https://i.redd.it/tc8lb7phexlg1.png
Thursday, February 26, 2026
🎉 Rigly Block Party – 18-Hour Group Solo Mining Event (Starts Thursday 7PM ET)
We’re running something fun.
The Rigly Block Party is a coordinated group solo mining event. Instead of mining alone, we pool hashrate for a fixed 18-hour window and try to hit a Bitcoin block together.
You buy hashrate to join.
If we find a block, the full block reward is split proportionally between all participants.
If we don’t… it’s pure solo mining risk. High variance. High vibes.
🔗 Join here:
⸻
🕒 Event Details
• Duration: 18 hours
• Start: Thursday at 7:00 PM ET
• End: Friday at 1:00 PM ET
• Signup closes when mining begins
Mining runs through CK Pool (fully transparent).
You can watch the live stats here:
https://solostats.ckpool.org/users/3Gk1GfP3bHA6M2ZzK5mHdqbWN1iNsqAenH
⸻
💰 How It Works
• Minimum buy-in: 15 TH/s (\~700 sats)
• If a block is found, rewards go directly to your Bitcoin wallet after the party ends
• No hashrate purchases once mining starts
• Got a Bitaxe? You can plug it in — see the “I have a miner” tab on the site
⸻
⚠️ The Risk
This is solo mining math.
No block = no payout.
Variance is brutal. That’s the point.
But if we hit one together?
That’s a shared 3.125 BTC moment.
⸻
Bring your sats.
Bring your friends.
Let’s point hash and see if probability smiles on us.
Bitcoin is weird. Mining is probabilistic. Community makes it interesting.
See you at the party. 🟧⛏️
My Story / Ultimate Advice / Reassurance
Hi everyone,
I thought I'd come on here and make a post about my story from about 2.5 years back, what I learned, mistakes I made, and my ultimate advice for you. By the end of this, I want you all who are going through it to realize that you are not alone, you are loved, and your life is way more important than a scammers threats. Quick preface as well, I tie religion into my story towards the end as I feel its very important. Hopefully I can open new spiritual doors for some of you guys as I want to help as much as I can!
Story: In summer of 2023 I had moved states and didnt know anyone that well. I was 18 at the time, and got relatively lonely. I never got into Tinder or hinge, but rather Snapchat. I would get random quick adds in my feed and one day I randomly added a couple of them, one being a girl (so I thought) who claimed to also be 18 and from the same nearby area as me.
This next part is where the scammer really took his time to bite me. For about a whole week we would snap just talking about random things- interests, school, family, etc. The scammer also set up a fake Instagram account pretending to be the girl which looked very legit to me at the time. For some reason her having an Instagram with a few pictures signaled to me that the girl was legit. How dumb of me. However, one night this "girl" asked if I wanted to play some sort of strip question game over snap. Basically, one person asks the other a question, then after you answer you take off a piece of clothing-something stupid like that. At this point I was all in because I thought she was attractive and I lacked confidence to approach women in person so I thought, "Why not". We each sent pics, but "she" , the scammer, screenshotted my pics and sent them back to me, claiming to be the FBI and telling me to comply or they'll send the pictures out and label me a pdf file If I dont pay $400. Ridiculous. I had no previous knowledge or awareness of this stuff happening, so naturally I freaked out and tried to pay. For some reason the payments wouldnt go through and I kept trying (stupid I know) until one smaller payment went through, and when it did, I thought I could buy some time and look up how to resolve this. I stumbled upon this reddit, and blocked blocked blocked. They then reached out to me via phone number and sent the pics of me with the caption along the lines of, "This will be the end of you"- I was very frightened.
The usual stuff happened the following days-high anxiety, barely sleeping, low appetite. I then read more on this and submitted an FBI tip in hopes someone would help me. About 3 months later, an agent showed up to my door to ask me questions about my situation and I gave him as much info as possible- Names used, phone numbers used, account names, etc. After that experience I got a lot of reassurance as the agent listened to me, wrote down details, and assured me that this is extremely common, happens every day, and these people will go to jail.
That was the end of it. 2.5 years later and havent heard a peep, only the usual scam emails I get saying stuff like ive gotten hacked and I need to send bitcoin or else they'll leak me. I'm pretty sure that's one of the more common email scams if I'm not mistaken. Easy block and Report.
Now I want to get into what I did right and wrong:
Wrong: Chose to pursue a woman online (just my opinion will elaborate), didnt block the scammer initially, sent money, didnt tell my family right away.
