The United States’ API reported a decrease in weekly crude oil stocks by 0.64 million barrels for the week ending February 21, down from a previous increase of 3.34 million barrels. This change indicates a shift in oil supply dynamics.

In currency trading, AUD/USD is trading below 0.6350 due to disappointing Australian economic data, which has raised expectations for a possible rate cut. Concurrently, USD/JPY is rebounding, nearing 149.50, driven by a stronger US Dollar and rising US Treasury yields following legislative developments.

Gold prices are fluctuating amid tariff uncertainties and weak US economic indicators, while digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple have seen significant declines after a period of consolidation. Lastly, the week is expected to be influenced by political events inGermany and comments from US authorities regarding trade and inflation.

The latest oil inventory data shows a reduction in crude supplies, suggesting that prior stockpiling has eased. This shift could impact energy markets, particularly if further data reveals ongoing declines. Given that oil prices react swiftly to changes in available barrels, traders in linked contracts should monitor additional reports to determine whether this trend continues or was a one-off adjustment.

In foreign exchange, the Australian dollar is still struggling after economic releases failed to meet expectations. Markets now anticipate that policymakers could consider an interest rate reduction to support growth. With AUD/USD trading below 0.6350, those holding positions in this pair need to assess whether weakness may extend further or if an eventual rebound is likely. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen has weakened, pushing USD/JPY near 149.50. A stronger US dollar, fuelled by rising Treasury yields, has been the driving force. The movement follows recent legislative updates, which appear to have reinforced investor confidence in the dollar. This could continue influencing yen performance, especially if upcoming US reports further support the case for higher yields.

Gold is moving unpredictably as markets digest new trade developments. Uncertainty around tariffs and softer US economic figures have left traders weighing whether the metal will gain from safety-seeking flows or struggle amid shifting demand expectations. If additional economic weakness emerges, we might see renewed gold buying. Conversely, if fresh trade relief measures appear, the metal could face added selling pressure.

The digital asset market has faced losses after a period of stability. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple all moved lower, with sellers gaining control after days of limited change. This suggests that traders holding long positions must be cautious, as further weakness could emerge. However, given how rapidly sentiment shifts in the sector, those involved should stay attentive for any signs of renewed support.

For the remainder of the week, various economic and political stories may shape market movements. The situation in Germany could lead to additional currency fluctuations, while discussions in the US regarding trade and inflation may steer broader market sentiment. Anyone with exposure to these areas should remain focused, as fresh statements or decisions could quickly alter positioning opportunities.

US consumer confidence for February fell to 98.3, below the expected 102.5, dampening market sentiment and resulting in declines for risk assets. The Richmond Fed composite index rose to 6, contrasting last month’s -4.

Ukraine has agreed on a minerals deal with the US, with reports suggesting territorial concessions for peace. The Federal Reserve’s Barkin emphasised caution amid uncertainty in the inflation fight, while treasury auctions of $70 million in five-year notes yielded 4.123%.

Key market movements included gold down $35 to $2916, and WTI crude oil falling $1.60 to $69.10. The S&P 500 decreased by 0.5%.

Consumers are feeling less optimistic than expected, which often weakens demand for stocks and other risky investments. Businesses and investors pay attention to this because sentiment can shape spending and investment decisions. Since expectations were higher than reality, markets reacted by pulling back.

At the same time, manufacturing activity in the Richmond region is improving. A move from negative to positive suggests factories are seeing better conditions, which could point to broader economic stability in certain areas. However, one strong regional report does not mean overall growth is back on solid ground.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s agreement with the US on minerals signals progress in negotiations, with some reports mentioning territorial discussions tied to a peace plan. If this leads to reduced geopolitical uncertainty, commodity markets and currencies linked to European stability may shift in response.

Federal Reserve policymakers remain focused on inflation. Tom Barkin’s remarks suggest officials are not rushing to make decisions, preferring to see more data before adjusting interest rates. This tone indicates a willingness to hold borrowing costs steady until there is more confidence in price stability.

Government debt auctions reflect investor expectations. A yield of 4.123% on the latest five-year note issuance means demand was healthy, but it also shows traders believe rates may stay elevated for a while. If inflation concerns persist, yields could rise further as investors demand better returns for holding bonds.

