Market Overview - All three major indexes ended lower, with the Dow logging its biggest weekly drop since November, driven by uncertainty over costs and disruptions related to artificial intelligence, revived tariff uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions [1][5] - The S&P 500 lost 30.49 points (0.44%) to close at 6,878.91 points, the Nasdaq Composite fell 204.74 points (0.92%) to 22,673.65, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 521.69 points (1.05%) to 48,977.51 [5] Earnings and Corporate Performance - Corporate America is projected to see over a 14% gain in earnings for the fourth quarter, indicating a strong earnings season despite market volatility [2][5] - Financial stocks experienced declines due to concerns over potential losses related to the collapse of UK mortgage provider Market Financial Solutions Ltd, affecting banks like Barclays, Jefferies, and Wells Fargo [5] Sector Performance - Defensive sectors such as consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities outperformed during the session, indicating a risk-off environment where investors are favoring stability over growth [4][5] - Tech shares continued to decline, with concerns over AI impacting chip and software stocks, including Nvidia, which extended its previous drop despite solid earnings [5] Economic Indicators - A hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index reading has reinforced expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates in the near term [5] - The market is experiencing a shift, with defensive areas gaining strength while cyclical growth sectors lag [5] Company-Specific Developments - Zscaler reported a wider net loss in the second quarter, leading to a significant drop in its stock price [5] - Netflix's stock rose after its decision to exit the competition for Warner Bros Discovery, while Paramount Skydance, the likely buyer, saw its shares close sharply higher [5] - Block's stock surged after announcing it would cut nearly half its workforce to integrate AI into its operations [5] - Dell's shares increased after the company projected that revenue from its AI-optimized servers business would double by fiscal year 2027 and promised to return more cash to shareholders [5]

Group 1: Tariff Uncertainty - The U.S. equity markets experienced an 18% gain in the S&P 500 during Trump's first year, but the dollar index fell by 8%, diminishing these gains relative to other currencies [2] - Analysts attribute the market's challenges to Trump's trade policy, which aims to enhance U.S. export competitiveness through aggressive tariffs, despite recent Supreme Court rulings declaring these actions unconstitutional [3][4] - The U.S. may need to refund $175 billion in tariff revenue, contributing to a projected deficit of $1.85 trillion this year, which could lead to higher interest rates on government debt [5][6] Group 2: AI Spending Concerns - The top four hyperscalers are projected to invest $700 billion in AI data center equipment, significantly benefiting hardware producers like Nvidia, Micron, and Advanced Micro Devices [7] - There are risks associated with capital expenditures in AI, including depreciation of aging hardware and a market reaction against heavy AI spending, as evidenced by share price declines for major spenders like Amazon and Oracle [8] - OpenAI is expected to incur a loss of $14 billion this year, raising concerns about the sustainability of AI companies and the potential negative market reaction if consumer-facing AI firms fail [9]

Earnings SnapshotThe apparel company reported adjusted earnings per share of 48 cents, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 47 cents.Quarterly sales of $753.7 million, up 29.4% year-over-year, missed the Street view of $753.9 million.Adjusted income from operations declined to $50.9 million from $52.6 million a year ago quarter.The company ended the quarter with 399 company-operated brick-and-mortar retail stores, including 98 outlets, as well as seven e-commerce websites and 133 company-operated conce ...

Key Takeaways SHOO Q4 revenues grow 29% y/y, fueled by Kurt Geiger and core footwear gains.Adjusted EPS of 48 cents beat estimates but fell 12.7% y/y as costs rose and margins narrowed.SHOO expects 9-11% revenue growth in 2026 but withheld earnings guidance amid tariff uncertainty.Steven Madden, Ltd. (SHOO) has reported fourth-quarter 2025 results, wherein the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Total revenues increased, while earnings decreased from the year-ago period.Growth in th ...

Feb 25 (Reuters) - Shoe and handbag maker Steven Madden on Wednesday withheld its 2026 earnings forecast, citing recent tariff uncertainty, in the first visible signs of ‌fresh turmoil for companies as they brace for Washington's next move following last ‌week's Supreme Court defeat. In a landmark ruling that could have major implications for the global economy, the Supreme ​Court struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs that he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies. Fo ...

After a strong finish to fiscal 2025, Steve Madden is looking forward to what’s next, but the uncertainty around tariffs may get in its way. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the New York-based footwear company noted that revenue increased 29.4 percent to $753.7 million, compared to $582.3 million in the same period of 2024. More from WWD Net income in Q4 fell 33.3 percent to $23.2 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, compared to $34.8 million, or 49 cents a share, in the same year-ago quarter. O ...

Investors learned to live with tariff uncertainty last year. Now, it's all about coping with the threat of AI changing everything. ...

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These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our [editorial policy.]Truth Social. " [@RealDonaldTrump]," Feb. 21, 2026, 10:59 a.m.Yale Budget Lab. " [State of Tariffs: February 21, 2026]."Office of the United States Trade Representative. " [Ambassador Greer Issues Statement ...

primeimages/E+ via Getty Images By Elior Manier Traders returned from the weekend reassessing tariff risks, and judging by the open, uncertainty is far from resolved. The start of the week is softer, contracting a strong Friday close despite geopolitical risk. Nothing ...