Right: Submitted FBI tip
If I were to go back, I would have gone out and approached women in person instead of sitting behind a phone not actually making any moves. Meeting a girl naturally in person beats matching with them online by a longshot (not hating to those who use apps like Hinge just my opinion). I would have blocked the scammer the second they sent me anything, and I would tell my close friends and family. The closest ones to you will hear you and comfort you. Moreover, I want to stress that if this happens to you, you not only need to submit the anonymous tip, but also save evidence-names/numbers/account names/emails the scammer used. This can be used when you speak to an agent about your scenario, the more info for them, the higher chance of them catches these guys. Most importantly- get off the phone. This experience 100% benefited me in the long run. It taught me not to lust, and also taught me to prioritize real life stuff instead of the online world- Going out in nature, pursuing a passion, and protecting my peace.
I want to finish this off with some words of wisdom. Keep in mind the scammers couldnt care less about you as a person. They are simply trying to make quick and dirty money. That is why getting leaked is so rare. You are not their only target. Unfortunately, this is happening to thousands daily, and its causing young kids to fall into depression or even worse, harm themselves. I want to let you know that you are heard by us, and god. This experience taught me to stop lusting and start focusing on the simple things in life- Health, Family, Nature, and Jesus Christ. Remember that you are stronger than a threat. Hear me out on this last part: In the event when a sextortion case occurs, both parties are sinning. The scammer is using deception, threats, anger and wrath to make the victim feel scared, anxious, and depressed- While the victim initially sinned by lusting and giving into an urge with a person who they dont even know, but here is the beauty of all this: This happened to you for a reason; I see so many posts on this forum about people saying they are glad this happened as it taught them to get offline and appreciate life for what it's for- that is GOD healing right there. He gave you this scenario of sin and gave you the opportunity to fall into his hands BY CHOICE. The scammer may have gotten the money now, but they will pay for that in the future. The victim may have been scammed today, but they should be awoken and appreciative tomorrow.
God bless you all, praying for you, and one more quick tip that will drastically get your mind off things: EXERCISE!!!
I will leave you with a question:
Who do you trust more?
The man who has threatened, scammed, and belittled you
Or the one who created you
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Weds, Feb 25, 2026: Samsung S26 family launches, iPhone Fold starts production, OpenClaw drama, Google Disrupts Espionage, Anthropic Alters AI Safety
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026 Summary (Get it via Newsletter)
Wildcard Desk:
- OpenClaw Controversy. Developers debate openly as users bypass anti-bot systems, injecting a playful twist into open‑source norms. See more details.
- Uber Air‑Taxi Preview. Uber’s prototype air‑taxi booking system for Dubai trials, powered by Joby aircraft, offers an experimental spin on urban mobility. Check out the preview.
Today’s top story – Google’s disruption of a China‑linked espionage campaign using Google Sheets – highlights real‑time vulnerabilities in products millions use. Simultaneously, market jitters around Nvidia, safety shifts at Anthropic and robust earnings figures underscore immediate implications for investors and tech leaders.
The briefing reviews market‐moving earnings and crypto volatility, platform risk from security operations and regulatory pushback, strategic signals in AI and device innovations, plus product updates reflecting ongoing tech creativity.
Market‑moving
- Nvidia Earnings Anticipated. Markets brace as chipmakers reposition ahead of Nvidia’s quarterly report, reflecting AI demand pressures and stock jitters. The evolving sentiment is detailed in the report.
- Salesforce Delivers Robust FY26 Results. Record fiscal revenues and a bold $50B share buyback boost confidence despite cautious forward guidance. Stakeholders track this signal via the update.
- Circle Q4 Surge on USDC. With $770M revenue and booming USDC circulation, Circle energizes the digital payments space as highlighted in the report.
- Crypto Rally Reverses Course. Bitcoin recovery toward $69,000 and moves in Ethereum and Solana prompt caution among traders, as captured in the analysis.
Platform risk
- Google Disrupts Espionage Operations. Google dismantled a China‑linked UNC2814 campaign that misused Sheets, alerting governments and telecoms to platform vulnerabilities. Read the full account.
- Anthropic Scales Back Safety Commitments. Under Pentagon pressure, Anthropic has rolled back elements of its safety policy, spotlighting a clash between agile AI and defense standards; details emerge in the coverage.
- Discord Halts Age‑Verification Rollout. Facing vocal user backlash, Discord paused its global plan for age verification, raising questions on platform governance. More insights appear in the report.
Strategic signal
- SambaNova Unveils SN50 Accelerator. SambaNova introduced its SN50 AI accelerator boasting a significant efficiency leap and raised $350M, marking a strategic enterprise AI leap. The announcement underscores competitive momentum.
