Leading cryptocurrencies plunged on Wednesday on fears of a full-blown trade war between the U.S. and Europe.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-4.01%</td><td>$84,586.64</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-5.64%</td><td>$2,334.17</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-3.32%</td><td>$0.2024</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin sank below $83,000 for the first time in 15 weeks before pairing losses late in the evening. The leading cryptocurrency was down over 21% since its January all-time high.



In the last 24 hours, BlackRock transferred over $160 million in BTC to Coinbase, which were outflows from iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>), according to Arkham Intelligence.



Similarly, Ethereum plunged to an intraday low of $2,255.05, its lowest since Donald Trump's presidential victory.



The continuing price decline was precipitated by reports of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43987636/bitcoin-tumbles-below-85000-amid-president-trumps-eu-tariff-threats">Trump's threats to impose 25%</a> tariffs on the European Union.



Over $760 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with $606 million in long positions erased.



That said, a recovery to $90,500 would liquidate over $1 billion worth of short positions



Bitcoin's Open Interest fell by 5.45% in the last 24 hours and has collapsed by more than 18% since the beginning of February.



The "Extreme Fear" sentiment strengthened, according to the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, fueling concerns of further downsides.



Top Gainers (24-Hours)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 7:30 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Kaito (KAITO)</td><td>+43.73%</td><td>$2.48</td></tr><tr><td>Story (IP)</td><td>+19.36%</td><td>$6.83</td></tr><tr><td>Berachain (BERA)</td><td>+9.03%</td><td>$7.34</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.77 trillion, shrinking by 4.91% in the last 24 hours.



Major stock averages snapped a losing streak Wednesday. The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.01% to close at 5,956.06 after four consecutive days of ending in the red. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite rose 0.26% to end at 19,075.26. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was the outlier, closing 0.43% lower at 43,433.12.



Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares rose 3.67% ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report, boosting the overall sentiment. The AI behemoth reported a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43991607/nvidia-q4-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-demand-for-blackwell-is-amazing">higher-than-expected</a> revenue and earnings per share.



See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>



Analyst Notes: Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and investor Rekt Capital noted the formation of Bitcoin's new "CME Gap" between ~$92,700 and ~$94,000



"This offers some confluence to the idea of price revisiting $93,500 at some point in the future as part of a post-breakdown relief rally," the analyst predicted.



CME gaps are the differences in price between the closing price on a given trading day and the opening price on the following trading day on a Bitcoin futures chart.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTC</a> Bitcoin is getting closer to filling the CME Gap that created between $78000 and ~$80700 in November 2024 On this retrace however, Bitcoin has developed a brand new CME Gap between ~$92700 and ~$94000 That new CME Gap is confluent with the Re-Accumulation Range Low… <a href="https://t.co/lDWd6C8nHf">https://t.co/lDWd6C8nHf</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Q58b67uI3">pic.twitter.com/8Q58b67uI3</a>&mdash; Rekt Capital (@rektcapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/rektcapital/status/1894858387579646277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



In a note to Benzinga, Chris Kline, COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, called Bitcoin's ongoing consolidation phase a "healthy reset."



"Bitcoin has established a more defined trading range following its impressive run to near all-time highs, demonstrating resilience despite short-term fluctuations," Kline added.



The analyst suggested that such periods of measured trading activity typically precede upward momentum.



Photo by Avi Rozen on Shutterstock



Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43982444/peter-schiff-bitcoins-rally-to-100000-is-repayment-by-trump-to-crypto-supporters-but-50000-may-be-on-the-cards">Peter Schiff: Bitcoin&#8217;s Rally To $100,000 Is &#8216;Repayment&#8217; By Trump To Crypto Supporters, But $50,000 May Be On The Cards</a></li>
</ul>

Cryptocurrency

News

Markets

Movers

Trading Ideas

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

IBIT

NVDA

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Plunge Deeper On Trump's Tariff Threats: Analyst Hopeful BTC Will Touch $93,500 In Relief Rally

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang said Wednesday that next-generation artificial intelligence models need &#8220;100 times more compute&#8221; than earlier versions, citing new reasoning approaches that process information step by step.



What Happened: &#8220;The amount of computation necessary to do that reasoning process is 100 times more than what we used to do,&#8221; Huang <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/26/nvidia-ceo-huang-says-next-generation-ai-will-need-more-compute.html">told</a> CNBC following the company&#8217;s record-breaking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43991607/nvidia-q4-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-demand-for-blackwell-is-amazing">fourth-quarter earnings report</a>.



The chipmaker reported $39.3 billion in revenue for the quarter, up 78% year-over-year and exceeding analyst expectations of $38.05 billion. Data center revenue, which includes Nvidia&#8217;s market-leading GPUs for AI workloads, surged 93% to $35.6 billion, now representing over 90% of total revenue.



Huang specifically mentioned DeepSeek&#8217;s R1, OpenAI&#8217;s GPT-4 and xAI&#8217;s Grok 3 as models utilizing reasoning processes that require substantially more computing power. This comes despite a 17% stock drop in January triggered by concerns that DeepSeek had found ways to achieve better AI performance with lower infrastructure costs.



&#8220;DeepSeek was fantastic,&#8221; Huang said. &#8220;It was fantastic because it open-sourced a reasoning model that&#8217;s absolutely world class.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43987636/bitcoin-tumbles-below-85000-amid-president-trumps-eu-tariff-threats">Bitcoin Tumbles Below $85,000 Amid President Trump&#8217;s EU Tariff Threats</a>



Why It Matters: The company has faced challenges in China due to export restrictions, with Huang noting that Nvidia&#8217;s percentage of revenue from China has fallen by about half. He added that Nvidia&#8217;s GB200 chip, sold in the United States, can generate AI content 60 times faster than versions sold to China under export controls.



