#LatestMarketInsights

Title: Latest Market Insights: Tariff Turmoil Reshapes Global Landscape as Gold Shines

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Global markets are navigating a complex web of trade policy upheaval, geopolitical tension, and sector-specific disruption today. Following the Supreme Court's rejection of President Trump's previous tariff regime, the administration's rapid pivot to a new 15% global levy has injected fresh uncertainty across asset classes .

🇺🇸 US Markets: Tech Under Pressure
US stock futures are attempting a modest recovery after Monday's brutal session that saw all three major indices drop more than 1% . The Dow tumbled 1.66% to 48,804, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell 1.04% and 1.13% respectively .

The software sector remains ground zero for selling pressure, with the S&P 500 software and services index plunging 4.3% on Monday and sitting nearly 24% lower year-to-date . Investors are increasingly questioning whether massive AI spending is delivering returns, with disruption fears now weighing heavily on tech valuations .

Key Events to Watch:

· Nvidia Earnings (Wednesday after close): The AI bellwether's results and guidance could set the tone for the entire tech sector
· State of the Union Address: President Trump speaks tonight, with markets watching for signals on sector-specific tariffs
· Fed Speakers: At least six officials are scheduled to speak, offering potential policy clues

📊 Today's Critical Data (all times Eastern):

· 10:00 AM: US Conference Board Consumer Confidence (Feb) - Forecast: 87.6 vs prior 84.5
· 10:00 AM: Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index (Feb) - Forecast: -4 vs prior -6

🏅 Precious Metals: The Standout Performer
Gold continues its remarkable run, surging above $5,200 as investors seek safety from tariff uncertainty and escalating US-Iran tensions . Spot gold rallied over 2% on Monday to close at $5,206.39, touching three-week highs .

The Big Call: UBS reiterates its bullish stance, projecting gold to reach $6,200/oz in coming months, citing persistent geopolitical risk, central bank buying, and anticipated Fed rate cuts .

Silver is also catching a bid, having gained 9.88% over the recent holiday period .

🛢️ Energy: Geopolitical Premium Builds
Oil prices are holding near six-month highs as markets brace for Thursday's US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva . Brent trades at $71.49, WTI at $66.31 . However, Phillip Nova analysts caution that without actual supply disruptions, significant upside突破 is unlikely given ample market supply .

💱 Central Banks & Rates

· Federal Reserve: Markets now see 96% probability of a rate hold in March, with the first cut fully priced for June . Comerica Bank's chief economist suggests the Fed may keep rates unchanged through Chairman Powell's term ending in May .
· Bank of England: Markets await testimony from Governor Bailey and MPC members to Parliament today for rate path clues .
· Bank of Korea: Expected to hold at 2.50% at Thursday's meeting, with economists projecting no cuts this year amid currency and housing concerns .

Asia & Europe Roundup

· Asian markets traded mixed despite tariff headwinds, with Korean stocks up 6.16% over the holiday period .
· European indices are modestly lower in Tuesday trade, with software and tariff-sensitive sectors under pressure .
· Japanese yields fell to multi-week lows as investors sought safety amid tariff uncertainty .

Corporate Movers (Pre-market)

· AMD +10% on reports of $60B AI chip deal with Meta
· Keysight Technologies +16% after strong profit forecast
· Home Depot +2.7% after beating sales estimates
· Hims & Hers Health -6.8% on weak revenue guidance
· Novo Nordisk -3% on 50% price cut for Wegovy

The Bottom Line
Markets are grappling with a new regime of policy uncertainty. While Monday's selloff was severe, the modest futures rebound suggests investors are parsing the details rather than panic-selling. The software/AI dislocation appears structural, while gold's breakout feels increasingly sustainable. All eyes now turn to Nvidia and tonight's State of the Union for the next directional catalyst