WSJ Your Money Briefing What’s News in Markets: Intel Slides, Gold Surges and the TACO Trade Is Back
Jan 24, 2026
Markets wobble after a presidential Greenland takeover push and tariff threats shake bonds and stocks. A familiar TACO trade pattern resurfaces as policy talk sparks dips and rebounds. Intel stumbles despite AI hopes, dragging tech sentiment. Gold surges to record highs as investors flock to safe havens amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
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TACO Trade Drives Volatility
- Political threats from President Trump trigger sharp market moves that often reverse when he backtracks.
- Traders call this dynamic the “TACO trade,” reflecting repeated spike-and-rebound patterns in stocks and the dollar.
McCormick's Price Hike Backfires
- McCormick blamed tariffs and higher input costs and said it will raise prices to offset them.
- The announcement sent the spice maker's shares tumbling about 8% on Thursday and down 9.3% for the week.
AI Hype Couldn't Save Intel
- Intel's AI-related hopes couldn't offset a net loss and weak near-term outlook, showing hype can't replace fundamentals.
- Heavy spending to boost production and inventory issues left the stock sliding about 17% on Friday.