting, but investors will be watching the messaging for any shift in tone on inflation, growth and the outlook for cuts later in 2026.