Hey, Ross here:
Welcome back.
The big news over the weekend was, of course, the surgical extraction of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
Despite the geopolitical implications, I don’t expect a huge impact on markets.
To start the first official trading week of 2026…
Let’s take a quick recap of how markets did in 2025.
Chart of the Day
This table shows how the S&P 500’s various sectors performed from 1999 to 2025.
For 2025, every single S&P 500 ended the year higher, similar to 2024.
In case you can’t see the table too clearly, here’s the past few years, highlighted.
As you can see, Technology and Communication Services continue to lead the pack…
Although to a much smaller extent compared to 2023 and 2024.
Given the increased level of scrutiny surrounding AI names, this is normal.
As we go deeper into 2026, investors will want to see this AI exuberance translate into real results.
In many respects, it will be a “prove it” year for a lot of these AI names.
The good news is that we’re already seeing good bottom-line numbers from the corporations.
In fact, out of the 17.9% total return posted by the S&P 500 in 2025, the vast majority of that came from earnings growth.
As I said before, this is what we want to see.
But even if AI results fall below expectations, I’m not too worried.
Because the strategy I talk about below – does NOT depend on these AI names continuing to surge.
Insight of the Day
By targeting the leading stocks in the leading sectors, you don’t need to worry about what any one sector is doing.
As I’ve said before, targeting the leading stocks in the leading sectors is one of the highest-percentage ways to extract profits no matter what’s going on in the markets.
Because this means that even if certain sectors – like Technology or Communication Services – start falling behind…
All we have to do is switch to the names that will then be taking over at the front.
For instance, take a look at the sectors that have been leading over the past three months.
Notice how technology isn’t anywhere in the list?
That’s why I haven’t even been focusing on the tech names these past few months…
I’ve been too busy hunting breakout opportunities in these leading sectors.
But do you know what the sad part is?
It’s that most investors and traders have no clue what the leading sectors really are…
And are often unable to shift their own trading accordingly.
How many people still think tech is leading right now?
How many opportunities is this outdated thinking causing them to miss?
Don’t let that happen to you.
If you want access to my proprietary TradingView indicators that can instantly show you all these leading sectors…
My 99-cent New Year’s deal is still going on right now.
Not only will you get access to these proprietary sector strength indicators…
You’ll also get one full year of access to LIVE weekly trading sessions with me and my team…
Where we’ll walk you through in REAL-TIME the opportunities we’re seeing in the market right now.
And yes – all that is just 99 cents (for a couple more days).
But this New Year’s deal will expire very soon…
So click here to take advantage of it while you still can.
Customer Story of the Day
“I’m not someone that usually leaves reviews, however, if I could give more stars I absolutely would!
I am currently enrolled in two of their courses. I knew NOTHING about the stock market when I joined back in March after seeing Ross on The Cartier Family YouTube Channel.
Ross and Jean have rather quickly taught me how to navigate the market. They are so patient with ‘newbies’ like me and have eagerly answered my questions with demonstrations.
I would highly recommend this down to earth and knowledgeable team to anyone that is on the fence about joining. Just take the leap and watch your wallet grow!”
Embrace the surge,
Ross Givens
Editor, Stock Surge Daily
