📈 Record Markets

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Good Morning & Happy Friday!

Markets are making moves as the S&P 500 hits another record high, while the Fed signals caution on rate cuts. Rivian posts its first-ever gross profit but sees stock volatility after a weak outlook. In crypto, Bitcoin surges past $97,000, while Ethereum and XRP gain momentum. Plus, a roundup of today's biggest headlines, from job cuts and AI startups to Nvidia’s earnings and Chinese tech stocks on the rise.

Grab your flat white and let's get into it! ☕️👇️

Markets

📈 S&P 500 Logs Back-to-Back Record Closes as Traders Look Past Fed Warnings
The S&P 500 closed at a record 6,144.15, marking its second consecutive all-time high, despite inflation concerns tied to looming tariffs. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve officials signaled caution on rate cuts, stating they need to see further progress on inflation before considering any reductions.

The latest Fed meeting minutes suggest policymakers are prepared to hold interest rates steady if the economy remains strong and inflation stays elevated. Investors remain divided, fluctuating between concerns over global trade tensions and optimism about U.S. economic strength. The central bank is closely watching the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, which could drive inflation higher and complicate future rate decisions.

⚡ Rivian Stock Seesaws After Light Guidance Distracts from First Gross Profit
Rivian posted its first-ever gross profit of $170 million, driven by regulatory credit sales and software revenue, surpassing expectations of $64 million. Despite this, shares initially surged 8% in after-hours trading before retreating, as investors reacted to the company’s cautious 2025 outlook.

Revenue hit $1.7 billion, beating forecasts, but Rivian projected 46,000 to 51,000 deliveries for 2025, falling short of Wall Street’s 55,000 estimate and signaling a potential slowdown. While the company expects to turn a "modest gross profit" this year, its volatile $14 billion market cap keeps the stock on a rollercoaster ride.

👀 Bitcoin Picks Up Pace to Cross $97,000 amid Broad Crypto Enthusiasm
Bitcoin surged to $97,500, bouncing back from a weekly low of $93,500 as traders bought the dip despite tariff concerns and a hawkish Fed. Ethereum climbed toward $2,800, recovering from recent lows, while XRP posted a 10% weekly gain on ETF optimism. Meanwhile, Solana and Dogecoin lagged, down 10% and 2%, respectively. Crypto markets remain volatile as investors await regulatory updates from Washington.

Quick News

• UK companies are cutting jobs at the fastest pace since the pandemic's first year due to rising payroll costs and weak demand.

• Walmart's disappointing sales and profit forecasts, influenced by political and trade uncertainties, led to a 6.5% drop in its stock, affecting other retailers and the S&P 500.

• The ASX 200 index closed 0.3% lower at 8,296.20 points, with notable gains from Domain and Mayne.

• Business Insider highlights 43 tech and AI startups, including Abridge and Anysphere, as promising ventures for 2025.

• Two stocks with strong income characteristics have been identified for investors to consider on February 21.

• Three stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) list as of February 21.

• Nvidia is expected to report a fourth-quarter profit of $20.89 billion, with a 72% revenue increase, testing the sustainability of AI-driven market enthusiasm.

• Three stocks with strong growth characteristics have been identified for investors to consider on February 21.

• Chinese tech stocks listed in Hong Kong have advanced, marking their best weekly winning streak since 2020, driven by earnings surprises and AI sector optimism.

• Institutional investors are steadily increasing their allocations to private markets, despite challenges such as illiquidity and opacity.

• On February 21, 128 BSE-listed stocks reached 52-week lows amid a sell-off in Indian markets.