Looking ahead, Nvidia projects first-quarter revenue of $43 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $41.75 billion. Huang emphasized strong demand for the company&#8217;s new Blackwell AI supercomputers, which achieved &#8220;billions of dollars in sales in its first quarter.&#8221;



&#8220;Demand for Blackwell is amazing as reasoning AI adds another scaling law – increasing compute for training makes models smarter and increasing compute for long thinking makes the answer smarter,&#8221; Huang said.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43991325/salesforce-shares-sink-after-q4-revenues-miss-estimates-weak-fy26-guidance-details">Salesforce Shares Sink After Q4 Revenues Miss Estimates, Weak FY26 Guidance: Details</a></li>
</ul>



Image Via Shutterstock 



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

Jensen Huang Says 'DeepSeek Was Fantastic:' Next-Gen Models Demand 100x More Compute As Nvidia Smashes Earnings Records

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday requiring all federal agencies to have a representative from Elon Musk&#8217;s Department of Government Efficiency, marking a significant expansion of the billionaire&#8217;s influence over government operations.



What Happened:&nbsp;The executive order mandates that each federal agency appoint a DOGE representative to oversee spending and ensure transparency,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/trump-order-federal-agencies-doge-representative-00206359">Politico reports</a>. These representatives will work alongside agency leadership to monitor all expenditures, requiring managers to provide written justifications for payments and implement new systems for tracking expenses.



The order also freezes most government credit cards for 30 days and requires monthly spending reports to be submitted to DOGE administrator&nbsp;Amy Gleason. This information will be made public, except for certain law enforcement and intelligence activities.



&#8220;To ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public,&#8221; the order states, outlining the responsibilities of DOGE representatives.



This move is part of a broader efficiency project led by Trump and Musk, which has already resulted in the termination of numerous federal contracts and the dismissal of thousands of public-sector workers.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43994686/will-investors-push-back-against-trumps-massive-borrowing-plans">Will Investors Push Back Against Trump&#8217;s Massive Borrowing Plans?</a>



Why It Matters:&nbsp;The expansion of DOGE&#8217;s influence comes at a time when the effectiveness of Trump and Musk&#8217;s cost-cutting measures is being questioned. Despite claims of billions in savings,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43972234/trump-and-elon-musks-cost-cutting-measures-fail-to-curb-rising-us-government-spending-report">government spending continues to rise</a>, primarily due to increasing expenditures on health and retirement programs, as well as growing interest payments.



The initiative has faced significant challenges, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43962278/elon-musks-doge-staffers-resign-refuse-to-dismantle-critical-public-services-white-house-hits-back-saying-trump-wont-be-stopped-by-protests-and-lawsuits">resignation of over 20 civil service employees</a>&nbsp;from DOGE, who cited concerns about dismantling critical public services. This setback, coupled with ongoing court challenges, has raised questions about the long-term viability of the administration&#8217;s approach to government reform.



Public opinion also appears to be mixed on Musk&#8217;s role in government. A recent Emerson College poll found that only 41% of voters approve of Musk&#8217;s performance at DOGE, with 45% disapproving. The poll also revealed limited support for some of DOGE&#8217;s more controversial proposals, such as eliminating the US Agency for International Development and the Department of Education.



White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration&#8217;s approach, stating, &#8220;Anyone who thinks protests, lawsuits, and lawfare will deter President Trump must have been sleeping under a rock for the past several years.&#8221;



Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com



Check This Out:



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<li>Lawmakers Made Huge Investments This Year. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>



<li></li>
</ul>



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Politics

General

Elon Musk's Influence Over The Government Set To Increase, Trump Orders All Federal Agencies To Appoint A DOGE Commissar

NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) reported fourth-quarter financial results after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">market close Wednesday.</a>



Here are the key highlights.



Nvidia's Key Q4 Numbers: Nvidia reported fourth-quarter revenue of $39.3 billion, up 12% quarter-over-quarter and up 78% year-over-year. The revenue total beat a Street consensus estimate of $38.05 billion according to data <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022625&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">from Benzinga Pro.</a>



The quarterly revenue total was a company record.



Nvidia reported fourth-quarter earnings of 89 cents per share, marking an 82% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Street consensus estimate of 84 cents per share.



"Demand for Blackwell is amazing as reasoning AI adds another scaling law – increasing compute for training makes models smarter and increasing compute for long thinking makes the answer smarter," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said.



Full fiscal year revenue was $130.5 billion, a company record, up 114% year-over-year.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43948627/nvidia-stock-quite-cheap-ahead-of-q4-earnings-analyst-says-growth-story-is-intact">Nvidia Stock &#8216;Quite Cheap&#8217; Ahead Of Q4 Earnings: Analyst Says &#8216;Growth Story Is Intact&#8217;</a>



Nvidia's Q4 Performance By Segment: Data center revenue was once again a company record in the fourth quarter.



