Traders Weigh China’s Comeback Against Cooling Crypto and a Hesitant U.S. Rally
Markets are off to a cautious start this week. The S&P 500 is holding near record highs, but momentum is slowing. Bitcoin is pulling back after a strong run, while Chinese stocks are surging—stealing the spotlight thanks to fresh optimism from Beijing.
Let’s break it down:
Key Headlines from Glideslope.ai
Today’s headlines are powered by Glideslope.ai, your source for AI-powered market news and analysis.
What’s Moving the Market:
- Xi Jinping Meets Entrepreneurs Amid Economic Pressure
China’s President met with top business leaders, signaling a possible shift toward more business-friendly policies as the country deals with slowing growth. - Walmart’s Rally Faces High Bar
The stock keeps climbing, but analysts warn that expectations might be getting too high. A slip-up could trigger a pullback. - Trump Trades Losing Steam, China Stocks Surge
Trades that soared after Trump’s election—like the dollar and Bitcoin—are cooling off. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks are heating up. - Intel’s Rally Under the Microscope
After a strong run, investors are wondering if there’s more upside or if it’s time to lock in profits.
How’s the Market Reacting?
S&P 500
The S&P 500 (SPY) is around $609.70, barely down from Friday.
- Support: $605 looks like the floor for now.
- Resistance: $611 is capping the upside.
- If the index can break above $611, we could see another leg higher. A dip under $605 might mean more selling ahead.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is trading near $96,200, down about 1%.
- Support: $95,000 is key support.
- Resistance: $98,000 is the ceiling for now.
- Bitcoin’s still up big this year, but some profit-taking is creeping in.
Earnings to Watch This Week
- Key Earnings Reports This Week
- Tuesday, February 18:
- Arista Networks (ANET): A key player in cloud networking solutions, Arista’s performance will offer insights into enterprise demand and data center expansions.
- Devon Energy (DVN): As an independent energy company, Devon’s results will reflect the current state of the energy sector amid fluctuating oil prices.
- Wednesday, February 19:
- Analog Devices (ADI): A significant entity in the semiconductor industry, Analog Devices’ earnings will shed light on the broader chip market trends.
- Garmin (GRMN): Known for its GPS technology, Garmin’s report will provide updates on consumer electronics demand.
- Thursday, February 20:
- Walmart (WMT): As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart’s earnings are a barometer for consumer spending and retail health.
- Alibaba Group (BABA): This Chinese e-commerce giant’s performance will offer perspectives on China’s consumer market and international trade dynamics.
- Booking Holdings (BKNG): A leader in online travel services, Booking’s results will indicate trends in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Key Economic Reports
- FOMC Minutes (Wednesday) – Could give clues on future interest rate cuts.
- U.S. Jobless Claims (Thursday) – A weekly pulse check on the labor market.
- Existing Home Sales (Thursday) – Housing data has been shaky—this could move mortgage rates.
- S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Friday) – A read on factory activity and supply chains.
Sentiment Check
Markets feel… nervous but not panicked.
- Investors are bullish on AI and big tech, but stretched valuations are making people jittery.
- China’s bounce is lifting sentiment globally, but U.S. traders are wary of Fed policy staying tighter for longer.
5 Big Stories to Watch
- Xi’s Economic Moves – Will China follow through with stimulus or deregulation?
- Walmart & Nvidia Earnings – Two giants setting the tone for retail and tech.
- FOMC Minutes – Any hint that rate cuts are closer could spark a rally.
- Bitcoin Volatility – Watch that $95K level—another break lower could rattle crypto.
- Housing Data – Weak numbers could renew recession fears, while strength might pressure the Fed to hold rates.
Wrap Up
It’s a classic “wait-and-see” week. China is showing signs of life, but the Fed and earnings could easily shake things up.
For real-time market analysis and sentiment tracking, head to Glideslope.ai and Fraywire.com.
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