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Wall Street ended the week substantially lower as concerns about the conflict in the Middle East lingered and oil prices stayed higher at around $100 per barrel. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve announced its decision to keep interest rates unchanged, as widely expected.
Brent futures (CO1:COM) rose around 8.9% in the past five days to settle around $112 on Friday, while WTI Crude (CL1:COM) actually declined around 0.6% this week to around $98 per barrel. It is, however, an increase of almost 55% and 47%, respectively, from a month ago.
In addition, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.50%-3.75% for a third straight meeting on Wednesday, in line with expectations. In its communication, the Fed cited the uncertainty of the Middle East conflict weighing on the economy.
In economic news, the February Producer Price Index came in hotter at +0.7% month-over-month, compared to the expected +0.3%, and Core PPI, excluding foods and energy, was +0.5% month-over-month vs. +0.3% consensus.
Moreover, U.S. Treasury yields rose significantly this week due to renewed concerns about the near-term path of monetary policy after the Fed’s decision to keep rates steady. The U.S. 10-Year bond yield (US10Y) was up 2.45% this week to 4.39%, while the U.S. 2-Year bond yield (US2Y) was up 4.8% to 3.91%, and the U.S. 30-Year yield (US30Y) was up 0.8% this week to 4.94%.
For the week, the S&P (SP500) lost -1.9%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP:IND) dipped -2.1%, and the blue-chip Dow (DJI) fell -2.1%. Read a preview of next week’s major events in Seeking Alpha’s Catalyst Watch.
“Manufacturing is Roaring Back Under President Donald Trump,” the White House declared a year ago, touting job growth in the industry. But recent data shows a dual reality – fewer manufacturing jobs and a rebound in factory activity. Read more.
Seeking Alpha’s Calls Of The Week
This Is A Game Changing Year For AST SpaceMobile (ASTS).
Why Par Pacific (PARR) Is The Hidden Energy Gem Of 2026.
J. M. Smucker’s (SJM) Turnaround Brewing With Elliott’s Backing.
This Petro-Economy Makes Kaspi.kz (KSPI) Tactically Sensible.
PAI’s Discount Widens To Make It An Attractive Choice Again.
EOG Resources (EOG): Sector Fundamental Risks Are Rising.
TSYY: Aggressive Strategy Should Continue To Erode Capital.
I’ve Been Bullish On Uber (UBER) For Years – But Not Anymore.
SoundHound AI’s (SOUN) Premium Vs. Its Peers Is Deafening.
Blend Labs (BLND) Faces Potential Mortgage Industry Downturn.
Weekly Movement
U.S. Indices
Dow -2.1% to 45,577. S&P 500 -1.9% to 6,506. Nasdaq -2.1% to 21,648. Russell 2000 -1.6% to 2,441. CBOE Volatility Index -1.5% to 26.78.
S&P 500 Sectors
Consumer Staples -4.5%. Utilities -5%. Financials +0.4%. Telecom -1.5%. Healthcare -3.1%. Industrials -1.9%. Information Technology -1.9%. Materials -4.5%. Energy +2.8%. Consumer Discretionary -2.7%. Real Estate -4.2%.
World Indices
London -3.3% to 9,918. France -3.1% to 7,666. Germany -4.6% to 22,380. Japan -0.8% to 53,373. China -3.4% to 3,957. Hong Kong -0.7% to 25,277. India flat at 74,533.
Commodities and Bonds
Crude Oil WTI -2.2% to $94.74/bbl. Gold -9.6% to $4,574.9/oz. Natural Gas -1.2% to 3.095. Ten-Year Bond Yield -0.2 bps to 4.392.
Forex and Cryptos
EUR/USD +1.36%. USD/JPY -0.31%. GBP/USD +0.88%. Bitcoin -0.7%. Litecoin +2.2%. Ethereum +2.7%. XRP +2.7%.
Top S&P 500 Gainers
Ciena (CIEN) +14%. APA (APA) +13%. Baker Hughes (BKR) +11%. Halliburton (HAL) +8%. Delta Air Lines (DAL) +8%.
Top S&P 500 Losers
Super Micro Computer (SMCI) -33%. The Mosaic (MOS) -20%. Newmont (NEM) -13%. The Trade Desk (TTD) -12%. Public Storage (PSA) -11%.
Where will the markets be headed next week? Current trends and ideas? Add your thoughts to the comments section.