Precious metals faced pressure, with gold dropping $35 to $2,916. The decline suggests traders moved capital elsewhere, possibly into assets offering better short-term returns. Energy prices also weakened, with WTI crude oil slipping to $69.10. A fall like this often points to concerns about future demand or inventory levels.

Equities followed suit, with the S&P 500 slipping 0.5%. Lower consumer confidence, steady yields, and cautious Fed messaging likely contributed to the pullback in stocks. Investors are watching economic data points carefully, adjusting positions as they interpret incoming information.

The recent auction of the US 5-year note saw a decline in yield, dropping to 4.123% from the previous 4.33%. This indicates a shift in market conditions concerning government bonds.

In related market movements, the AUD/USD pair remains below 0.6350 due to disappointing Australian data, which is generating lowered expectations for a rate cut by the RBA.

Meanwhile, the USD/JPY pair has increased to nearly 149.50 amid rising US Treasury yields and the US House’s approval of the Republican Budget plan.

Gold prices are under pressure amid uncertainty around tariffs and weak economic outlooks in the US.

Additionally, Bitcoin’s price drop below $90,000 has caused a notable 11% decline in Strategy’s stock, raising concerns of potential forced liquidation.

Looking ahead, the focus of the week appears to centre on the aftermath of Germany’s elections and significant upcoming statements from US officials.

The drop in yield on the US 5-year note to 4.123% from its previous level of 4.33% suggests a change in expectations surrounding interest rates and investor sentiment towards government debt. When yields decrease, it often signals heightened demand for safer assets, possibly indicating that investors anticipate softer economic conditions or adjustments in monetary policy. Those involved in derivatives trading should take note of this shift, as it could affect risk appetite and broader movements in fixed-income markets.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar remains under pressure, still struggling to move above the 0.6350 mark. The weaker-than-expected economic data from Australia has led to speculation that the Reserve Bank may not be as aggressive with rate hikes as previously thought. Lower expectations for a rate cut have contributed to a more cautious outlook for the currency. This could continue to weigh on sentiment in the near term, particularly if upcoming data fails to show improvement.

Across the Pacific, the Japanese yen continues to weaken, with the exchange rate approaching 149.50 against the US dollar. This movement has largely been driven by rising US Treasury yields, which tend to make the dollar more attractive relative to the yen. Additionally, the approval of a budget plan by lawmakers in Washington has supported the greenback, as it reduces uncertainty and reinforces confidence in government spending programmes. Those keeping an eye on yen-related trades should be aware that further weakness in the Japanese currency could prompt intervention or policy discussions from officials.

Elsewhere, gold prices remain subdued. Concerns over trade policies and a sluggish economic outlook in the US have added pressure to the precious metal. When uncertainty grows, gold typically finds support as a safe-haven asset, but at the moment, the market appears indecisive. Sentiment could shift quickly depending on any further developments in trade negotiations or updated economic projections.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has dropped below $90,000, dragging Strategy’s stock down by 11% in the process. This decline has sparked worries about potential forced liquidations, particularly from leveraged positions. Sudden drops in price often trigger margin calls, increasing selling pressure and exacerbating volatility. If further downside occurs, traders will need to assess potential cascading effects across both digital and traditional assets.

As the week unfolds, much of the attention will remain on the aftermath of Germany’s elections, as well as a series of anticipated remarks from policymakers in the US. These statements could provide further clarity on interest rate expectations, inflation concerns, and broader market dynamics. Investors and traders will be watching closely for any cues that might influence positioning in the weeks ahead.

On 26 February 2025, Australia is set to release the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for January. Inflation is expected to rise from December, although it has generally shown a decline over the last six months, falling within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target range of 2-3%.

Factors such as government rebates have contributed to this downward trend, allowing the RBA to reduce the cash rate to 4.10% this month, marking its first cut since November 2020. Despite this easing, underlying inflation measures, like the Trimmed Mean Inflation, remain above the target, recorded at 3.2% in December 2024.

