Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 271.87 points to 49,390.79, down 0.55% as investors reacted to various factors including Walmart's earnings, rising oil prices, and escalating US–Iran tensions [1][23][24] - The S&P 500 Index dropped 25.42 points to 6,855.89, a 0.37% decline, while the Nasdaq Composite slid 76.03 points to 22,677.60, down 0.33% [23] Walmart Earnings - Walmart reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results with annual revenue reaching $713.5 billion for the fiscal year ended January 31 [10][24] - E-commerce grew 24% year over year in the fourth quarter, and advertising revenue increased by 37% [10][24] - However, the company's full-year earnings guidance disappointed investors, leading to tempered enthusiasm despite market share gains among higher-income consumers [11][24] Amazon's Revenue Milestone - Amazon surpassed Walmart in total annual revenue, reporting $716.9 billion in net sales for 2025, reflecting strength in retail and cloud computing [12][24] - This shift underscores the ongoing dominance of tech-enabled platforms in global commerce [13][24] Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Prices - Geopolitical risk escalated as President Trump indicated potential military strikes against Iran, causing oil prices to surge [7][8][24] - WTI crude oil rose to $66.57, up 2.34%, while Brent crude increased to $70.72, up 2.18%, raising concerns about inflation and corporate profit expectations [7][24] Asset Management Sector - Asset manager stocks experienced significant declines following Blue Owl Capital's announcement to tighten investor liquidity after selling $1.4 billion in loan assets [14][24] - This move raised concerns about liquidity across private credit markets, contributing to the broader market decline [15][24] Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Sector - SaaS stocks faced pressure as industry leaders warned that generative AI could replace up to 50% of enterprise software tasks, leading to declines in companies like Salesforce, Intuit, and Cadence Design Systems [2][16][24] - The Nasdaq remains sensitive to shifts in AI sentiment, with small comments triggering rotations out of high-multiple growth stocks [16][24] Shipping Sector Performance - The global shipping sector saw a significant breakout, with the SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) reaching an all-time high due to climbing freight rates driven by capacity constraints and regulatory changes [5][24] - Companies like Pan Ocean and HMM reported gains of 8% and 5%, respectively, indicating a shift in market leadership towards physical economy sectors [5][21][24] Sector Rotation and Market Sentiment - Market strategists noted a broader rotation in market leadership, with industrials and consumer cyclicals positioned to benefit from infrastructure investment and AI-driven efficiency gains [18][21][24] - Despite energy stocks showing relative strength, broader market sentiment turned cautious amid geopolitical uncertainties and rising oil prices [18][24]

Key Takeaways Target is accelerating digital, AI and omnichannel initiatives to drive growth and guest engagement.COST relies on membership revenues, operational efficiency and strong customer loyalty for steady earnings.Target's attractive valuation and momentum make it the more compelling upside play than Costco.Target Corporation (TGT) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) are two leading players in the U.S. discount retail sector, catering to budget-conscious shoppers. Target, with a market capitaliza ...

Market Overview - Stocks initially moved to the downside but regained some ground during the trading day, with the Nasdaq briefly reaching positive territory. Currently, major averages are posting modest losses: Dow down 194.05 points (0.4%) at 49,468.61, S&P 500 down 17.09 points (0.3%) at 6,864.22, and Nasdaq down 41.09 points (0.2%) at 22,712.54 [1] Company News - Walmart reported fourth quarter results that exceeded analyst estimates but provided weaker than expected earnings guidance for the current year. Despite notable pre-market weakness, Walmart's stock increased by 1.3% during regular trading [2] Economic Indicators - The Labor Department reported that first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits fell significantly to 206,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week's revised level of 229,000, which was better than the expected drop to 225,000 [4] - A report from the Commerce Department indicated that the U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly widened in December due to a surge in imports and a slump in exports [5] Sector Performance - Airline stocks experienced a substantial decline, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index dropping by 3.6%. Biotechnology stocks also showed weakness, reflected by a 1.7% loss in the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Conversely, computer hardware stocks performed well, driving the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index up by 2.4% [6] - Gold stocks performed strongly, resulting in a 1.9% increase in the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index [7] International Markets - In overseas trading, stocks in the Asia-Pacific region mostly moved higher, with Japan's Nikkei 225 Index climbing by 0.6% and South Korea's Kospi surging by 3.1%. However, major European markets moved to the downside, with the German DAX Index down by 0.9%, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index down by 0.6%, and the French CAC 40 Index down by 0.5% [8]

Core Viewpoint - Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is currently viewed as a strong investment opportunity in the natural and organic food sector, with varying price targets and ratings from different analysts [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Guggenheim raised the price target for Target Corporation to $125 from $110 while maintaining a Buy rating, based on an above-consensus 2026 EPS forecast and a projected fiscal Q1 same-store sales growth of 0%-1% [1]. - Bernstein reiterated a Sell rating on Target with a price target of $80, indicating a more cautious outlook compared to other analysts [2]. - Citi adjusted its price target to $110 from $89 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares, reflecting a moderate stance on the stock [2]. Group 2: Executive Leadership Changes - Target announced a series of executive leadership changes under the new CEO, aimed at accelerating growth plans following recent Board of Directors additions [3]. - The company confirmed expectations to report fiscal Q4 2025 sales and full-year GAAP and adjusted EPS in line with prior guidance, suggesting stability in financial performance [3]. Group 3: Product Offerings - Target Corporation offers a diverse range of products, including natural and organic food options, everyday essentials, and general merchandise across various categories such as food and beverages, home furnishings, and decor [4].

