Stocks Lower as Tech Selloff Deepens Ahead of CPI | The Close 2/12/2026

Market Overview - The Nasdaq 100 has declined by more than 1.5%, with significant losses from major companies like Apple, Applovin, and Cisco [2] - A notable drop in a closely watched software ETF, down nearly 3%, indicates a reversal of recent gains [2] - Bitcoin has also seen a decline of 3%, approaching $65,000 per token, reflecting a broader sell-off in risk assets [2] Technology Sector - The tech sector experienced a sell-off due to profitability concerns, which has raised alarms about potential broader risks in the market [3] - Cisco's recent quarterly report revealed a weak margin outlook, contributing to Wall Street's anxiety regarding the tech industry's future [4][91] Commodities and Energy - Precious metals, including gold, have fallen, attributed to traders liquidating positions to cover equity losses [5] - Oil prices have been volatile, influenced by developments in U.S.-Iran relations and ongoing tensions in the energy market [6][7] - U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright's visit to Venezuela highlights potential opportunities for U.S. companies like Chevron to expand operations, with expectations of increased production over the next 18 to 24 months [20][104] U.S. Government and Venezuela Relations - The U.S. government is engaging with Venezuela to improve business conditions, with discussions around new licenses for oil companies to operate in the country [18][19] - The U.S. aims to reduce the influence of adversarial nations like China and Russia in Venezuela, promoting a more favorable environment for American companies [24][25] Banking Sector - The banking sector is facing pressure, with regional banks trading lower despite a strong year-to-date performance [71] - There is a narrative around AI's impact on the banking industry, with banks viewing it as a potential tailwind rather than a headwind [76] - M&A activity in the banking sector is expected to continue, driven by the need for scale to compete with non-bank competitors [81][84] Cisco's Performance - Cisco's stock has dropped significantly due to a weak profit margin outlook, overshadowing previous strong performance [91][100] - The company faces challenges from high memory prices, which have impacted margins more than anticipated [93] - Analysts suggest that Cisco's position in the public sector remains strong, despite potential cutbacks in government spending [97]