- VAST Data Launches Unified AI OS. With a CUDA‑accelerated AI operating system and partnerships with Nvidia and CrowdStrike, VAST Data aims to simplify enterprise deployment. Further details are outlined in the release.
- Atlassian Embeds Agentic AI into Jira. Atlassian now lets teams assign and track AI agents like human teammates for seamless workflow integration, signaling a strengthening of productivity tools. Explore the brief for more.
- iPhone Fold Enters Production. Apple begins production of its iPhone Fold, featuring tighter crease tolerances to overcome previous design pitfalls, indicating a refined approach to foldables. Read the feature.
Product noise
- Anthropic Adds Remote Control to Claude Code. Developers can now take live coding sessions on the go, with Anthropic extending Claude Code’s functionality to mobile interfaces. The update is detailed in the announcement.
- Perplexity Launches Super‑Agent Platform. Perplexity’s new super‑agent orchestrates multiple AI models to streamline end‑to‑end workflows for enterprise applications, promising enhanced productivity. Further information appears in the report.
- Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series. During its Unpacked event, Samsung showcased the Galaxy S26 lineup with a pixel‑level Privacy Display and Gemini‑powered AI features, raising the bar for mobile innovation. See the release for full details.
Japanese Yen Forecast: USD/JPY Bulls Charge Yearly Open Resistance
USD/JPY is pressing into resistance into the close of the month, and the reaction here could decide whether the rally accelerates or stalls.
By : Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist
Japanese Yen Technical Forecast: USD/JPY Weekly Trade Levels
- USD/JPY is on pace for a second consecutive weekly advance, pressing into a major confluence zone at the yearly open and key Fibonacci retracement resistance.
- Price action remains constructive while above near-term support, but a decisive weekly close above resistance is required to confirm broader uptrend resumption.
- Event risk ahead with Tokyo CPI & US PPI on tap into the close of the week / month
- Resistance 156.64/67, 157.70-158.08 (key), 158.88- Support 154.79, 152.69, 151.91/98 (key)
USD/JPY has extended its recovery into the close of the month, bringing price back to a technically significant resistance zone anchored by the yearly open and a key retracement of the year-to-date range. This is a decisive test for the bulls. A sustained push through this confluence region would signal scope for a renewed challenge of the 2025 highs, while rejection into the weekly close would reinforce the risk of consolidation or pullback within the broader structure. Traders should closely monitor price behavior around this pivot as it is likely to define near-term directional bias. Battle lines are drawn on the USD/JPY weekly technical chart.
Review my latest Weekly Strategy Webinar for an in-depth breakdown of this Yen setup and more. Join live on Monday’s at 8:30am EST.
Japanese Yen Price Chart – USD/JPY Weekly
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; USD/JPY on TradingView
Technical Outlook: In my last Japanese Yen Technical Forecast we noted that USD/JPY had rebounded just ahead of uptrend support with the bulls, “within striking distance of resistance at 157.70-158.08- a region defined by the 2025 high-week close (HWC), the December high-close, and the January HWC. Look for a reaction there IF reached..” The rally registered an intraweek high at 157.66 the following week before turning sharply lower with an outside-week reversal rebounding just ahead of the January low.
USD/JPY is poised to mark a second consecutive weekly advance into the close of the month with price testing resistance today at the 61.8% retracement of the year-to-date range and the objective yearly open at 156.64/67. The focus is on the weekly / monthly close with regards to this threshold. Key resistance remains at 157.70-158.08- a region defined by the 2025 high-week close (HWC), the December high-close, and the January HWC. A breach / weekly close above this zone is needed to threaten resumption of the broader uptrend towards the 2025 swing high at 158.88. The next major technical consideration is eyed at the 2024 HWC and the 2024 swing high at 160.74-161.95- look for a larger reaction there IF reached.
Initial support rests at the 2026 low-week close (LWC) / the objective February open at 154.79 and is backed by the January low-close at 152.69. Critical support and broader bullish invalidation remains unchanged at 151.91/98- a region defined by the 2022 & 2023 swing highs, and the 38.2% retracement of the 2025 advance. A break / weekly close below this threshold is needed to invalidate the April uptrend and would suggest a larger trend reversal is underway. Subsequent support rests with the 52-week moving average, currently near ~150.
Click the website link below to Check Out Our FREE "How to Trade USD/JPY" Guide
https://www.cityindex.com/en-uk/whitepapers/
Bottom line: USD/JPY is trading into confluent resistance into the close of the week / month, and the focus is on a possible inflection off this zone in the days ahead. From a trading standpoint, losses should be limited to 154.79 IF price is heading higher on this stretch with a close above 156.67 needed to fuel another run towards the yearly highs.
