Stocks and Silver Prices React to JPMorgan Earnings and Inflation Data
Stocks declined following JPMorgan Chase's weaker-than-expected earnings and steady consumer inflation data. Treasury yields fell, the U.S. dollar rose amid concerns over Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's position, and crude oil prices hit a high due to tariffs on Iran. JPMorgan's profit dropped 7% in Q4 2025, with CEO Jamie Dimon warning against political interference with the Fed. The inflation rate remained steady at 2.7%, providing some relief to the Federal Reserve. Silver prices surged nearly 200% over the past year, reaching $89 per ounce following a soft CPI report, reinforcing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts later in 2026. Despite this, Wall Street trading remained cautious due to a weak start to the earnings season, with JPMorgan's stock falling 3%.