The monthly CPI, introduced in October 2022, offers more frequent insights into inflation trends but has limitations. It covers 62-70% of items in the quarterly CPI, excludes some categories, and is subject to revisions, which can lead to short-term volatility.

The upcoming release of January’s Consumer Price Index figures will provide fresh insight into how inflationary pressures are shaping up after months of gradual easing. While the overall direction has been downward, expectations of a slight uptick from December suggest that price pressures have not entirely disappeared. This could lead to short-term fluctuations in market sentiment, particularly as traders assess whether the Reserve Bank’s recent rate cut was well-timed or premature.

Government intervention, particularly through rebates, has played a part in lowering inflation, but these measures are temporary. With key underlying indicators, such as Trimmed Mean Inflation, still above the Reserve Bank’s preferred range, any indication that inflation is proving stickier than expected will prompt questions about the central bank’s ability to continue rate cuts in the coming months. The key focus will be on whether the latest figures reinforce the broader downward trajectory or raise doubts about how quickly inflation can return to the lower half of the target range.

There’s also the matter of how traders interpret the data’s reliability. Since the monthly CPI excludes some categories and covers fewer items than the quarterly measure, individual releases can sometimes mislead short-term positioning. Particularly with revisions possible, reacting aggressively to a single month’s data carries risks. However, ignoring a potential shift in inflationary pressures altogether could mean missing a turning point in market expectations for interest rates.

With interest rate decisions closely tied to inflation performance, the response in rates markets will indicate how confident traders are in further monetary easing. If the data points to a faster slowdown in prices, expectations for additional rate cuts will likely strengthen. If inflation remains stubborn, market pricing for future easing could weaken, forcing reassessments of short-term strategies.

Longer-term trends still favour disinflation, but interruptions in this downward momentum can influence short-term positioning. Each inflation print will be carefully weighed against broader policy expectations, particularly in the lead-up to the next central bank meeting. The degree to which markets react will depend not just on the headline number but also on whether underlying measures indicate persistent price pressures that could complicate future monetary policy decisions.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin expects a decline in Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) inflation, attributing progress to the Federal Reserve’s efforts. He emphasised the need for a cautious approach due to ongoing policy uncertainty.

Barkin stated that policy should stay modestly restrictive until there is greater confidence that inflation will meet targets. He also mentioned the importance of monitoring how upcoming policy adjustments affect the economy, which he described as being in a good position.

Thomas sees inflation easing, largely crediting the central bank’s current stance. That said, he’s not in a rush to change course. He wants to keep things slightly on the restrictive side, at least until there is more certainty that inflation numbers will land where they should.

This signals something straightforward: rate cuts aren’t an immediate concern. The economy, according to him, is holding up well, and decision-makers need to carefully assess how future tweaks to policy ripple through markets. For traders, this means they’ll need to watch inflation data closely—adjustments won’t come from speculation alone.

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler appears to be thinking along the same lines but adds a layer of reassurance. She pointed out that inflation has eased while the job market has remained resilient. This suggests there’s less pressure to act aggressively in either direction. Put simply, she sees things moving the way they should, reinforcing the idea that the Fed is likely to stay patient.

Notably, John, who leads the Atlanta Fed, has also leaned into this viewpoint. While he acknowledges ongoing improvements, he’s still keeping an eye on inflation risks. If price pressures do flare up again, he isn’t ruling out keeping policy tight for longer than expected. But as long as inflation continues to cool, the door remains open for rate relief later on.

With these perspectives in mind, it’s clear that officials are maintaining a measured stance. Nothing here suggests an urgency to shift policy dramatically. Instead, they’re waiting for more confirmation that inflation won’t rebound before making any major changes.

For those trading derivatives, this means expectations around rate cuts should be managed carefully. A sudden shift in policy looks unlikely, but if inflation figures show sharper-than-expected movement, that could change. Every new data release will be a fresh test of sentiment.

In terms of employment, there’s little concern at the moment. The labour market hasn’t shown signs of troubling weakness, which means there’s no pressure for stimulus. That, too, points to a steady hand from policymakers rather than any rush to ease conditions.

