Money

Stocks rise as Fed minutes, earnings await release

Stocks near record highs as investors eye Fed minutes and upcoming manufacturing updates amid positive inflation data.

Published

12 months ago

February 17, 2025

ticker NEWS

Stocks near record highs as investors eye Fed minutes and upcoming manufacturing updates amid positive inflation data.

In Short

The S&P 500 hit a record high due to positive inflation data, raising expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Corporate earnings reports are upcoming, while January inflation trends suggest a slowdown in price growth, reinforcing hopes for future rate cuts.

During the week, the Nasdaq Composite increased by over 2.5%, while the S&P 500 climbed nearly 1.5% and the Dow Jones added about 0.5%.

Corporate earnings season continues, with notable reports expected from Alibaba and Walmart. A total of 46 S&P 500 companies will announce results this trading week, which is shortened due to Presidents’ Day.

Next week promises a quieter economic news schedule, with market attention on the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes, along with updates on manufacturing, services, and consumer sentiment.

Recent inflation reports for January indicated higher-than-expected price increases, but economists discerned positive trends. They noted a likely slowdown in price growth within categories relevant to the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, the Personal Consumer Expenditures (PCE) index.

Projections for “core” PCE, which excludes food and energy, are set at 2.6% for January, a decrease from December’s 2.8%. Markets continue to foresee one or two rate cuts from the Fed in 2025, aligning with views that cutting rates is more probable than raising them.

Investors will focus on the Fed’s January minutes for insights into future interest rate plans. The S&P 500’s rise is diverse, with several stocks beyond tech performing well, indicating broad market strength at the start of 2025.

Money

Alphabet launches $20B bond to fund AI expansion

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Published

10 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Alphabet has launched a record $20 billion bond offering to finance its massive AI infrastructure build-out, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy. The oversubscribed sale shows that investors are betting on Alphabet’s AI potential and long-term returns.

By using debt instead of equity, Alphabet can raise funds without diluting shareholders. The money will support AI research, advanced computing, and other strategic projects, cementing the company’s leadership in the sector.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies explains how corporate debt is reshaping tech financing and how investors perceive AI-linked bonds. This record issuance could set a trend for other tech companies looking to fund innovation.

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Money

AI tax tool sparks market turmoil for financial firms

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Published

11 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Shares of major financial services firms tumbled after the launch of a new AI-powered tax planning tool. LPL Financial dropped nearly 11%, while Charles Schwab and Raymond James Financial fell more than 9%, signalling investor concern over AI disrupting traditional advisory services.

Morgan Stanley also saw a 4% decline as fears grow that AI could replace some of the most profitable offerings of established firms. Earlier this year, the introduction of other AI models already caused turbulence in software stocks, suggesting this could be a broader trend affecting multiple sectors.

The iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers and Securities ETF was down 4% on Tuesday, reflecting the market-wide uncertainty surrounding AI adoption in finance. Investors are closely watching whether AI will complement or cannibalise the industry’s core services.

#AIImpact #WallStreet #FinancialMarkets #InvestingNews #MorganStanley #CharlesSchwab #RaymondJames #FinTech

Money

RBA rate shock: ASX200, Gold and Crypto market

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

Published

1 day ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

The RBA’s latest interest rate decision has sent ripples through the ASX200 and AUD, leaving investors weighing what comes next. We break down how these changes could affect global equities ahead of this week’s crucial non-farm payroll and consumer price index releases.

Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry Markets shares his analysis on the rebound in gold and silver after recent market turbulence, and what factors could drive further gains or sell-offs in the commodities market.

We also dive into the current state of cryptocurrencies, exploring how investors can navigate volatility and what to watch as economic data continues to shape market sentiment.

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#RBA #ASX200 #GoldMarket #SilverRebound #CryptoUpdate #InvestingTips #MarketVolatility #EconomicOutlook