Here is a look at the revenue performance by operating business segment.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Segment</td><td>Revenue</td><td>Year-over-Year change</td><td>Quarter-over-Quarter change</td></tr><tr><td>Data Center</td><td>$35.6 billion</td><td>+93% </td><td>+16%</td></tr><tr><td>Gaming &amp; AI PC</td><td>$2.5 billion</td><td>-11%</td><td>-22%</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Visualization</td><td>$511 million</td><td>+10%</td><td>+5%</td></tr><tr><td>Automotive </td><td>$570 million</td><td>+103%</td><td>+27%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What's Next: The company&#8217;s guidance for first-quarter revenue is $43.0 billion, +/—2%. According to data from Benzinga Pro, this is ahead of a street consensus estimate of $41.75 billion.



The company guides for non-GAAP gross margins to be 71% in the first quarter.



&#8220;We&#8217;ve successfully ramped up the massive-scale production of Blackwell AI supercomputers, achieving billions of dollars in sales in its&nbsp;first quarter. AI is advancing at light speed as agentic AI and physical AI set the stage for the next wave of AI to revolutionize the largest industries," Huang said.



NVDA Price Action: Nvidia stock is down 0.8% to $130.43 in after-hours trading versus a 52-week trading range of $75.61 to $153.13.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/43972061/nvidia-stock-stumbles-into-q4-earnings-can-it-defy-nvda-bears">Nvidia Stock Stumbles Into Q4 Earnings: Can It Defy NVDA Bears?</a></li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534; WATCH LIVE: Nvidia Q4 2024 Earnings Call &#x7C; $NVDA" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hV6WxM3S80g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Photo: jamesonwu1972/Shutterstock.com

Earnings

Tech

Nvidia Q4 Earnings Highlights: Revenue Beat, EPS Beat, 'Demand For Blackwell Is Amazing'

Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) reported its fourth-quarter results after Wednesday's closing bell. Here's a look at the key <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43989185/salesforce-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2025-results">figures from the quarter.</a>



The Details: Salesforce reported quarterly earnings of $2.78 per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.61. Quarterly revenue came in at $9.99 billion, which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $10.03 billion and is an increase over revenue of $9.287 billion from the same quarter last year.



For the fourth quarter, Salesforce reported: 



<ul>
<li>$900 million Data Cloud &amp; AI annual recurring revenue, up 120% year-over-year </li>



<li>Since October, closed 5,000 Agentforce deals, including more than 3,000 paid</li>



<li>Data Cloud surpassed 50 trillion records, which doubled year-over-year</li>



<li>Nearly half of the Fortune 100 are both AI &amp; Data Cloud customers</li>



<li>On&nbsp;help.salesforce.com, Agentforce has handled 380,000 conversations, achieving an 84% resolution rate, with only 2% of the requests requiring human escalation</li>
</ul>



Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43949800/tesla-competes-against-chinese-rivals-with-one-hand-tied-behind-its-back-analyst"> Tesla Competes Against Chinese Rivals &#8216;With One Hand Tied Behind Its Back&#8217;: Analyst</a>



&#8220;We had an incredible quarter and year, with strong performance across all our key metrics, including the highest cash flow in our company&#8217;s history and more than $60 billion in RPO,&#8221; said Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce.



&#8220;No company is better positioned than Salesforce to lead customers through the digital labor revolution. With our deeply unified platform, seamlessly integrating our Customer 360 apps, Data Cloud and Agentforce, we&#8217;re already delivering unprecedented levels of productivity, efficiency and cost savings for thousands of companies,&#8221; Benioff added. 



Outlook:&nbsp;Salesforce sees first-quarter adjusted earnings of between $2.53 and $2.55 per share, versus the $2.61 estimate, and revenue in a range of $9.71 billion to $9.76 billion, versus the $9.9 billion estimate. 



The company expects fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of between $11.09 and $11.17 per share, versus the $11.19 estimate, and revenue in a range of $40.5 billion and $40.9 billion, versus the $41.34 billion estimate. 



CRM Price Action: According to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Salesforce shares are down 4.99% after-hours at $292 on Wednesday.  



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/43977811/mortgage-rates-drop-to-lowest-levels-since-december-but-housing-market-remains-largely-stuck">Mortgage Rates Drop To Lowest Levels Since December, But Housing Market Remains &#8216;Largely Stuck&#8217;&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

After-Hours Center

Salesforce Shares Sink After Q4 Revenues Miss Estimates, Weak FY26 Guidance: Details

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is continuing its price slide on Wednesday as President Donald Trump threatened 25 percent tariffs on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43917713/us-lawmakers-demand-eu-clarify-big-tech-regulations-that-may-target-american-companies">the European Union</a>.



The apex crypto slid as low as $83,724 in the aftermath. The Financial Times on Wednesday <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/2f0288f6-3f6a-4334-b666-3f0122981842">reported</a> on the president&#8217;s remarks at the first cabinet meeting.



Trump said a decision has been made and will be announced &#8220;very soon,&#8221; with tariffs to be imposed &#8220;on cars and all other things.&#8221; 



He further stated that the European Union was &#8220;formed to screw the United States&#8221; and, according to Trump, has &#8220;done a good job&#8221; of it, FT reported.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>24-Hour Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$84,250</td><td>-3%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$2,287</td><td>-5.4%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$2.17</td><td>-1.5%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The crypto market plunged following Trump&#8217;s remarks, wiping out over $470 million in long liquidations and dropping 3.7% in total market capitalization.



The news follows the biggest day of spot Bitcoin ETF outflows on Tuesday, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43971058/bitcoin-languishes-below-88000-as-spot-etfs-see-1-billion-outflows-on-tuesday">over $1 billion</a> in combined net outflows.