Over the next few weeks, traders will need to weigh inflation readings, employment reports, and any signals from policymakers about whether their confidence in price stability is growing. Until then, assumptions about quick moves in interest rates should be tempered.

Peter Navarro, a trade advisor to Donald Trump, suggested the potential for additional tariff exemptions during a CNBC interview. His remarks contrasted with other Trump administration officials who view tariffs as a means to address budgetary shortfalls.

Discussions concerning tariffs on Canada and Mexico are still ongoing, with Navarro indicating that without progress, tariffs will be implemented. He also mentioned plans to impose reciprocal tariffs in response to digital services taxes.

In the financial markets, the Australian dollar remains weak due to disappointing economic data, while USD/JPY has rallied near 149.50. Meanwhile, gold prices have recovered slightly amidst trade war anxieties, and a notable decrease in Strategy stock was observed following a plunge in Bitcoin’s value.

Navarro’s statements suggest there may be room for manoeuvre regarding tariff exemptions, which could create uncertainty for those closely watching trade policies. While he appears open to expanding exemptions, others in the administration prioritise tariffs for revenue. This tug-of-war within the government could lead to market fluctuations, especially in industries that rely on stable trade policies.

Negotiations with Canada and Mexico are still unresolved, and Navarro has been clear that tariffs will be enforced if talks stall. This suggests that businesses operating between these countries should be prepared for potential cost increases. Additionally, the warning about reciprocal tariffs tied to digital services taxes means that companies involved in technology may face new hurdles. Any reaction in equity markets would depend on how these discussions unfold.

Currency markets have reflected broader economic pressures, particularly for the Australian dollar. Weak economic data has kept it under strain, limiting any upside moves. Against this backdrop, USD/JPY has edged higher, approaching 149.50, likely due to a combination of interest rate expectations and demand for the dollar. If rates continue to favour the US, this pair could maintain its upward momentum.

Gold has seen some recovery, spurred on by concerns over tariffs shaking investor sentiment. Traditionally seen as a hedge in uncertain times, gold may continue its upward climb if trade-related worries escalate. At the same time, the sharp drop in Bitcoin’s price has affected related stocks, with Strategy stock seeing a drop in response to the plunge.

For those managing derivative positions, anticipating policy shifts is key in the coming weeks. The uncertainties tied to trade talks and market sentiment will influence short-term moves. Staying alert to policy statements while tracking market reactions will be the best way to navigate these swings.

An executive order from Trump has directed the Commerce Department to investigate potential tariffs on copper to support the US copper industry. The Commerce Secretary, Lutnick, announced that there will be no exemptions or exceptions in this inquiry.

The investigation will focus on various copper-related products, including raw mined copper and its derivatives, under Section 232 regarding national security. Trump’s trade adviser, Navarro, indicated concerns about China’s control over the copper market due to industrial overcapacity and dumping practices.

The White House has noted that while tariffs are preferred over quotas, it is too early to discuss specific tariff levels. Predictions regarding demand from electric vehicles and AI suggest forthcoming copper shortages, prompting a swift investigation, although no timeline has been specified.

The current administration has made it clear that domestic copper production is now a priority. With shortages anticipated due to the growth of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, the decision to investigate possible tariffs is not unexpected. Lutnick’s firm stance on refusing exemptions ensures that this will be a comprehensive review, rather than one perforated by loopholes or special treatment.

Navarro’s statements shed light on the reasoning behind this push. Concerns about China’s trade practices are not new, but copper adds another layer to the issue. The focus on industrial overcapacity and potential dumping implies that the administration sees this as more than just an economic competition. If foreign producers, particularly those heavily subsidised by their governments, continue to export at artificially low prices, domestic mining and refining operations may struggle to remain profitable. That, in turn, could raise concerns about long-term reliance on overseas suppliers.

The absence of immediate details regarding tariff levels suggests that policymakers are still assessing their approach. However, a clear preference has already been expressed: tariffs, rather than quotas, are the likely tool of choice. Historically, tariffs allow for more flexibility, adjusting pricing rather than imposing strict quantity limits. This means that businesses relying on copper will not face hard supply constraints but could see rising costs if new duties are implemented.