Core Insights - Walmart's new CEO, John Furner, emphasizes a future that is fast, convenient, and personalized, reflecting the company's strategic direction [1] Financial Performance - For the quarter ending January 31, Walmart reported revenue of nearly $191 billion, a year-over-year increase of approximately 5.6% [2] - Operating income grew over 10% to nearly $9 billion, indicating strong performance in profitability [2] - Full-year results showed revenue growth of nearly 5%, adding $32 billion compared to the previous year [2] Competitive Landscape - Although Amazon has surpassed Walmart as the world's largest company by revenue, Walmart is focusing on profitability rather than just scale [3] - Walmart's strategy includes leveraging AI in retail to enhance its competitive position [3] eCommerce Growth - Global eCommerce sales increased by 24% in the fourth quarter, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services [4] - Comparable sales in the U.S. rose by 4.6%, with digital sales contributing approximately 520 basis points to this growth [4] - Walmart Connect's advertising sales surged by 41% in the U.S., contributing to a 37% increase in global ad revenue for the quarter [4] Future Outlook - Walmart's guidance for fiscal year 2027 indicates expectations for similar margin improvements, alongside a $30 billion share repurchase program [5] - The company is redefining its success metrics in the retail landscape, suggesting a transformative approach to its business model [5]

Core Insights - Oil prices surged over 4% on February 18, 2026, following U.S. Vice President JD Vance's remarks about Iran's failure to meet U.S. demands in nuclear negotiations, with military action remaining a potential option if diplomacy fails [1] - The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying aircraft carriers, indicating readiness for potential conflict [4] Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Supply - U.S. envoys held talks with Iranian officials, which were initially seen as constructive, leading to a temporary drop in oil prices [2] - However, sentiment shifted negatively after Vance's comments about Iran not addressing key U.S. concerns, coinciding with Iranian military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments [3] Impact on ETFs ETFs Likely to Gain - Energy sector ETFs, such as SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP), are expected to benefit from rising oil prices due to reduced supplies, as oil exploration and production companies will likely increase output [5] - Norway's iShares MSCI Norway ETF (ENOR) is positioned to gain, as Norway is a major oil producer and exporter, with oil significantly contributing to its GDP [6] ETFs Likely to Lose - Retail sector ETFs, like SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT), are anticipated to suffer as rising energy prices will squeeze consumer spending power, leading to overall inflation [7] - The iShares India 50 ETF (INDY) may face challenges due to India's heavy reliance on oil imports, making it vulnerable to rising oil prices [8] - Airlines, represented by U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS), are expected to underperform in a rising oil price environment, as energy costs constitute a significant portion of their overall expenses [11]

Corporate Performance - Canadian Tire Corp. reported a decline in fourth quarter earnings, with net income attributable to shareholders falling to C$211 million from C$385.4 million in the prior year, representing a decrease of approximately 45.2% [3] Market Trends - The S&P/TSX Composite Index reached a new record closing high of 33,389.73, increasing by 493.18 points or 1.5% [2] - U.S. major averages finished higher, with the Nasdaq up 175.25 points or 0.8% to 22,753.63, the S&P 500 climbing 38.09 points or 0.6% to 6,881.31, and the Dow rising 129.47 points or 0.3% to 49,662.66 [5] - Asian shares mostly finished higher, with the Nikkei average rising 0.57% to 57,467.83 and the S&P/ASX 200 jumping 0.88% to 9,086.20 [4] Commodity Prices - Crude oil prices advanced, with Brent Crude gaining 1.71% to $71.55 [1] - Gold surged above $5,000 an ounce, with U.S. gold futures currently at $5,003.40, down 6.30 [2]

From designer dupes to junk food, Five Below knows exactly what kids want https://t.co/CDYlUQ8Q6v ...

Company Overview - La-Z-Boy, Incorporated (LZB) has experienced a value increase of over 20% in just three months, despite a cautious market outlook [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has nearly two decades of experience in the logistics sector and almost ten years in stock investing and macroeconomic analysis, focusing on ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ stocks, particularly in banks, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels [1] Investment Strategy - The analyst emphasizes portfolio diversification, having transitioned from traditional savings in banks and properties to investing in various industries and market cap sizes, including blue-chip companies and stocks for retirement and trading profits [1] Market Engagement - The analyst entered the US market in 2020, gaining insights through a trading account managed for a relative before opening their own account, and has been utilizing analyses from Seeking Alpha to compare with the Philippine market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Russia's oil and gas revenue is projected to nearly halve year-on-year in February 2026, primarily due to a stronger rouble and declining oil prices, with expected revenue at 410 billion roubles ($5.35 billion) [1][1][1] Revenue Analysis - The oil and gas sector is crucial for the Russian economy, contributing over 20% to federal budget revenues, which have been significantly impacted by increased defense and security expenditures since the onset of the military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022 [1][1][1] - Monthly revenue is anticipated to rise by 3.1% from January, attributed to a subsidy known as a damper payment, which oil refineries typically receive [1][1][1] - The expected damper payment from oil companies to the state this month is 42 billion roubles, as selling fuel abroad has become less profitable due to current fuel prices [1][1][1] Year-to-Date Projections - Cumulatively, Russia's oil and gas revenue for January and February 2026 is expected to total 800 billion roubles, a decrease from 1.56 trillion roubles in the same period of 2025 [1][1][1] - The budget forecasts total income from oil and gas sales for the year at 8.92 trillion roubles, with overall budget revenue for 2026 projected at 40.283 trillion roubles [1][1][1] - In the previous year, federal budget revenue from oil and gas fell by 24% to 8.48 trillion roubles, marking the lowest level since 2020 [1][1][1]