Keep in mind we get the release of Tokyo CPI tomorrow with the US Producer Price Index (PPI) on tap Friday. Stay nimble into the monthly cross and watch the weekly close here for guidance. Review my latest Japanese Yen Short-term Outlook for a closer look at the near-term USD/JPY technical trade levels.
USD/JPY Key Economic Data Releases
Economic Calendar - latest economic developments and upcoming event risk.
Active Weekly Technical Charts
- Gold (XAU/USD)
- Euro (EUR/USD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD/USD)
- Canadian Dollar (USD/CAD)
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- US Dollar Index (DXY)
- S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow
- Crude Oil (WTI)
- Bitcoin (BTC/USD)
- Swiss Franc (USD/CHF)
--- Written by Michael Boutros, Senior Technical Strategist
Follow Michael on X @MBForex
StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.
No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The Daily Market Flux - Your Complete Market Rundown (02/24/2026)
Our platform aggregates and organizes all relevant market news, helping you stay informed, up-to-date, and knowledgeable without spending hours sifting through headlines.
Reinvented to keep you in control, it's where your edge begins with better information. Go from market noise to clarity in seconds with a real-time platform built to redefine how traders and investors digest financial news.
Visit www.marketflux.io
Here is Your Complete Market Rundown (02/24/2026)
Top Stories
Markets Stabilize After Tariff Turmoil as Trump Faces State of Union Test
US stock futures steadied following Monday's selloff as Trump prepares his State of the Union address amid polling showing voter skepticism on economic promises. FedEx sued for tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling, while businesses warn against expecting lower prices despite tariff rollbacks.
Company News
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 1.58%
5D Change: 3.6%
News Volume: 222
Unusual Volume Factor: 2x
Amazon-Backed Anthropic Sparks Market Volatility with Enterprise AI Push While Pentagon Clash Intensifies
Amazon-backed AI startup Anthropic triggered significant market turbulence on February 24 as it unveiled new enterprise AI capabilities, sending shockwaves through the software sector before partnerships helped stabilize investor sentiment. The company's Claude AI platform announced expanded enterprise offerings including Cowork plugins for Microsoft Office applications and integrations with major firms including Intuit, DocuSign, Salesforce, and Thomson Reuters. The announcements initially hammered technology stocks, with IBM suffering its steepest single-day drop in over two decades after Anthropic highlighted Claude's ability to modernize legacy COBOL systems. Cybersecurity stocks also tumbled following the unveiling of Claude Code Security features. However, markets rebounded later in the session as Anthropic's partnership approach suggested collaboration rather than wholesale replacement of existing software providers. Amazon maintained its significant presence in the day's news beyond its Anthropic investment. The company announced a $12 billion commitment to build data centers in Louisiana, creating over 2,000 jobs in one of the state's largest tech infrastructure projects. Separately, California regulators sought an injunction against Amazon for allegedly stifling price competition, while Italy's data protection authority banned an Amazon unit from using employee personal data. The day took a dramatic turn when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly gave Anthropic a Friday deadline to remove AI safeguards restricting military applications or face contract termination. Anthropic, which had accused Chinese AI firms including DeepSeek of industrial-scale data theft through fraudulent accounts, stood firm on its ethical restrictions despite Pentagon pressure. Anthropic also kicked off an employee share sale valued up to $6 billion at a $380 billion valuation, driven by rising enterprise revenue. Analysts noted the company has become a prime IPO candidate for 2026. Amazon's broader AI infrastructure spending drew attention as the company's capital expenditure plans sparked debate among investors about long-term returns. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway notably dumped 77% of its Amazon stake before his retirement, though separate analysis suggested Amazon's current valuation represents its cheapest level since 2010.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 8.72%
5D Change: 5.3%
News Volume: 201
Unusual Volume Factor: 5x
AMD Secures Landmark $100 Billion AI Chip Deal with Meta, Stock Surges 14%