Prominent Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff sees Trump as the catalyst for Bitcoin&#8217;s surge above $100,000 but predicts a reversal of the bull market. According to Schiff, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43982444/peter-schiff-bitcoins-rally-to-100000-is-repayment-by-trump-to-crypto-supporters-but-50000-may-be-on-the-cards">$50,000 per bitcoin</a> may be in the cards.



Market participants eagerly await the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43981913/nvidia-earnings-on-deck-smci-regains-compliance-whats-driving-markets-wednesday">Nvidia earnings call</a> after market closure for a possible short-term reversal.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/02/43940583/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-shed-billions-in-9-correction-3-factors-driving-the-downturn">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP Shed Billions In 9% Correction: 3 Factors Driving The Downturn</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

$XRP

Bitcoin Tumbles Below $85,000 Amid President Trump's EU Tariff Threats

Lucid Group Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) analysts highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the EV company after announcing a CEO transition and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43957497/lucid-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-20k-production-guidance-for-2025-ceo-transition-and-more">fourth-quarter financial results.</a>



The Lucid Analysts: Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Andrew Sheppard maintained a Neutral rating on Lucid with a $3 price target.



Needham analyst Chris Pierce reiterated a Hold rating with no price target.



Cantor Fitzgerald on LCID: Vehicle production guidance of 20,000 for fiscal 2025 was in line with estimates, Sheppard said in a new investor note.



The analyst said Lucid's gross margins beat, but still have a long way to go.



Management commentary said the company has sufficient liquidity into the second half of 2026, the analyst added.



The analyst highlighted Lucid's newest vehicles, including the Gravity SUV seven-seater SUV. The vehicle started deliveries previously and could expand Lucid's total addressable market size. A midsize vehicle with a starting price under $50,000 remains a key future catalyst for the analyst.



"We believe this vehicle may allow Lucid to scale-up production at higher volumes, and with its affordable price point, the company should experience a surge in customer demand," Sheppard said.



While Sheppard was bullish on the new vehicle launches and the company's technology, risks remain with high negative gross margins, additional capital needs, a new management team and worsening macro conditions.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43516605/lucid-deliveries-up-51-in-january-heres-how-many-gravity-suvs-sold-in-first-full-month">Lucid Deliveries Up 51% In January, Here&#8217;s How Many Gravity SUVs Sold In First Full Month</a>



Needham on LCID: The EV company showed delivery momentum in the quarter, but leadership changes could add a new wrinkle, Pierce said in a new investor note.



"LCID continues to show improving delivery momentum, and we see a low bar for continued momentum as they lean into advertising to support the Gravity SUV launch as they ramp production," Pierce said.



The analyst said this was Lucid's fourth consecutive quarter of record deliveries and demand could pick up with the Gravity SUV launch.



"Gravity SUV orders are exceeding management expectations from a volume and an ASP perspective, and we continue to view the Gravity launch as a second chance at a first introduction for the brand."



The analyst said fighting against the positive near-term unit trends is the company's uncertainty with Peter Rawlinson stepping down from the CEO and CTO roles.



"Looking longer term, the timing of positive gross margins and units needed to achieve positive gross margins is still an unknown and likely not a near-term event given LCID's current scale."



LCID Price Action: Lucid stock is down 11.13% to $2.32 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $1.93 to $4.43. Lucid stock is down 27% over the last year.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43970188/lucid-prepares-to-launch-affordable-evs-first-midsize-model-could-be-unveiled-as-early-as-this-year-to-take-on-elon-musks-tesla">Lucid Prepares To Launch Affordable EVs: First Midsize Model Could Be Unveiled As Early As This Year To Take On Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Courtesy Lucid

Analyst Color

Price Target

Reiteration

Management

Analyst Ratings

LCID

Lucid Stock Falls On Q4 Results, CEO Exit: Analysts See 'Surge In Demand' For Gravity SUV

Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is poised to release its fourth-quarter earnings today after market close. Analysts project earnings per share of 84 cents and revenues of $38.1 billion. Given Nvidia&#8217;s significant presence in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">various ETFs</a>, this earnings report could substantially influence their performance.



ETFs with Nvidia Exposure To Keep An Eye On



Nvidia holds considerable weight in several prominent ETFs, notably:



VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>): Approximately 19% of this ETF&#8217;s holdings are in Nvidia, making it highly sensitive to Nvidia&#8217;s stock movements.



SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>): Nvidia comprises about 6.14% of this fund, reflecting its status as one of the largest companies in the S&amp;P 500 Index.



Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>): With an 8.1% allocation to Nvidia, this ETF is influenced by the company&#8217;s performance, given its focus on major non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/43972061/nvidia-stock-stumbles-into-q4-earnings-can-it-defy-nvda-bears">Nvidia Stock Stumbles Into Q4 Earnings: Can It Defy NVDA Bears?</a>



History and Relevance Of Nvidia As An Important Stock



For a quick memory refresh, in January, Nvidia experienced a significant stock decline of over 20% within days, primarily due to <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43302711/nvidia-hardest-hit-among-mag-7-stocks-by-deepseek-and-this-stock-ranked-second">concerns about China&#8217;s DeepSeek AI model</a> potentially reducing demand for Nvidia&#8217;s AI chips. Despite this sharp drop, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, where Nvidia holds a 6.5% weighting, saw a minimal decrease of less than 2% from its all-time highs, indicating the broader market&#8217;s resilience.



