New York, Jan 20, 2026, 21:03 EST — Market closed
Shares of Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) dropped 2.45% Tuesday, ending at $73.35. Volume climbed to 23.8 million shares traded, with the stock finishing roughly 9% under its 52-week peak. (MarketWatch)
Wall Street took its steepest one-day tumble in roughly three months after President Donald Trump revived tariff threats on European imports linked to Greenland. He announced tariffs would hit 10% on Feb. 1, climbing to 25% by June, rattling investors. “I’m not at the point yet… [that]… is going to precipitate a correction,” said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group. Attention now shifts to a flood of U.S. economic data, including the third-quarter GDP update, January PMI figures, and the PCE inflation report, along with a packed earnings calendar. (Reuters)
Now that the cash session has ended, Cisco’s next steps could depend on how tariff discussions shape up ahead of Wednesday’s open. Many investors see it this way: if risk appetite wavers, Cisco tends to follow suit.
Cisco announced a multi-year deal with Georgetown University to upgrade its campus network and roll out Wi‑Fi 7 across classrooms, dorms, and stadiums. The company didn’t reveal the financial details. Wi‑Fi 7, the latest in wireless tech, promises faster speeds and lower latency. Georgetown CIO Doug Little said, “Our community’s academic and research ambitions require a network that is as innovative and forward-looking as they are.” Cisco’s Gary DePreta described the project as an “AI-ready foundation.” (Cisco)
Australian neocloud SharonAI, a newcomer focused on AI-heavy computing, announced a deal with Digital Alpha that could see up to $200 million invested in equity and revenue-share funding. The move comes alongside an exclusive tech partnership with Cisco aimed at boosting AI and high-performance cloud computing across Australia and the Asia Pacific. “We are excited to partner with the Sharon AI team,” said Digital Alpha managing partner Rick Shrotri. Cisco’s Will Eatherton added, “Cisco is thrilled to partner with Sharon AI to bring these advanced AI platforms to market.” (Business Wire)
Arista Networks, a player in data-center switching, dropped 1.78% on Tuesday amid a widespread selloff. The relatively modest decline underscored the day’s broad trend: investors slashing tech holdings across the board instead of targeting specific winners. (MarketWatch)
Cisco announced a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share, payable on Jan. 21 to shareholders recorded by Jan. 2, according to its latest earnings release. This dividend keeps the stock attractive on income-focused screens, even during market downturns. (Cisco)
One upcoming catalyst for the company is Cisco’s 360 Partner Program, set to roll out on Jan. 25. This new program will replace the existing partner framework. The shift is significant for resellers and services partners, as it could realign incentives and sales priorities. (Cisco)
Still, the Georgetown win and the SharonAI partnership probably won’t boost revenue by much. Cisco is vulnerable if corporate tech budgets shrink amid rising trade tensions. A sharper risk-off shift could drag the stock down, no matter how many deals come through.
Investors are set for a key update on Feb. 11, when Cisco reports earnings after the market closes, per Yahoo Finance’s calendar. Traders will be watching closely for insights on order momentum in campus networking and any signs customers might be holding off on upgrades. (Yahoo)