Advanced Micro Devices announced a massive agreement to supply Meta Platforms with up to $60 billion worth of artificial intelligence chips over five years, with the total deal value exceeding $100 billion when including infrastructure costs. The partnership involves deploying up to 6 gigawatts of GPU computing capacity and includes performance-based warrants that could give Meta up to 10% ownership in AMD through approximately 160 million shares. AMD shares jumped as much as 14% in premarket trading before settling with gains around 10% during regular hours. The deal represents a major validation for AMD as it competes against Nvidia in the AI chip market, marking the company's second mega supply agreement following a similar arrangement with OpenAI. Meta will deploy AMD's MI450 chips as part of its AI infrastructure buildout, coming just days after the social media giant committed to deploying millions of Nvidia GPUs. Wall Street analysts offered mixed reactions. Rosenblatt reaffirmed its Buy rating with a $300 target, calling the partnership major validation for AMD's AI chips. Roth Capital maintained its Buy rating, noting the deal solidifies AMD's role as an AI infrastructure provider. However, Mizuho cautioned that the rally could be short-lived amid headline-driven trading, while some analysts questioned whether the deal reflects desperation rather than strength. The announcement briefly pressured Nvidia shares, which fell 1.7% on the news, though Wall Street remained bullish ahead of Nvidia's earnings report. The AMD-Meta agreement highlights the growing complexity of the AI ecosystem as major tech companies diversify their chip suppliers beyond Nvidia's dominant position in the market.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 0.33%
5D Change: 0.02%
News Volume: 196
Unusual Volume Factor: 2x
Meta Signs $100 Billion AI Chip Deal with AMD While Navigating Ray-Ban Pricing Tensions and Reviving Stablecoin Plans
Meta Platforms struck a landmark agreement with Advanced Micro Devices to purchase up to $60 billion worth of AI chips over five years, with the total deal value exceeding $100 billion when including infrastructure costs. The arrangement secures up to 6 gigawatts of computing capacity and grants Meta the option to acquire up to 10% of AMD through performance-based warrants for up to 160 million shares. AMD shares surged 14% on the announcement, which analysts view as major validation of AMD's position as a credible alternative to Nvidia in hyperscale AI infrastructure. The deal comes just days after Meta committed to deploying millions of Nvidia GPUs, underscoring the company's massive AI buildout strategy. Separately, Meta faces internal tensions with smart glasses partner EssilorLuxottica over pricing for their Ray-Ban AI glasses as they compete against potential rivals like Apple. Court filings also revealed that a Meta executive previously warned the company's Facebook Messenger encryption plan was "so irresponsible," raising questions about internal safety concerns. In cryptocurrency developments, Meta is reportedly planning a stablecoin comeback in the second half of 2026, partnering with a third-party vendor for payments and rolling out a new digital wallet. This marks a revival of Meta's digital currency ambitions following the failure of its previous Diem project. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has predicted the stablecoin market could reach $3 trillion by 2030. Investor activity showed mixed signals, with billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller eliminating his fund's Meta position while billionaire Philippe Laffont shifted focus to other AI stocks after selling Meta shares. Ross Gerber highlighted Meta's $23.6 billion share buyback costs as a point of concern for shareholders. Meta stock edged up modestly as investors weighed the long-term benefits of its AI infrastructure investments against potential dilution from the AMD warrant structure.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (KEYS)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 23.18%
5D Change: 28.53%
Keysight Technologies Surges 16% on Record Q1 Results and Strong AI Demand Outlook
Keysight Technologies shares jumped 16% in premarket trading February 24 after reporting record first-quarter revenue and earnings that exceeded estimates. The electronic test equipment maker issued second-quarter profit guidance well above analyst expectations, driven by robust AI infrastructure demand. Wall Street responded enthusiastically with widespread price target increases. Goldman Sachs raised its target to $322 from $243, while UBS lifted its forecast to $340 from $230, projecting 39% upside. Barclays increased its target to $320 from $232, and Morgan Stanley raised its price objective to $268 from $227. Bank of America upgraded the stock based on strong order momentum. The company led S&P 500 gainers for the session, with analysts citing AI-related capital expenditure as a key growth driver. The stock hit a record high during trading, marking the company's largest earnings beat in years. One insider transaction was reported, with SVP Estrada selling $475,000 in shares.
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 4.23%
5D Change: 6.5%
Keurig Dr Pepper Beats Q4 Estimates, Projects Double-Digit Growth Despite Rising Coffee Costs
Keurig Dr Pepper reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations by $0.01, with revenue also topping estimates, driving shares up 2.4% in premarket trading. The company posted a 10% sales surge driven by higher prices and resilient demand for sodas. Management issued strong 2026 guidance, targeting low double-digit earnings growth and revenue between $25.9 billion and $26.4 billion as the company prepares for its JDE Peet's acquisition, set to close in six weeks. However, the company warned that cost pressures will persist into early 2026, as JDE Peet's separately reported an unprecedented €1.6 billion jump in 2025 costs due to surging green coffee bean prices. Keurig Dr Pepper secured additional funding for the acquisition as it advances its transformation strategy.