Although Nvidia is no longer the largest company by market capitalization, Apple having reclaimed the top spot, it remains a substantial component of major ETFs like SPY. Nvidia&#8217;s performance influences not only its stock but also the semiconductor industry and tech giants that rely on its products, creating ripple effects throughout the market.



As Nvidia prepares to report its fourth-quarter earnings after the market closes today, analysts anticipate strong results, though uncertainties persist regarding the extent of outperformance. Previous earnings reports have led to mixed stock reactions, with notable fluctuations following each announcement. For instance, the stock rose more than 9% in response to its Q1 2024 results.



Investors are keenly observing whether Nvidia can surpass expectations amid concerns about slowing growth, margin pressures, and the impact of AI developments like DeepSeek. Nonetheless, while Nvidia&#8217;s influence on the broader market has slightly diminished, its earnings report remains a critical event for investors, with potential implications for related sectors and the overall market sentiment.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43948627/nvidia-stock-quite-cheap-ahead-of-q4-earnings-analyst-says-growth-story-is-intact">Nvidia Stock &#8216;Quite Cheap&#8217; Ahead Of Q4 Earnings: Analyst Says &#8216;Growth Story Is Intact&#8217;</a>



Experts Weigh In Ahead Of The Earnings



Nvidia stock maintains a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/nvda/analyst-ratings">consensus analyst rating</a> of Buy, with an average price target of $172.28.



Recent evaluations from Rosenblatt, Morgan Stanley, and Tigress Financial suggest a potential upside of over 50%, with an average price target of $197.33.



Analysts from Wedbush and Oppenheimer have <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/what-analysts-think-of-nvidia-stock-ahead-of-earnings-preview-q4-fy2025-update-11683525">reaffirmed </a>their price targets at $175, citing increased demand for Nvidia&#8217;s advanced chips as major technology companies expand their investments in AI infrastructure. UBS analysts, maintaining a $185 price target, observe that rising investor expectations and improvements in the supply chain could boost sales of Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell line.



Oppenheimer analysts also note that the rapid emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek may positively impact Nvidia, as increased competition encourages American clients to intensify their AI development efforts.



Investors express concerns about potential spending reductions by Nvidia&#8217;s key customers, especially following significant capital expenditures in prior years and recent AI advancements emerging from China, according to a CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/25/nvida-to-report-earnings-amid-infrastructure-spending-deepseek-concerns.html">report</a>.



A significant portion of Nvidia&#8217;s revenue is derived from a select group of companies constructing extensive server infrastructures, commonly referred to as &#8220;hyperscalers.&#8221; In fiscal 2024, Nvidia reported that a single customer accounted for 19% of its total revenue. Consequently, any indication of reduced spending by these major clients could significantly influence Nvidia&#8217;s stock performance.



Investors are concerned that growth may be slowing, and margins could be under pressure, according to etf.com. A strong earnings report from Nvidia could lead to an uptick in ETFs&#8217; values, while disappointing results might exert downward pressure on them.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/02/43979861/mortgage-rates-hit-2025-lows-3-mbs-etfs-to-consider">Mortgage Rates Hit 2025 Lows: 3 MBS ETFs To Consider</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

ETFs

How Nvidia's Q4 Earnings Could Impact Major ETFs

J.P. Morgan analyst Christopher Horvers reiterated an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LOW/analyst-ratings">Overweight rating</a> on the shares of Lowe&#8217;s Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings.



Lowe&#8217;s reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43973370/lowes-q4-win-higher-profits-big-buybacks-and-a-cautious-2025-outlook">5% earnings per share (EPS) beat</a>, delivering $1.93 compared to the $1.84 consensus from Consensus Metrix.



This was driven by better-than-expected comparable sales (+0.2%), surpassing the analyst&#8217;s forecast of a -0.4% decline and down 50-100 basis points from buyside expectations. 



The comp performance was supported by high single-digit growth in professional and online sales, strong holiday results, and hurricane recovery efforts, though these were partially offset by ongoing short-term DIY headwinds. 



On the margin side, gross margin met both Street and JPMorgan estimates at 32.9%. Operating margin was slightly below consensus at 9.4%. This compares to the company&#8217;s implied guidance of a -2% comp, 9.6% operating margin, and $1.80 EPS for fourth-quarter 2024.



EPS grew by 9% year-over-year, marking the first increase since first quarter 2023 and the first positive comp since third-quarter of 2022.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/retail-sales/25/02/43977330/target-and-champion-launch-exclusive-activewear-line">Target And Champion Launch Exclusive Activewear Line</a>



Lowe&#8217;s projects comparable sales to be flat to +1%. Total sales range from $83.5 billion to $84.5 billion, operating margin between 12.3% and 12.4%, and earnings per share (EPS) between $12.15 and $12.40 for FY25.



In comparison, the Street expects a +1.1% comp, $84.5 billion in total sales, a 12.5% operating margin, and EPS of $12.47.



Overall, Lowe&#8217;s results exceeded expectations, with comparable sales outperforming both the analyst&#8217;s raised forecast and the Street's estimates.



The gap in the analyst&#8217;s Street-high EPS projection was mainly due to incentive compensation, while gross margin was solidly in line, showing a 50 basis point year-over-year increase. 



The guidance was slightly below the moderate scenario from its December Analyst Day, which the analyst interprets as a signal to keep expectations steady, following similar reductions by Home Depot Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) and Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>).



Considering the early stage of the year and the potential slow start to first-quarter due to weather, the analyst expects LOW to regain some of its recently lost momentum. 



