New York, Feb 7, 2026, 13:56 EST — Market shut down for the day.
Procter & Gamble ended Friday up roughly 0.4%, settling at $159.17. Shares moved between $158.01 and $159.99 during the session. Even so, the stock remains far from its 52-week high, signaling a gradual climb rather than a breakout. 1
Markets in the U.S. are closed Saturday, leaving traders to focus on interest rates and economic growth ahead of Monday. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, speaking to Reuters, said “one or two” rate cuts could be on the table if job market conditions deteriorate, warning that workers are “walking a knife’s edge” with inflation eating into wages. 2
Demand’s still patchy for a company catering to all kinds of shoppers. U.S. consumer sentiment has ticked up to 57.3—marking a high not seen since last August—but much of that rebound came from wealthier households with hefty stock holdings, according to Reuters. The data highlights a “K-shaped” divide: the affluent are feeling better, while lower-income groups lag behind. “We may have seen the trough in consumer sentiment,” said Oren Klachkin, economist at Nationwide, though he doesn’t see much more room for improvement from here. 3
Stocks went right back into risk-on mode Friday. The Dow surged 2.47% to close at a record 50,115.67, finally cracking 50,000 for its first time ever. Buying wasn’t just about tech and AI names, Horizon Investment Services CEO Chuck Carlson pointed out. 4
Staples traded with little fanfare and direction. Clorox ticked up 1.49% Friday, MarketWatch data showed. P&G managed a 0.35% rise; Colgate-Palmolive edged down 0.50%. 5
P&G highlighted some brand news toward the end of the week. Downy announced a partnership with Meijer and Operation Warm, with a $100,000 donation in the mix. P&G executive Redge Abueva described the initiative as focused on “helping families feel cared for” in daily life. 6
Even so, defensive stocks know this drill. Should yields climb or the market’s attention swing to higher-growth plays, consumer-staples shares may lag—even if there’s no negative news from the companies themselves.
Income-oriented investors now have their eyes on Feb. 17, when P&G will hand out its quarterly $1.0568 per-share dividend. Shares went ex-dividend back on Jan. 23, the deadline for eligibility. With that window closed, the following session’s action will likely be driven more by moves in rates and shifting risk sentiment than the dividend. 7