Geopolitics Events
Markets Stabilize After Tariff Turmoil as Trump Faces State of the Union Test
US stock futures steadied Tuesday following Monday's sell-off, as investors digested the Supreme Court's rejection of President Trump's emergency tariffs and assessed his economic agenda ahead of tonight's State of the Union address. FedEx filed a high-profile lawsuit seeking tariff refunds, while businesses warned consumers not to expect lower prices despite the court ruling. Trump faces mounting challenges selling his economic record to voters, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding most Americans view him as growing erratic with age. His administration struggles to demonstrate promised economic gains as data presents a mixed picture of his policy outcomes. Geopolitical tensions escalated as Iran nears a deal to purchase Chinese supersonic anti-ship missiles, pushing Middle East oil tanker costs to six-year highs. Israel warned Lebanon of severe retaliation if Hezbollah joins any US-Iran conflict. China indicated it will determine tariff countermeasures in due course, while Taiwan seeks assurances on trade deal stability. Apple announced plans to manufacture Mac minis domestically as part of Trump's reshoring push.
Trump Administration Scrambles to Adjust Tariff Policy After Supreme Court Setback
President Trump's global tariffs took effect Tuesday at 10 percent, lower than the initially planned 15 percent rate, as the administration works to adjust the temporary rate published by Customs and Border Protection. The implementation follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of Trump's sweeping tariffs as unconstitutional, creating uncertainty for businesses and potentially cooling inflation according to Federal Reserve officials. FedEx launched the first major legal challenge against the administration, suing for tariff refunds just days after the Supreme Court decision. The lawsuit signals the beginning of what could be extensive legal battles as companies seek to reclaim billions in tariff payments already made. However, the White House is indicating that firms pursuing refunds face a lengthy process. The administration is pivoting its trade strategy, developing Pentagon-created AI models to set reference prices for critical minerals including germanium, gallium, antimony, and tungsten. Trump is also exploring new trade probes to revive tariff authority following the court defeat. The developments come as Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address amid voter concerns about the economy and questions about whether his tariff policies justify their economic costs.
Trump Administration Working to Raise Temporary Tariff Rate to 15%
The Trump administration is working to increase a new temporary U.S. tariff rate to 15% from the 10% rate published by Customs and Border Protection. A White House official confirmed there is "no change of heart" on the planned 15% rate under Section 122 statute, though timing for the adjustment remains unclear.
Putin Warns of "Self-Destruction" as Russia-Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning that Ukraine and Western allies risk "self-destruction" in attempting to defeat Russia. Russia signaled it would inform the U.S. about potential nuclear weapons in Ukraine, with officials stating Kyiv's nuclear ambitions would affect Russia's position. While Ukraine indicated another round of talks may be possible, major obstacles persist including Donetsk's future, control of key infrastructure, and security demands. Analysts note the war has fundamentally changed all parties involved, raising stakes too high for a quick resolution.
Zelensky Pushes for EU Membership Timeline as Allies Pledge Continued Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the European Union to provide a clear accession date as the war enters its fourth year. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed Ukraine is progressing toward membership and pledged to deliver a 90 billion euro loan package as Ukraine faces funding shortfalls within weeks. G7 leaders reaffirmed unwavering support on the war anniversary, while Italy confirmed military aid through 2026. Rising Russian battlefield casualties may constrain Moscow's offensive capacity in coming months, though divisions among European partners complicate Ukraine's diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine Peace Efforts Stall as Kremlin Frames Conflict as Western Confrontation
Four years after Russia's invasion, peace negotiations have stalled. The Kremlin now characterizes the Ukraine conflict as a broader confrontation with the West and acknowledges its "special military operation" goals remain unachieved. The EU Parliament commemorated the war's anniversary while calling for increased Western pressure on Russia.
US Stocks Edge Lower as Zillow Hits 52-Week Low
Major US indices opened marginally lower with the Dow down 0.05%, S&P 500 declining 0.07%, and Nasdaq slipping 0.03%. Zillow Group fell to a 52-week low near $42 amid broader software sector weakness.
China Military Purge Weakens Readiness as Russia Struggles in Ukraine War
China's military purge is undermining command effectiveness and operational readiness, according to new research. Meanwhile, Russia's Ukraine offensive faces setbacks from mounting casualties, with the Kremlin framing the conflict as a broader confrontation with the West. Four years of war have fundamentally transformed all parties involved.
