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Global Markets Muted as AI Jitters and Geopolitical Tensions Influence Traders

Global stock markets were largely quiet, with muted trading in Europe and Asia as investors balanced concerns over AI sector pressure with geopolitical developments including U.S.-Iran talks. Futures for major U.S. indices remained lower, while commodities such as crude oil saw modest gains amid shifting risk sentiment.

Tech Stocks Lead Market Pullback Amid Heightened AI Valuation Scrutiny

Major U.S. technology companies faced further valuation pressures as investors reassessed the long-term return on heavy AI spending, contributing to downward pressure on indices. Analysts noted that market recalibration may create volatility but also potential entry points in certain sub-sectors.

Soft Inflation Data Adds to Rate Cut Considerations

New inflation figures showed smaller-than-expected CPI increases in January, reinforcing expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in coming months. While markets reacted modestly, rate-sensitive sectors like real estate and financials could see renewed interest if cut timing becomes clearer.

Nasdaq Extends Losing Streak as AI Chip Selloff Deepens on Return From Holiday

U.S. equities slumped Tuesday as traders returned from the Presidents' Day holiday to a continuation of the technology-sector rout, with a key gauge of chipmakers including Nvidia and Broadcom falling 1.2%. The Nasdaq Composite extended its longest weekly slide since 2022, pushing both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy index into negative territory for 2026 amid intensifying anxiety over the sustainability of artificial intelligence infrastructure spending.

Medtronic Posts Strongest Revenue Growth in Ten Quarters, Reiterates Full-Year Outlook

Medtronic reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue of $9.02 billion, an 8.7% year-over-year increase representing the company's highest enterprise revenue growth in ten quarters, beating analyst estimates of $8.89 billion. Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.36 beat consensus by three cents, and the medical device giant reiterated full-year organic revenue growth guidance of approximately 5.5% despite a projected $185 million tariff headwind.

Palo Alto Networks Reports Fiscal Q2 After Close as Cybersecurity Sector Watches Platformization Metrics

Palo Alto Networks is set to release fiscal second-quarter 2026 results after U.S. markets close Tuesday, with analysts projecting revenue of approximately $2.58 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $0.93 to $0.95. Investors will closely scrutinize Next-Generation Security ARR growth and customer platformization adoption as key indicators of the cybersecurity giant's long-term trajectory amid a decelerating top-line growth backdrop and intensifying enterprise software competition.

Kevin Warsh Nomination Advances as Markets Weigh Federal Reserve Independence Risk and Monetary Policy Shift

President Trump's nomination of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair remains a defining market overhang, with Senate confirmation complicated by bipartisan resistance tied to the administration's criminal investigation into Powell. As Powell's term expires in May, investors are recalibrating rate-cut expectations and reassessing rate-sensitive sectors from housing to financials given Warsh's historically hawkish monetary policy record.

Inflation Cools to 2.4% in January, Lowest Since May as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Intensify

U.S. consumer prices rose 2.4% year-over-year in January 2026, below the 2.5% consensus forecast and marking the slowest inflation pace since May 2025. The softer-than-expected reading sparked a Treasury yield decline to 4.07% and boosted market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning as early as March, providing relief to rate-sensitive sectors.

Coinbase Surges 16% Despite Earnings Miss as $1 Billion Share Buyback Signals Confidence

Coinbase Global rallied 16.4% on Friday following fourth quarter results that missed revenue estimates but showcased $3.07 billion in free cash flow and completion of a $1 billion share buyback program. The cryptocurrency exchange's transformation into a diversified financial infrastructure platform attracted renewed institutional buying led by Cathie Wood's ARK Invest, which purchased $15.2 million in shares.