Economic Data - The U.S. consumer prices rose by +0.2% month-over-month in January, which is weaker than the expected +0.3% and marks the smallest gain since July [1] - Year-over-year headline inflation decreased to +2.4% in January from +2.7% in December, also below the expected +2.5% [1] - The core CPI, excluding food and fuel prices, increased by +0.3% month-over-month and +2.5% year-over-year in January, aligning with expectations [1] Market Performance - Wall Street's major equity averages closed mixed, with software stocks like CrowdStrike Holdings rising over +4% and ServiceNow gaining more than +3% [2] - Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks surged after Bitcoin's price rose over +4%, with Coinbase Global jumping over +16% [2] - Applied Materials advanced over +8% after reporting better-than-expected FQ1 results and issuing strong FQ2 guidance [2] - Constellation Brands slumped more than -8% after announcing a CEO succession [2] Federal Reserve Insights - The CPI report is not expected to change the Fed's near-term outlook, with potential for further easing later this year contingent on a convincing decline in inflation [6] - Chicago Fed President indicated that interest rates could be lowered if inflation trends towards the 2% target, but currently, it remains around 3% [6] - U.S. rate futures indicate a 92.2% chance of no rate change and a 7.8% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the March Fed meeting [7] Corporate Earnings and Reports - Notable companies reporting earnings this week include Walmart, Palo Alto Networks, and Booking Holdings, among others [11] - Quarterly 13F filings from major investors like Berkshire Hathaway are expected to provide insights into fourth-quarter portfolio changes [11] Global Market Trends - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index is attempting to stabilize after volatility due to AI concerns, with utilities and healthcare stocks advancing [13] - The U.K. unemployment rate rose to 5.2%, and Germany's annual inflation rate increased to 2.1% in January [14] - Japan's Nikkei 225 Index closed lower amid profit-taking and concerns over AI disruption, while Japan's bond market saw increased demand [16][17]

Key Takeaways AKAM is set to report Q4 results on Feb. 19, with revenues seen rising to $1.07B from $1.02B a year ago.Akamai expanded Apiiro ties and launched Inference Cloud solution powered by NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs.AKAM's ISV Catalyst program aims to grow its cloud ecosystem and expand its client base.Akamai Technologies, Inc. (AKAM) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 19, after the closing bell. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 13.41%. It ...

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are closed on February 16, 2026, for Presidents' Day, providing a breather after a volatile week marked by record highs in blue-chip stocks and a correction in the technology sector [1] - Major indexes showed mixed performance before the long weekend, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gaining 51 points (0.10%) to close at 49,500.93, while the S&P 500 (SPX) rose 0.05% to 6,836.17, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) fell 0.22% to 22,546.67 [2] Sector Performance - Defensive sectors and financials are gaining interest as investors rotate out of high-valuation technology stocks, with Nike (NKE) and UnitedHealth (UNH) leading the rally, rising 3.18% and 3.16% respectively [3] - The technology sector is experiencing challenges, particularly due to "AI fatigue," with Nvidia (NVDA) and Apple (AAPL) seeing declines of 2.21% and 2.27% respectively, contributing to a nearly 8% weekly decline for some megacap companies [3] Corporate News and AI Sentiment - The market narrative is shifting regarding Artificial Intelligence, with skepticism growing over the immediate returns on significant capital expenditures, affecting companies like Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOGL) [4] - Despite the volatility, AppLovin (APP) saw a surge of 6.4% as analysts noted its potential in leveraging AI for advertising disruption, while Tesla (TSLA) is under scrutiny due to changing consumer demand and global competition [5] Upcoming Market Events - The week ahead is filled with significant events, including the Federal Reserve's release of January policy meeting minutes, which may provide insights into the pause in the rate-cutting cycle despite a drop in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2.4% [6] - Corporate earnings reports are set to dominate headlines, with Walmart (WMT), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Deere & Company (DE), and Booking Holdings (BKNG) expected to report, which will be crucial for assessing the sustainability of the recent sector rotation into "value" stocks [7] - The advance estimate of fourth-quarter 2025 GDP and the Core PCE Price Index will be released on Friday, with analysts predicting GDP growth around 3.0%, a decrease from the previous quarter's 4.4% [8]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures showed a positive bias during the Presidents' Day holiday, with S&P 500 futures up approximately 0.4% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbing 0.3% [1] - The tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 futures also gained 0.4%, reflecting optimism from the previous trading session [1] Economic Indicators - Headline inflation has cooled to 2.4%, with core inflation dropping to 2.5%, the lowest since early 2021, reinforcing expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve as early as June [2] - The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has stabilized near 4.07%, providing a supportive backdrop for equities [2] Major Index Performance - The S&P 500 finished at 6,836.17, up less than 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 49,500.93, adding roughly 48 points [3] - The Nasdaq Composite slipped by 0.2% to 22,546.67, primarily due to a pullback in the semiconductor sector [3] - The Russell 2000 showed significant year-to-date strength, up over 6.6% as investors rotate into small-cap value plays [3] Upcoming Market Events - Palo Alto Networks is set to release its quarterly results on Tuesday, followed by Analog Devices and Booking Holdings on Wednesday [4] - Walmart will report its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 earnings on Thursday, with analysts expecting revenue growth of 5.4% [5] - The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its recent policy meeting, along with upcoming U.S. GDP and PCE inflation data, which may signal potential rate cuts [5] Corporate News - Rivian Automotive saw a significant stock increase of over 26% due to analyst upgrades and rumors of expanded electric vehicle partnerships [6] - Coinbase Global surged 16.46% following a completed share buyback tranche and increased crypto-asset volatility [6] - Constellation Brands experienced an 8.04% decline after announcing a leadership transition [7] - Nvidia shares were down 2.2% ahead of its earnings call on February 25th [7] - AppLovin rebounded 6.4% amid discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on SaaS business models [7]

