New York, Jan 21, 2026, 05:18 EST — Premarket
- Shopify plunged 7.26% Tuesday, slipping more than the overall market amid fresh concerns over tariffs.
- Volatility gauges surged as investors pulled back on risk, while traders look for any hint of easing tensions.
- At NRF in New York, Shopify spotlighted its partnership with Verifone to boost in-store checkout.
Shares of Shopify Inc dropped 7.26% Tuesday, closing at $144.50, as global markets reacted nervously to renewed tariff concerns. 1
Why it matters now: Shopify has emerged as a sharp barometer for online retail demand and small-business confidence. In times of defensive investor sentiment, its stock tends to swing more dramatically than the major indexes.
Washington’s fresh tariff threats pushed the mood further into “Sell America” territory overnight, driving investors out of U.S. stocks, bonds, and the dollar. “Global investors are taking these threats seriously,” said Jack Ablin, founding partner and chief investment strategist at Cresset Capital. 2
The Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.39%, while the S&P 500 declined 2.06% on Tuesday after President Donald Trump threatened to hike tariffs on European allies amid a dispute over Greenland, Reuters reported. EU leaders plan to meet in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit to consider their response. “It’s all coming together for a pretty significant risk-off day,” said Wasif Latif, chief investment officer at Sarmaya Partners. 3
The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX — the options-based measure often dubbed Wall Street’s fear gauge — climbed to an eight-week peak of 20.69 before slipping back. “We’ve certainly seen a meaningful reaction… but it’s not, you know, hair on fire,” said Jim Carroll, senior wealth adviser and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. 4
Tariffs are creeping into e-commerce pricing. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told CNBC that sellers are starting to factor in these costs, deciding whether to pass them on to customers. 5
Shopify stuck to its focus on products and merchant tools. At the National Retail Federation show in New York, it announced a partnership with Verifone to expand payment device options for its point-of-sale (POS) system. This includes adding two Verifone Victa terminals. 6
Analysts are divided. RBC Capital stuck to its “Outperform” rating on Shopify, setting a $200 price target, according to Investing.com. The firm references third-party data indicating robust momentum heading into Q4. 7
Shopify shares slipped during the regular session but then bounced back, climbing about 0.6% to $145.30 in after-hours trading, according to MarketWatch. 8
The road ahead isn’t smooth. Tariff news tends to fade quickly, only to return with a jolt. Shopify’s high valuation offers scant room for error if merchants trim their budgets or shoppers cut back on discretionary spending.
On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Davos for any hint that tensions are easing. Then on Thursday, attention shifts to Brussels, where the meeting could offer clues to a possible off-ramp—something that might stabilize risk assets.
