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]

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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]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures declined on Thursday after a higher close on Wednesday, with all major benchmark indices showing lower futures [1] - The Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes revealed significant disagreements among officials regarding future interest rates, with some discussing potential rate increases to address persistent inflation [1] - Market participants are still anticipating two rate reductions by the end of the year, with a 94% likelihood of the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates in March according to CME Group's FedWatch tool [2] Index Performance - Dow Jones decreased by 0.12% - S&P 500 fell by 0.08% - Nasdaq 100 dropped by 0.08% - Russell 2000 declined by 0.24% [2] Stocks in Focus - DoorDash (DASH) is experiencing a weaker price trend across all time frames, despite a solid growth ranking [2] - eBay (EBAY) shows a stronger price trend in the short and medium terms but a weak long-term trend, with a moderate quality ranking [3] - Lockheed Martin (LMT) maintains a stronger price trend across all time frames but has a poor value ranking [4] - Interactive Strength Inc. (TRNR) gained 12.47% after announcing an acquisition of Ergatta, Inc., although it maintains a weaker price trend overall [6] - Walmart Inc. (WMT) fell by 1.50% as analysts expect quarterly earnings of 73 cents per share on revenue of $190.43 billion, while it maintains a strong price trend across all time frames [6] Sector Insights - Consumer discretionary, energy, and information technology sectors led the S&P 500's gains on Wednesday, while real estate and utilities sectors declined [7] Analyst Insights - Jeremy Siegel has a positive outlook on the U.S. economy, suggesting recent data supports the expansion of the bull market rather than its derailment [8] - He notes a "sweet spot" in the labor market with resilient jobless claims and a near-2% annual gain in weekly pay, improving consumer purchasing power [9] - Siegel argues that cooling inflation and rising real income provide the Federal Reserve with room to lower interest rates further [9] - He views market volatility due to "AI-driven disruption fears" as a typical reaction to technological changes, which he believes will ultimately enhance productivity and real incomes [10] - Siegel sees valuation support in the ongoing healthy market rotation towards non-tech sectors trading at reasonable multiples [10]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures declined on Thursday after a higher close on Wednesday, with all major benchmark indices showing lower futures [1] - Traders are analyzing the Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes, revealing significant disagreements among officials regarding future interest rates [1] - Despite discussions of potential rate increases to combat inflation, market participants expect two rate reductions by year-end [1][2] Economic Indicators - The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.10%, while the two-year bond was at 3.47% [2] - The CME Group's FedWatch tool indicates a 94% likelihood of the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates in March [2] Stock Performance - Dow Jones decreased by 0.12%, S&P 500 by 0.08%, Nasdaq 100 by 0.08%, and Russell 2000 by 0.24% [2] - DoorDash (DASH) shows a weaker price trend across all time frames despite a solid growth ranking [2] - eBay (EBAY) has a stronger price trend in the short and medium terms but a weak long-term trend with a moderate quality ranking [3] - Lockheed Martin (LMT) maintains a strong price trend across all time frames but has a poor value ranking [4] - Interactive Strength Inc. (TRNR) gained 12.47% after acquiring Ergatta, Inc., but maintains a weaker price trend overall [6] - Walmart (WMT) fell by 1.50% as analysts anticipate quarterly earnings of 73 cents per share on revenue of $190.43 billion [6] Sector Insights - Consumer discretionary, energy, and information technology stocks led gains in the S&P 500 on Wednesday, while real estate and utilities sectors declined [7] Analyst Insights - Jeremy Siegel expresses a positive outlook on the U.S. economy, suggesting recent data supports a bull market expansion rather than a derailment [8] - He identifies a "sweet spot" in the labor market, with jobless claims indicating resilience and a near-2% annual gain in weekly pay improving consumer purchasing power [8][9] - Siegel argues that cooling inflation and rising real income provide the Federal Reserve with room to lower interest rates [9] - He views market volatility due to "AI-driven disruption fears" as a typical reaction to technological changes, which he believes will ultimately enhance productivity and real incomes [9][10] - Siegel sees valuation support in the ongoing healthy market rotation towards non-tech sectors trading at reasonable multiples [10]