Given the combination of expected demand growth and policy uncertainty, upcoming weeks could see shifts in pricing and sentiment. The lack of a defined timeline for the review adds to the unpredictability. If the market begins to speculate on possible outcomes, movements in futures contracts may reflect those changing expectations.

For those making decisions based on market fluctuations, keeping a close eye on communications from the Commerce Department and the White House will be important. Any indication of a potential tariff rate or a projected completion date for the inquiry could affect both short-term positioning and longer-term strategies.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed key policy goals of the Trump administration during an event in Australia. He stated that tariffs are a vital funding source and can enhance US industrial capacity while also helping to manage economic imbalances.

Bessent noted that he is closely monitoring the 10-year Treasury yield, anticipating that policies under Trump should lead to a reduction. He also believes that confidence in the US fiscal profile will contract term premiums.

He identified a plan to focus on secure supply chains for industries like chips and medicines, advocating for a 3% fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio.

Scott emphasised the importance of tariffs as both a means of revenue and a tool to support domestic industry. He framed them not simply as barriers to trade but as a mechanism that, in his view, strengthens economic resilience. This reflects a broader strategy aimed at increasing self-sufficiency, particularly in critical industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

He also pointed to the 10-year Treasury yield as a key indicator of market confidence. His expectation of a decline suggests that he believes the administration’s policies will ease concerns about long-term borrowing costs. Lower yields would imply that investors perceive reduced risk in holding US debt, which aligns with his argument that improved fiscal management should narrow term premiums.

Scott set a 3% fiscal deficit-to-GDP target, presenting it as a responsible balance between government spending and economic stability. This signals fiscal discipline while still allowing room for investment in supply chain security. The emphasis on essential industries suggests a shift towards policies aimed at reducing dependencies on foreign production, though how this will be funded remains open to scrutiny.

For traders watching debt markets, these remarks offer both direction and caution. If policy effectively reduces the deficit while fostering confidence in the Treasury market, we might see a sustained pullback in yields. That would support longer-term bond positions. However, should funding strategies—such as increased tariffs—create economic drag or trade tensions, expectations around growth and inflation could shift, influencing rate outlooks.

Additionally, a stronger push for domestic manufacturing could alter equity market positioning. Companies benefiting from supply chain realignments may gain, while sectors reliant on global integration could face pressure. Derivatives traders should watch for policy details, as shifts in trade relationships and fiscal management could reshape risk pricing.

The coming weeks will demand attention to key data points. If Treasury yields begin to move in line with Scott’s expectations, it may reinforce confidence in the administration’s fiscal goals. Conversely, if markets respond with scepticism, volatility around rate decisions might rise. Understanding whether investors accept the funding approach will be central to navigating price action across bonds, equities, and currency markets.

The three major US stock indices traded below their 100-day moving averages during the day. The Dow and S&P managed to close above this level, while the NASDAQ finished below it, marking the first instance since September 10th.

The closing levels were as follows: the Dow industrial average rose by 159.95 points, or 0.37%, to 43621.17; the S&P index fell by 28.0 points, or 0.47%, to 5955.25; NASDAQ dropped by 260.54 points, or 1.35%, to 19026.39; and the Russell 2000 declined by 8.18 points, or 0.38%, to 2170.08, remaining below its 200-day moving average.

Nvidia’s shares decreased for the third day, falling by $3.65, or 2.80%, to 126.63, ahead of its earnings release. Broadcom also declined by $5.39, or 2.59%, closing at $202.54 after testing its 100-day moving average.

Meta’s stock, having risen for 20 consecutive days, has now declined for six straight sessions.

These figures provide a window into current market behaviour, and there is a lot to take in. The movement of major indices below key moving averages suggests shifting sentiment. While two of them climbed back above this support level by the close, the technology-heavy NASDAQ failed to do so. That distinction matters. It isn’t just about numbers on a chart—this signals hesitation among buyers. For the first time since early September, NASDAQ wrapped up trading below this measure, hinting at potential uncertainty among investors focused on tech stocks.