Earnings season comes calling for three popular stocks.Don't let this holiday-shortened trading week lull you into a sense of financial slumber. Earnings season continues, and more than a few stocks will be on the move after their respective companies' latest quarterly numbers come out.A few of the stocks I hope will step up nicely this week include Palo Alto Networks (PANW +2.52%), Booking Holdings (BKNG 0.52%), and Walmart (WMT +0.19%). They have a lot to prove in the next four trading days. Let's take a ...

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is closed on February 16, 2026, for Presidents' Day, while global markets show a positive tone with U.S. stock futures indicating optimism [1] - International indexes reacted positively to cooling U.S. inflation data, with Australia's S&P/ASX 200 up 0.22%, India's NIFTY 50 up 0.83%, and European markets also opening higher [2] Futures Market - U.S. futures indicate a positive start for Tuesday, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures both rising 0.4%, supported by a CPI report showing headline inflation at 2.4%, the lowest since early 2021 [3] Upcoming Market Events - Investors are preparing for significant economic data and corporate earnings, with the Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes to be released on Wednesday, focusing on potential rate cuts [4] - The Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the advance estimate for Q4 GDP on Friday, with an expected annualized growth rate of 3%, down from 4.4% in Q3 [5] - Key earnings reports include Walmart on Thursday, Palo Alto Networks and Energy Transfer on Tuesday, and Occidental Petroleum and Booking Holdings on Wednesday [6] Major Stock News - Rivian Automotive shares surged over 26% following a new electric vehicle partnership and analyst upgrades, while Constellation Brands' stock fell 8% due to a leadership transition [7] - Nvidia shares dropped 2.2% amid concerns over AI capital expenditures, with other tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google also facing pressure [8] - Coinbase Global shares increased by 16.5% after a strong quarterly update and a significant share buyback program [9] Commodities - Gold prices consolidated above $5,000 per ounce, driven by a softer inflation outlook and a weakening U.S. dollar [9]

Core Insights - Harvard Management Co. Inc. has established a new position in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, acquiring 3,870,900 shares valued at approximately $86.82 million [1] - The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF has a market capitalization of $6.17 billion and provides a regulated vehicle for exposure to Ether [4] Investment Overview - The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF has experienced a one-year price change of -23.90%, with shares priced at $15.44 as of February 14, 2026 [3][8] - Harvard's investment in ETHA represents 4.18% of the fund's reportable U.S. equity assets as of December 31, 2025 [8] Comparative Performance - The iShares Bitcoin ETF Trust has outperformed the Ethereum ETF, with a price increase of approximately 40% since its inception in January 2024, while the Ether fund has decreased by 41.32% [7] - Harvard Management's portfolio includes 19 assets across various sectors, including a position in the iShares Bitcoin ETF Trust [6][8] Fund Management - Harvard's endowment funds are used for institutional needs such as faculty pay, scholarships, and research, and are managed exclusively by Harvard Management [5] - As of February 14, 2026, Harvard Management reported $2.08 billion in 13F reportable assets [8]

