- The U.S. stock market will remain closed today due to a public holiday (Presidents’ Day).
- On Friday, the technology sector boosted gains on Wall Street, helping to offset concerns about higher inflation. The Nasdaq gained 0.4%, the S&P 500 closed flat, while the DJIA (-0.37%) and Russell 2000 (-0.1%) recorded losses.
- Market sentiment in Asia at the start of the week is mixed. The Japanese Nikkei 225 (+0.13%) and South Korea’s Kospi (+0.59%) are gaining, while the Shanghai SE Composite (-0.21%) and China’s HSCEI (-0.91%) are in the red.
- Enthusiasm in the Chinese technology sector (following the release of a Chinese AI model) is gradually fading due to tensions between Trump and the EU over tariffs and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Japan’s GDP grew by 2.8% (annualized) in Q4 2024, exceeding the forecast of 1.1% (previous: 1.2%). Quarter-on-quarter growth was 0.7% (forecast and previous: 0.3%). The Japanese economy’s expansion is driven by increased corporate investments (CAPEX) and improved net exports.
- A ZDF poll following the German chancellor candidates’ debate showed 30% support for Merz (CDU), 20% for Weidel (AfD), 16% for Scholz (SPD), and 14% for Habeck (Greens). The snap Bundestag elections will take place this Sunday, February 23.
- Emmanuel Macron has invited European leaders to an urgent meeting today in Paris to discuss security and Ukraine after Donald Trump previewed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Saudi Arabia.
- WTI and Brent futures are up 0.28% and 0.14%, respectively, but options market contracts reflect concerns about global demand amid U.S. tariffs and high credit costs.
- In the FX market, the Japanese yen continues to strengthen against all G10 currencies (USDJPY: -0.37%). The euro-dollar rally, driven by Trump’s rapid moves on Ukraine peace talks, has stalled (EURUSD: 1.0492). Antipodean currencies are appreciating (AUDUSD: +0.3%; NZDUSD: +0.26%).
- Gold is rebounding by 0.2% after Friday’s correction to $2,890 per ounce, while silver is slightly down (-0.05% to $32.09 per ounce).
- Major cryptocurrencies remain stagnant (Bitcoin: -0.8% to $96,420; Ethereum: -0.12%; Ripple: -2.7%; Solana: -2.2%).
The material on this page does not constitute financial advice and does not take into account your level of understanding, investment objectives, financial situation or any other specific needs. All information provided, including opinions, market research, mathematical results and technical analyzes published on the Website or transmitted To you by other means, it is provided for information purposes only and should in no way be construed as an offer or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument, nor should the information provided be construed as advice of a legal or financial nature on which any investment decisions you make should be based exclusively To your level of understanding, investment objectives, financial situation, or other specific needs, any decision to act on the information published on the Website or sent to you by other means is entirely at your own risk if you In doubt or unsure about your understanding of a particular product, instrument, service or transaction, you should seek professional or legal advice before trading. Investing in CFDs carries a high level of risk, as they are leveraged products and have small movements Often the market can result in much larger movements in the value of your investment, and this can work against you or in your favor. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved, taking into account investments objectives and level of experience, before trading and, if necessary, seek independent advice.