As for how individual stocks fared, Nvidia’s continued decline stands out. A third consecutive session in negative territory just before its earnings report suggests caution from market participants. This company has been a focal point for semiconductor investors, and the selling could be traders adjusting ahead of results. The drop in Broadcom follows close behind. Testing its 100-day moving average and then sliding further suggests that support levels aren’t holding up as firmly as they did in recent months.

Meanwhile, Meta’s shift should not go unnoticed. After an extraordinary 20-day climb, six straight declines indicate a change in positioning. A trend like that doesn’t reverse without reason.

For those watching trends in the coming weeks, these moves provide more than just numbers—they serve as markers of sentiment shifts. The fact that smaller-cap stocks, represented by the Russell 2000, remain under a longer-term average suggests that risk appetite for these shares might not be as strong as it was before. That would align with the broader pullback in growth-oriented names.

Momentum-driven traders may find fewer favourable setups unless prices stabilise or key levels are reclaimed. Those focused on technical indicators would do well to monitor whether these declines extend or reverse. With multiple stocks and indices now at or approaching levels that held earlier in the year, price reactions in the sessions ahead will be revealing.

The Home Depot’s stock rose by 3.8% following the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. Although CFO Richard McPhail stated the US housing market may not recover until 2025, market focus remained on the improved comparable sales.

Lowe’s stock initially dropped but then gained over 2% later in the morning. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was slightly lower amid news of tariffs on Canada and Mexico and potential restrictions on Chinese semiconductor purchases, causing the NASDAQ to decline by more than 1.7%.

Home Depot reported an adjusted earnings per share of $3.13, surpassing estimates, with revenue of $39.7 billion. Adjusted EPS increased by 11% year-on-year, with a 14% rise in revenue.

Worldwide comparable sales rose by 0.8%, and US comparable sales grew by 1.3%, reversing a prior decline. Despite concerns over the housing market, McPhail noted encouraging trends in the home improvement sector.

Management anticipates total sales growth to decrease from 3.4% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025, with adjusted diluted EPS expected to fall by 2%. The Home Depot Board increased the quarterly dividend by 2.2% to $2.30 per share.

Technically, the stock price is around the 200-day Simple Moving Average, and current patterns suggest potential profit-taking near the 100-day SMA, which is around $407. Resistance levels are identified above $435, indicating key price dynamics from previous weeks.

Home Depot’s stock climbed by 3.8% after revealing stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings. Despite Richard’s caution that the US housing market may not bounce back until 2025, investors latched onto the company’s solid comparable sales figures. Those gains seemed to outweigh broader economic concerns.

Lowe’s experienced a shaky start, falling initially before recovering more than 2% as the morning progressed. The Dow was under some pressure, reflecting nervousness around fresh trade developments. New tariffs on Canada and Mexico, combined with warnings about possible restrictions on Chinese semiconductor imports, played into market sentiment. That spooked tech-heavy stocks, dragging the NASDAQ down by over 1.7%.

Home Depot outperformed earnings expectations, reporting an adjusted $3.13 per share, with total revenue reaching $39.7 billion. That meant earnings per share were up by 11% compared to the previous year, alongside a 14% boost in revenue. Those are not the kind of numbers that indicate a weakness in consumer activity—at least not in home improvement.

Comparable sales are often the first thing investors examine, and here they showed strength. Global comparable sales edged up by 0.8%, with US comparable sales improving by 1.3%. That reversed a previous setback, an encouraging sign. Richard acknowledged that while the broader housing market remains uncertain, demand for home renovations exhibits resilience.

Looking ahead, management’s forecasts suggest that total sales growth may slow from 3.4% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025. Expectations for adjusted diluted EPS are even more cautious, with a projected 2% decline. Even so, Home Depot’s board approved a slight increase in quarterly dividends, raising them by 2.2% to $2.30 per share. Growth prospects may not be accelerating, but there is still a commitment to rewarding shareholders.

From a technical standpoint, Home Depot’s share price sits around the 200-day Simple Moving Average, which often acts as a reference point for buyers and sellers alike. With the price advancing over recent weeks, some profit-taking could emerge near the 100-day SMA, sitting around $407. Looking further up, resistance levels above $435 stand out as areas where the stock found friction recently. Those points could define price movement in the coming sessions, particularly if broader market sentiment shifts.