With positive guidance in place, the analyst foresees the stock heading back to $260 (~21x the high end of the range), though the near-term rebound in comps will be the key factor in this recovery.



Price Action: LOW shares are trading higher by 3.74% at $251.46 at last check Wednesday.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43976995/discount-store-chain-tjx-posts-strong-q4-earnings-helped-by-value-shoppers">Discount Store Chain TJX Posts Strong Q4 Earnings Helped By Value Shoppers</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Lowe's Positive Q4 Performance May Trigger Potential Rebound: Analyst

Editor&#8217;s Note: This article has been updated to include a response from AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi addressing the short reports.



Shares of AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) were hit Wednesday with two new short reports adding to the targets against <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/02/43856737/applovin-stock-tumbles-as-short-seller-takes-a-closer-look-at-whats-driving-enormous-gains">the high-rising stock.</a>



Fuzzy Panda Research on APP: A new short report from Fuzzy Panda Research accuses AppLovin of stealing Meta Platforms' (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) data and more.



Fuzzy Panda Research <a href="https://fuzzypandaresearch.com/app-stock-meta-google-malware-mobile-games-advertising/">said </a>AppLovin's revenue, EBITDA and cash flow have soared, leading to an impressive return for the stock.



"Some investors and former employees have even praised AppLovin's CEO Adam Foroughi as the next Mark Zuckerberg. But no one seems to know what AppLovin does," the report says.



The report says AppLovin credits its success to Axon 2.0, a machine-learning algorithm that serves as a matchmaker for publishers and advertisers. The short report alleges that Axon 2.0 is a &#8220;House of Cards&#8221; and accuses it of &#8220;Ad Fraud.&#8221;



"We believe AppLovin has pulled every trick in the book. We've been told they are stealing data from Meta in their e-commerce push."



In response, Foroughi pushed back against the reports, <a href="https://www.applovin.com/blog/note-from-our-ceo/">arguing </a>that short-sellers were attempting to undermine AppLovin's success.



&#8220;It's disappointing that a few nefarious short-sellers are making false and misleading claims aimed at undermining our success and driving down our stock price for their own financial gain, rather than acknowledging the sophisticated AI models our team has built to enhance advertising for our partners,&#8221; Foroughi said.



He also denied allegations of financial improprieties, emphasizing that AppLovin is a public company audited by a Big Four accounting firm and that claims regarding revenue misrepresentation have no basis whatsoever.



Meanwhile, the short report accuses AppLovin of exploiting consumer data in ways that could violate the app store policies of Apple and Google. The report said AppLovin risks a permanent ban from the mobile app stores.



"We believe these so-called dark ad practices explain the truth behind how AppLovin seems to have achieved its great growth. We believe Apple, Google and Meta all have a vested interest in putting a stop to it."



Fuzzy Panda Research was short shares of AppLovin at the time of the short report.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43709891/applovins-stock-rallies-after-solid-q4-growth-underscores-its-ability-to-scale-profitably-analysts-say">AppLovin&#8217;s Stock Rallies After Solid Q4 Growth, Underscores Ability To Scale Profitably, Analysts Say</a>



Culper Research on APP: A new short report from Culper Research said AppLovin could go down as "the single largest stock promotion" in some time.



The <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cc91fda7-4669-4d1b-81ce-a0b8d77f25ab/downloads/344fe56e-8638-4252-b5c5-353914cbbd46/Culper_APP_2-26-2025.pdf?ver=1740580804061">report </a>alleges Axon 2.0 to be a "smokescreen" and not the claimed black box.



"In its mobile gaming business, we believe $APP has systematically deployed then exploited incredibly dangerous app permissions that enable in-app ads themselves to force-feed silent, backdoor app installations directly onto users' phones," the report <a href="https://x.com/CulperResearch/status/1894749368579658023">says</a>.



The report says AppLovin gets direct download permissions onto consumers&#8217; phones, which helps with clicks and downloads of apps that boost its financials.



Like Fuzzy Panda Research, Culper says AppLovin risks being removed from app store platforms for violating terms.



"$APP now looks to parlay its mobile gaming promotion into e-commerce but here too we believe the company's push is smoke and mirrors."



Culper said AppLovin is copying Meta's homework and taking credit for it.



Speaking on AppLovin&#8217;s CEO, Culper said Foroughi previously created Social Hour and served as CEO from August 2008 to July 2010. Social Hour was banned from Facebook in 2009 for "misleading/scam-like advertisements."



Culper said the two biggest reasons they are short AppLovin are that the company's success in mobile gaming is based on exploitation of app permissions and that its e-commerce initiative is a "smoke and mirrors game."



APP Price Action: AppLovin stock is down 12% to $331.35 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $57.40 to $525.04. AppLovin stock is up 445% over the last year.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43676556/applovin-stock-soars-on-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-strong-guidance-and-more">Applovin Stock Soars On Q4 Earnings: Revenue Beat, EPS Beat, Strong Guidance And More</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Short Ideas

AppLovin Stock Drops On Multiple Short Reports: Allegations Of Copying Meta, Creating 'Smoke And Mirrors Game' (UPDATED)

Restaurant giant McDonald's Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) is celebrating 50 years of breakfast with specials and promotions that brush off the egg surcharges other restaurant chains have added with the breakfast commodity<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43663963/record-high-egg-prices-drive-inflation-higher-in-january"> hitting record highs.</a>



What Happened: While restaurants like Waffle House and Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DENN#NASDAQ">DENN</a>) are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/02/43511263/high-egg-prices-drive-waffle-house-to-add-50-cent-surcharge">adding egg surcharges </a>to pass the rising costs of eggs back to consumers, McDonald's is offering some relief for its customers.



