In the coming trading days, the resurgence of tariff concerns and the geopolitical uncertainties between the USA and Iran are likely to be the topic of conversation. In addition to numerous speeches by various Fed representatives, NVIDIA's figures for the past financial quarter in particular should be followed with great attention.
Fear of escalating tensions between the USA and Iran
Investors are likely to remain concerned about an escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Iranian foreign minister had held out the prospect of a new round of negotiations with the US.
„I expect that when we meet again this Thursday in Geneva, we will be able to work out a workable text and come to an agreement quickly,“ Abbas Araghchi told US broadcaster CBS News. If no agreement is reached, a military escalation could have a negative impact on the stock markets.
Tariff disputes in the USA are likely to keep investors busy
Fears that tariff disputes between the USA and major economies could gather pace are likely to continue to concern investors.
The US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that US President Donald Trump had exceeded his powers when he invoked emergency legislation to enforce punitive tariffs against numerous trading partners.
But just a few hours after the ruling was announced, Trump announced temporary tariffs of ten percent and, on Saturday, 15 percent.
Numerous Fed representatives in focus this week
The economic data calendar promises numerous potential drivers in the last week of trading in February.
This Monday should be exciting with a planned speech by Fed Governor Christopher Waller (14:00).
Incoming orders for US industry are also on the agenda (16:00).
Tuesday's schedule includes speeches by Austan Goolsbee (1 p.m./Chicago), Raphael Bostic (Atlanta) and Susan Collins (3 p.m./Boston), as well as Christopher Waller, Director Lisa Cook (3:30 p.m.) and Thomas Barkin (9:20 p.m./Richmond).
At midweek, speeches by Fed representatives Jeffrey Schmid (17:00/Kansas) and Alberto Musalem (19:20/St. Louis) will have to be tapped for monetary policy clues.
Investors are currently less hopeful of a rate cut on March 18, 2026. According to the CME Group's „Fed Watch Tool“, only 4.1% of market participants currently expect an interest rate cut of a quarter of a percentage point.
US economic data ahead on Thursday - focus on US price data on Friday
The weekly US initial jobless claims and durable goods orders (14:30) should be watched on Thursday.
US producer prices are expected on Friday at 2:30 pm.
US reporting season casts a shadow ahead: High tension ahead of NVIDIA figures
In the final stretch of the US reporting season, the focus will be on figures from Riot Platforms (ISIN: US7672921050) today (Monday), AMC Entertainment Holdings (US00165C1045) on Tuesday, NVIDIA (ISIN: US67066G1040) on Wednesday and Berkshire Hathaway B (ISIN: US0846707026) on Friday.
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