Core Viewpoint - Booking Holdings has experienced a significant decline in stock value, losing 20% since the beginning of the year and 27% from its June high, primarily due to investor concerns regarding AI and other challenges [1][2]. Current Stock Performance - Booking Holdings stock is currently in bear market territory, down more than 20%, which may present a buying opportunity ahead of the upcoming earnings announcement [2]. - The stock is nearing new 52-week lows, with no signs of a halt in the decline [5]. AI Concerns and Investments - Investor concerns about the impact of AI on the travel industry are influencing the stock's performance, despite Booking Holdings' significant investments in AI technology, including an in-house AI trip planner and partnerships with OpenAI [3]. - AI capabilities at kayak.com are designed to enhance user experience by allowing comparisons and filtering options through conversational language [3]. Revenue Forecasts - Analysts project a 17% revenue increase for Q4 and a 22% increase for 2025, exceeding the company's own forecast of 12% growth for the year [4]. - Although revenue growth is expected to slow to an estimated 18% in 2026, this still indicates sustained business performance rather than a decline [4]. Valuation Metrics - The current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28 is below the S&P 500 average of 30 and significantly lower than its 40 multiple from the previous summer [5]. - Analysts anticipate a forward P/E of 16, suggesting potential for substantial profit growth [5]. Long-term Investment Perspective - Despite concerns regarding AI's impact and the downward trend in stock price, Booking Holdings is positioned to maintain double-digit revenue growth rates, making it an attractive option for long-term investors [6].

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market experienced a decline, with the Dow Jones down 1.23%, Nasdaq down 2.10%, and S&P 500 down 1.39% for the week [3] - In contrast, European indices saw gains, with the FTSE 100 up 0.74%, DAX 30 up 0.78%, and CAC 40 up 0.46% [3] Economic Indicators - The upcoming week will feature significant economic data releases, including U.S. GDP and PCE inflation data, which are critical for assessing the potential timing of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [3][5] - The U.S. non-farm payroll report indicated strong employment growth, with 130,000 jobs added in January, suggesting limited likelihood of immediate rate cuts despite lower-than-expected inflation data [5][6] Commodity Market - International oil prices fell, with WTI crude down 1.04% to $62.89 per barrel and Brent crude down 0.44% to $67.75 per barrel, amid concerns over Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions and OPEC+ production outlook [9] - Gold prices rose by 1.43% to $5022.00 per ounce, driven by expectations of potential interest rate cuts, while silver increased by 1.45% to $77.851 per ounce [10][11] Corporate Earnings - The earnings season is nearing its end, with notable companies such as Occidental Petroleum, Walmart, and eBay set to report their results, along with Chinese company Vipshop [7] European Economic Data - Key economic indicators for Europe include the upcoming PMI data for France, Germany, and the Eurozone, which are expected to show limited improvement, with services remaining in expansion and manufacturing slightly contracting [12] - The UK is also set to release important employment and inflation data, with the market pricing a 63% probability of a rate cut by the Bank of England in March [14]

Group 1 - The article highlights key trading events to watch for in the upcoming week, particularly focusing on the impact of the Chinese New Year holiday on the consumer sector [2] - Notable companies affected by the holiday include Las Vegas Sands Corp (LVS), Wynn Resorts (WYNN), Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO), Trip.com Group (TCOM), Alibaba (BABA), JD.com (JD), Pinduoduo (PDD), and Yum China (YUMC) [2] - The New York Consumer Analyst Group Conference will take place in Orlando, featuring major companies such as Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), General Mills (GIS), Kraft Heinz (KHC), Philip Morris International (PM), and Celsius Holdings (CELH) [2] Group 2 - On February 17, significant earnings reports are expected from companies like Medtronic (MDT), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Cadence Design Systems (CDNS), Energy Transfer (ET), and Devon Energy (DVN) [4] - The article notes that options trading indicates potential double-digit stock price fluctuations for Fluor Corporation (FLR) and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) following their earnings reports [4] - Companies entering ex-dividend dates next week include Chevron (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP), Hasbro (HAS), and Microsoft (MSFT) [4] Group 3 - On February 18, earnings reports are anticipated from Analog Devices (ADI), Booking Holdings (BKNG), Moody's (MCO), DoorDash (DASH), Blue Owl (OBDC), and Royal Gold (RGLD) [10] - Allegro MicroSystems (ALGM) will hold an analyst day in Boston to discuss company strategy, growth opportunities, product technology advantages, and financial goals [10] - The article mentions that Noodles & Company (NDLS) will officially implement a 1-for-8 reverse stock split [11] Group 4 - On February 19, earnings reports are expected from Walmart (WMT), Deere & Company (DE), Newmont Corporation (NEM), Akamai Technologies (AKAM), Dropbox (DBX), and Consolidated Edison (ED) [15] - A10 Networks (ATEN) will host an investor day in San Francisco to present its long-term growth framework in traditional and next-generation networking and security [15] - Meta Platforms (META) will have its Chief AI Officer, Alexandr Wang, speak at the AI Impact Summit in India [15] Group 5 - On February 20, the core PCE price index for January is set to be released, with economists expecting a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [20] - The article notes that the March WTI crude oil futures will expire, which typically leads to additional volatility on the expiration date [18] - The Dallas Federal Reserve President, Raphael Bostic, will deliver opening remarks at the Banking Industry Outlook Conference [19]