Market Update: American Express Shares Rise

American Express shares saw a modest gain of 0.5% to $371.83 in late New York trading on Friday. This increase occurred as investors began 2026 with fresh positioning ahead of upcoming U.S. economic releases. These releases have the potential to significantly impact interest rates and consumer-sensitive stocks. In comparison, Visa and Mastercard experienced declines of 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively, while Capital One saw a gain of 1.9%.

Economic Outlook for 2026

The start of 2026 has been marked by uneven footing for U.S. equities, following a strong performance in 2025. Strategists have pointed to valuation risk as a concern, with Savita Subramanian, Bank of America’s equity and quant strategist, noting that "stocks trade expensive on 18 of 20 measures." This suggests that the market may be due for a correction, which could impact stocks like American Express.

Ex-Dividend Date and Its Impact

Friday was also American Express’s ex-dividend date, a calendar event that can affect the share price. On the ex-dividend date, new buyers are no longer entitled to the declared payout. American Express declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.82 a share, payable on February 10, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 2, 2026. The ex-dividend date can lead to a mechanical adjustment in the share price, as the dividend is no longer attached to new purchases. However, broader trading activity can offset this effect.

Upcoming Economic Releases

The next significant event that could impact American Express shares is the release of macroeconomic data. The monthly U.S. employment report is scheduled for January 9, followed by the consumer price index on January 13. These reports will provide valuable insights into the state of the economy and will likely influence the interest-rate outlook for the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet on January 27-28, and its decision will have a significant impact on the market.

Company-Specific Catalysts

American Express is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 report on January 30. Investors will be focusing on key metrics such as "billed business" (total spending on AmEx cards) and credit metrics, including delinquencies and charge-offs. The company’s net interest income, which reflects interest earned on card loans minus funding costs, will also be closely watched. Additionally, investors will be looking for any changes in travel and discretionary outlays as the new year begins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Express shares saw a modest gain on Friday, driven by investors’ fresh positioning ahead of upcoming economic releases. The ex-dividend date and the release of macroeconomic data are expected to be significant events that could impact the share price. The company’s upcoming earnings report will also provide valuable insights into its performance and will be closely watched by investors. As the market navigates the start of 2026, it is essential to keep a close eye on these events and their potential impact on American Express shares.