TLDR
- A coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran unfolded this weekend, injecting fresh geopolitical risk into financial markets
- Major U.S. indices including the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow posted weekly losses; Bitcoin retreated to the $66,000 level as gold advanced to $2,596
- February employment data arrives Friday; the prior month’s reading revealed 130,000 new positions, exceeding expectations by more than twofold
- Key corporate reports this week feature Broadcom, CrowdStrike, Costco, and Target
- Apple begins rolling out new product announcements Monday, culminating in a special presentation on Wednesday
American equity markets ended the week in negative territory as artificial intelligence and media sector stocks experienced significant volatility. The S&P 500 registered declines across multiple timeframes—daily, weekly, and for the entire month of February.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 similarly retreated, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 1.05%. Treasury yields on the 10-year note moderated to 3.95%.
Bitcoin descended toward the $66,000 threshold as the week concluded. Precious metals advanced with gold reaching $2,596, and crude oil climbed to $67.29 per barrel.
The weekend brought escalating Middle East tensions as American and Israeli forces executed a coordinated strike against Iranian targets. President Trump issued statements encouraging regime change in Iran, prompting Iranian counterstrikes targeting Israel and Gulf region nations.
Crude oil prices had already been climbing throughout the week on Iranian tensions. Additional escalation could drive energy costs higher, creating ripple effects across energy, aviation, and defense sector equities.
Jobs Report in Focus
February’s employment situation report releases Friday. Last month’s data revealed employers added 130,000 positions, substantially exceeding economist projections.
However, the January report included downward revisions to previous months, indicating 2025’s hiring activity was softer than initially calculated. The Federal Reserve maintains its policy rate between 3.5% and 3.75%, with market participants closely monitoring labor market indicators.
Analysts anticipate the unemployment rate will hover around 4.4%. A softer reading could reignite speculation about potential rate reductions in March or May.
The postponed January retail sales data also publishes Friday. December’s figures showed consumer spending plateaued at year-end, with employment weakness cited as a contributing factor.
Earnings Season Continues
Broadcom delivers its quarterly results Wednesday, with analysts projecting approximately $19.22 billion in revenue. The semiconductor company previously indicated its artificial intelligence revenue stream would double during the period.
CrowdStrike releases earnings Tuesday. Software sector stocks have faced headwinds from concerns about AI-driven disruption, although certain analysts view artificial intelligence as an expansion catalyst for cybersecurity providers.
Marvell Technology follows with its report Thursday. Investor attention will center on AI semiconductor demand following Nvidia’s remarkable quarter that generated $68.1 billion in fourth-quarter revenue.
Target announces results Tuesday under recently appointed CEO Michael Fiddelke, who assumed leadership last month. Target’s stock price has rebounded in 2026 following a challenging previous year.
Costco presents its quarterly performance Thursday. The wholesale retailer’s shares have similarly strengthened in 2026 after experiencing weakness in 2025.
Netflix stock surged 13.82% during the past week after Warner Bros. Discovery accepted a $31-per-share proposal from Paramount Skydance, rejecting Netflix’s competing bid. The streaming giant declined to increase its offer.
Apple is anticipated to unveil new hardware beginning Monday, potentially including the iPhone 17 and an affordable MacBook model. The company has scheduled a special presentation for Wednesday.
The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book economic survey publishes Wednesday, preceding the central bank’s March 17-18 policy meeting.
Marvell Technology’s quarterly earnings announcement is set for Thursday, March 5.
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