The company <a href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/celebrate-50years-ofmornings-atmcd-special-deals-breakfast-favorites.html">announced </a>its celebration of 50 years of the Egg McMuffin breakfast sandwich with special deals and increased breakfast options.



McDonald's launched the Egg McMuffin nationwide in 1975 and will celebrate the 50th anniversary with National Egg McMuffin Day on March 2. On that day, McDonald's app users can get an Egg McMuffin or Sausage McMuffin with Egg breakfast sandwich for $1.



"50 years later, it's still the GOAT. In honor of this golden anniversary, the Golden Arches are doubling down on breakfast – offering fans even more reasons to wake up with McDonald's and save on their favorites," the restaurant company said.



Another promotion running March 3 through March 30 offers buy one get one free on Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwiches using McDelivery through the McDonald's app.



The restaurant company also announced its bagel sandwiches are now available nationwide, including options like the Bacon, Egg &amp; Cheese and the Steak, Egg &amp; Cheese. McDonald's is also expanding its partnership with Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DNUT#NASDAQ">DNUT</a>) to offer donuts in New York, its latest expansion. By the end of 2025, over half of the U.S. McDonald's locations are expected to have Krispy Kreme donuts.



"At McDonald's, breakfast isn't just a meal; it's a cherished tradition and cornerstone of our brand," McDonald's USA president Joe Erlinger said. "Every morning when we open our doors, we are a breakfast restaurant."



Erlinger added that McDonald's customers can count on the company's "one-of-a-kind breakfast experience, anchored in great value and high-quality ingredients."



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43709413/egg-prices-hit-record-highs-new-york-bodegas-get-creative-and-sell-three-packs-for-299">Egg Prices Hit Record Highs, New York Bodegas Get Creative And Sell Three Packs For $2.99</a>



Why It's Important: Waffle House recently announced a 50 cent surcharge on eggs due to the record highs. Denny's followed with a plan to add a temporary surcharge on eggs based on individual markets.



McDonald's North American chief impact officer Michael Gonda took a shot at the other restaurants in a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaelgonda_breakfastcomesfirst-activity-7300205561386610689-65GH/">post </a>celebrating McDonald's new breakfast promotions.



"While many in the U.S. are talking about [eggs], we've had something in the works for a while and the timing couldn't be better (important side note: unlike others making news recently, you definitely WON'T see McDonald's USA issuing surcharge on eggs, which are 100% cage-free and sourced in the U.S.)," Gonda said.



The timing of McDonald's breakfast themed promotions could be a catalyst to watch for investors after the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43592025/fast-food-major-mcdonalds-stocks-rise-despite-q4-sales-miss-details">fourth-quarter financial results</a> missed estimates.



The company reported a 0.3% year-over-year sales decline in the fourth quarter with U.S. comparable sales down 1.4% year-over-year.



McDonald's is seeing increased user counts for its app and the breakfast promotions could add to that total, giving the restaurant giant another way to market its products and promotions to a large user base.



"We're playing to win, focusing on our customers with outstanding value, exciting menu innovation and culturally relevant marketing," McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said during the third-quarter financial results.



MCD Price Action: McDonald's stock is down 1% to $307.73 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $243.53 to $317.90. McDonald's stock is up 4% over the last year.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41505920/mcdonalds-once-owned-90-of-chipotle-why-it-sold-stake-too-early-missed-73-billion-opportunity">McDonald&#8217;s Once Owned 90% Of Chipotle: Why It Sold Stake Too Early, Missed $73 Billion Opportunity</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Restaurants

DENN

DNUT

McDonald's Says No To Egg Surcharges, Celebrates 50 Years Of Egg McMuffin: 'Breakfast Experience Anchored In Great Value'

All three major indices were green in midday trading Wednesday as the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 looked to snap their four-day losing streaks. NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares led the tech sector higher as investors anticipated the tech giant's quarterly earnings release <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/43972061/nvidia-stock-stumbles-into-q4-earnings-can-it-defy-nvda-bears">after the closing bell. </a>



"Nvidia is the bellwether and market-darling stock that is of vital importance to the broader markets. Its performance provides meaningful guidance for the broader market tone. The importance for the tech sector cannot be understated," said SWBC chief investment officer Chris Brigati, per CNBC.&nbsp;



Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43949800/tesla-competes-against-chinese-rivals-with-one-hand-tied-behind-its-back-analyst"> Tesla Competes Against Chinese Rivals &#8216;With One Hand Tied Behind Its Back&#8217;: Analyst</a>



Mortgage rates fell further<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/43977811/mortgage-rates-drop-to-lowest-levels-since-december-but-housing-market-remains-largely-stuck"> last week</a> to 6.88%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association and sales of new single-family homes in the U.S. dropped 10.5% from the previous month to 657,000 in January, below market expectations of 680,000, as tracked by Trading Economics.&nbsp;



The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note held around 4.3% Wednesday after declining for five sessions in a row. Investors awaited key economic data including the second estimate of fourth-quarter GDP growth on Thursday and the PCE price index report on Friday. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rose 0.14% to $91.55.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) continued to trade below the $88,000 mark after U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw record outflows of $1 billion on Tuesday, the largest daily <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43971058/bitcoin-languishes-below-88000-as-spot-etfs-see-1-billion-outflows-on-tuesday">net outflows</a> since their inception. 