Macro Events
Markets Stabilize After Tariff Turmoil as Trump Faces State of the Union Test
US stock futures steadied Tuesday following Monday's sell-off, as investors digested the Supreme Court's rejection of President Trump's emergency tariffs and assessed his economic agenda ahead of tonight's State of the Union address. FedEx filed a high-profile lawsuit seeking tariff refunds, while businesses warned consumers not to expect lower prices despite the court ruling. Trump faces mounting challenges selling his economic record to voters, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding most Americans view him as growing erratic with age. His administration struggles to demonstrate promised economic gains as data presents a mixed picture of his policy outcomes. Geopolitical tensions escalated as Iran nears a deal to purchase Chinese supersonic anti-ship missiles, pushing Middle East oil tanker costs to six-year highs. Israel warned Lebanon of severe retaliation if Hezbollah joins any US-Iran conflict. China indicated it will determine tariff countermeasures in due course, while Taiwan seeks assurances on trade deal stability. Apple announced plans to manufacture Mac minis domestically as part of Trump's reshoring push.
Trump Administration Scrambles to Adjust Tariff Policy After Supreme Court Setback
President Trump's global tariffs took effect Tuesday at 10 percent, lower than the initially planned 15 percent rate, as the administration works to adjust the temporary rate published by Customs and Border Protection. The implementation follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of Trump's sweeping tariffs as unconstitutional, creating uncertainty for businesses and potentially cooling inflation according to Federal Reserve officials. FedEx launched the first major legal challenge against the administration, suing for tariff refunds just days after the Supreme Court decision. The lawsuit signals the beginning of what could be extensive legal battles as companies seek to reclaim billions in tariff payments already made. However, the White House is indicating that firms pursuing refunds face a lengthy process. The administration is pivoting its trade strategy, developing Pentagon-created AI models to set reference prices for critical minerals including germanium, gallium, antimony, and tungsten. Trump is also exploring new trade probes to revive tariff authority following the court defeat. The developments come as Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address amid voter concerns about the economy and questions about whether his tariff policies justify their economic costs.
Fed Officials Signal Caution on Rate Cuts as AI's Economic Impact Remains Uncertain
Federal Reserve officials expressed hesitation about near-term interest rate cuts while grappling with artificial intelligence's potential economic effects. Chicago Fed President Goolsbee stated that 3% inflation is "not good enough" and emphasized rate cuts won't come until inflation returns to target, though he remains optimistic about cuts later this year. He noted uncertainty about remaining tariff pressure on prices and concerns about rising services inflation even as goods inflation recedes. Atlanta Fed President Bostic warned that AI's transition could challenge the Fed's understanding and may lead to structurally higher unemployment beyond the central bank's control. Fed Governor Cook acknowledged AI's "profound changes" will ultimately benefit the economy, noting it makes starting businesses less expensive. Governor Waller highlighted that AI's biggest impact comes when it becomes a general-purpose tool but acknowledged uncertainty about when technologies will reach full systemic impact. The comments come as Trump's 10% global tariff takes effect and markets digest AI-driven volatility.
Trump Administration Working to Raise Temporary Tariff Rate to 15%
The Trump administration is working to increase a new temporary U.S. tariff rate to 15% from the 10% rate published by Customs and Border Protection. A White House official confirmed there is "no change of heart" on the planned 15% rate under Section 122 statute, though timing for the adjustment remains unclear.
US Consumer Confidence Surges to 91.2 in February, Beating Expectations
The Conference Board's February consumer confidence index jumped to 91.2, exceeding the 87.1 estimate and January's revised 89.0. However, Philadelphia Fed's non-manufacturing activity fell to -17.3, missing forecasts.
Transport Canada Certifies Gulfstream G700 and G800 After Trump Tariff Threat
Canada's aviation regulator approved remaining Gulfstream private jet models following President Trump's warnings of tariffs and retaliatory measures over the country's previous certification delays.
EU Anticipates US Steel and Aluminum Tariff Relief Within Weeks
European Union officials expect the United States to scale back broad tariffs on steel, aluminum, and derivative products in coming weeks. EU trade chief Sefcovic confirmed a transitional period is underway, with Washington reviewing the tariff structure and officials hoping for positive developments soon.
Technology Events
Meta Signs $100 Billion AI Chip Deal with AMD Following Nvidia Commitment
Meta Platforms agreed to purchase AI computing power worth 6 gigawatts from AMD in a deal exceeding $100 billion over five years, potentially acquiring up to 10% of AMD's stock. The partnership, featuring AMD's MI450 chips, comes days after Meta committed to deploying millions of Nvidia GPUs, sending AMD shares surging 14%.
Dow and S&P 500 Rebound After AI-Driven Sell-Off as AMD Surges on Meta Partnership
Major indexes climbed Tuesday following recent market declines, with the Dow and S&P 500 recovering ground. AMD shares surged on news of a Meta deal, while new Trump tariffs took effect amid the broader market rebound.
Fed Officials Signal Caution on Rate Cuts as AI's Economic Impact Remains Uncertain
Federal Reserve officials expressed hesitation about near-term interest rate cuts while grappling with artificial intelligence's potential economic effects. Chicago Fed President Goolsbee stated that 3% inflation is "not good enough" and emphasized rate cuts won't come until inflation returns to target, though he remains optimistic about cuts later this year. He noted uncertainty about remaining tariff pressure on prices and concerns about rising services inflation even as goods inflation recedes. Atlanta Fed President Bostic warned that AI's transition could challenge the Fed's understanding and may lead to structurally higher unemployment beyond the central bank's control. Fed Governor Cook acknowledged AI's "profound changes" will ultimately benefit the economy, noting it makes starting businesses less expensive. Governor Waller highlighted that AI's biggest impact comes when it becomes a general-purpose tool but acknowledged uncertainty about when technologies will reach full systemic impact. The comments come as Trump's 10% global tariff takes effect and markets digest AI-driven volatility.
Software Stocks Tumble as AI Disruption Fears Grip Markets
Investors are selling software stocks amid growing concerns about AI disruption, creating volatility across tech sectors. Market participants await Nvidia's Q4 earnings for direction on the AI trade's sustainability.
Intuit Stock Jumps as Anthropic Partnership Eases AI Disruption Concerns
Intuit shares rallied following announcement of a partnership with Anthropic to deploy custom AI agents for businesses. The AI startup showcased new Claude capabilities and enterprise tools for investment banking and HR sectors. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicted AI will automate coding before replacing broader software engineering roles. The developments provided relief to markets weeks after legal issues triggered a selloff, though Wall Street reaction remained muted overall.
Anthropic Hosts Enterprise Event Showcasing New Claude AI Agent Capabilities
AI startup Anthropic demonstrates enhanced Claude features at enterprise-focused event, unveiling AI agents integrated with tools for investment banking and HR applications amid broader market concerns about artificial intelligence advancement.
Crypto Events
Coinbase Launches Stock and ETF Trading as Crypto Markets Face Outflows
Coinbase has expanded beyond cryptocurrency by adding US equities and ETF trading, offering over 8,000 securities with 24-hour trading capabilities. The move positions the platform as a full-service financial app competing directly with Robinhood. Meanwhile, crypto markets turned negative with Bitcoin ETFs experiencing $204 million in outflows. Bitcoin remained below $68,000 while Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin extended losses amid concerns over Vitalik Buterin's continued ETH sales and potential further Ethereum price weakness.
Bitcoin Faces Mounting Pressure as Analysts Warn of Further Declines Amid Capital Flight
Bitcoin has fallen 50% from its peak and faces potential drops to $45,000-$55,000 as capital outflows accelerate and traders brace for additional losses. Analysts cite tariff tensions, policy delays, and a break-even trap stalling rallies, marking Bitcoin's worst monthly performance in four years.
Misc Events
Google Expands U.S. Data Center Network with Renewable Energy Partnerships in Texas and Minnesota
Google is building new data centers in Texas and Minnesota, partnering with AES Corp for a 20-year power supply agreement in Texas and Xcel Energy in Minnesota, with both facilities incorporating renewable energy sources including solar, wind, and battery storage.
Biotech stocks surge on positive trial results and strategic partnerships
Palvella Therapeutics and Fulcrum Therapeutics rallied on favorable clinical data, while Larimar gained on breakthrough therapy designation. Indian pharma firms Natco and Eris jumped 6% on Semaglutide partnership. Radiopharm initiated phase 1/2a cancer trial dosing.
Earnings Events
MercadoLibre Shares Rise Despite Profit Miss on Strong Revenue, E-Commerce Growth
MercadoLibre reported mixed fourth quarter results, missing profit estimates by $0.62 per share while revenue exceeded expectations, driving shares higher on strong e-commerce growth momentum.
Major Indexes Rise as Markets Await Nvidia Earnings and State of Union
S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq climbed Tuesday amid volatility compression before Nvidia's earnings report and State of the Union address. Notable movers included HIMS, VIR, CLVT, and Domo stock.
Metals Events
EU Anticipates US Steel and Aluminum Tariff Relief Within Weeks
European Union officials expect the United States to scale back broad tariffs on steel, aluminum, and derivative products in coming weeks. EU trade chief Sefcovic confirmed a transitional period is underway, with Washington reviewing the tariff structure and officials hoping for positive developments soon.
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