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>1 day % chg.</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>19,277.59</td><td>1.33%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>6,005.86</td><td>0.85%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>43,759.51</td><td>0.32%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,192.06</td><td>1.01%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



According to Benzinga Pro data:



<ul>
<li>The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 0.71% at $598.45.  </li>



<li>The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) climbed 0.17% to $436.89.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 1.08% to $518.87.  </li>



<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) was up 0.98% at $217.53.</li>



<li>The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) was up 0.97% at $218.53.</li>



<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) slid 0.37% to $89.31.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday's Stock Movers</h1>



Shares of Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) soared Wednesday after the company submitted its long-delayed financial reports just under Tuesday&#8217;s Nasdaq-imposed deadline. SMCI had been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43973242/super-micro-stock-soars-on-nasdaq-compliance-but-can-the-rally-hold">under pressure </a>after losing its previous auditor Ernst &amp; Young and weaknesses in internal controls was discovered. The fresh audit from BDO confirmed the company&#8217;s numbers and also flagged governance issues.



Stocks reacting to company earnings reports included:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li>Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) </li>



<li>AMC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>) </li>



<li>Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDAY#NASDAQ">WDAY</a>) </li>



<li>Maplebear Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CART#NASDAQ">CART</a>) </li>



<li>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) </li>



<li>Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CZR#NASDAQ">CZR</a>) </li>



<li>Coupang, Inc.&nbsp; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPNG#NYSE">CPNG</a>)&nbsp;</li>



<li>Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) </li>



<li>CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAVA#NYSE">CAVA</a>) </li>
</ul>



Companies reporting after Wednesday's closing bell include:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li>NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>



<li>IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>)</li>



<li>MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>)</li>



<li>Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>)</li>



<li>Snowflake, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>)</li>



<li>eBay, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>)</li>



<li>C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>)</li>



<li>Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JOBY#NYSE">JOBY</a>)</li>



<li>Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPCE#NYSE">SPCE</a>)</li>



<li>Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYND#NASDAQ">BYND</a>)</li>
</ul>



Read More: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43959732/first-solar-reports-mixed-q4-results-eps-miss-revenues-beat-fy-net-bookings-of-44-gigawatts">First Solar Reports Mixed Q4 Results: EPS Miss, Revenues Beat, FY Net Bookings Of 4.4 Gigawatts</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Market Summary

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

BYND

CART

CAVA

CPNG

EBAY

FSLR

INTU

IONQ

JOBY

MARA

SMCI

SNOW

SPCE

WDAY

Nvidia Earnings On Deck, SMCI Regains Compliance: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?

Mortgage rates are coming down to the lowest levels since last December, but demand for home loans has stalled. Here's a look at what the experts are forecasting<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/02/43731246/a-recipe-for-market-instability-fed-chief-powell-predicts-mortgages-wont-be-available-in-some-regions-but-it-has-nothing-to-do-rates"> for the year ahead.&nbsp;</a>



What To Know: The average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages continued to decline to 6.88% in the week ended Feb. 21, down from 6.93% in the previous week. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, last week's <a href="https://www.mba.org/news-and-research/newsroom/news/2025/02/26/mortgage-applications-decrease-in-latest-mba-weekly-survey">average rate</a> marks a new low since December 2024 and compares to 7.03% from the same period last year.&nbsp;



Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43949800/tesla-competes-against-chinese-rivals-with-one-hand-tied-behind-its-back-analyst"> Tesla Competes Against Chinese Rivals &#8216;With One Hand Tied Behind Its Back&#8217;: Analyst</a>



"Treasury yields moved lower on softer consumer spending data as consumers are feeling somewhat less upbeat about the economy and job market. This pushed mortgage rates lower, with the 30-year fixed rate decreasing to 6.88 percent, the lowest rate since mid-December," said Joel Kan, MBA's Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist.&nbsp;



Though mortgage rates are slowly coming down, demand for home loans remains weak. MBA data show applications to refinance a home loan fell 4% for the week and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43873151/mortgage-rates">existing home sales</a> in the U.S. sank by 4.9% in January, the sharpest decline in seven months. 



Analysts at JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) see the housing market <a href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/real-estate/us-housing-market-outlook">to remain </a>"largely stuck" through 2025 as interest rates and home prices both remain high. 



"The situation is not going to change until we get mortgage rates back down toward 5%, or even lower," said John Sim, head of Securitized Products Research at J.P. Morgan.



"And we aren't forecasting mortgage rates to breach 6% in 2025 — they should ease only slightly to 6.7% by the year end," Sim added.&nbsp;



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43903335/financial-crime-weekly-1-4-billion-ethereum-stolen-in-largest-crypto-hack-ever-sec-creates-cyber-and-emerging-technologies-unit">Financial Crime Weekly: $1.4 Billion Ethereum Stolen In Largest Crypto Hack Ever, SEC Creates Cyber And Emerging Technologies Unit</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bonds

Econ #s

Economics

Real Estate

Mortgage Rates Drop To Lowest Levels Since December, But Housing Market Remains 'Largely Stuck'

Lowe&#8217;s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) stock is trading higher in the premarket session on Wednesday after the company reported better-than-expected<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n43967530/lowes-reports-fourth-quarter-2024-sales-and-earnings-results" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fourth-quarter earnings</a>.



The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.93 above the street view of $1.84.



Quarterly sales were $18.553 billion, a slight decline of 0.3% year over year, but they outpaced the analyst consensus estimate of $18.292 billion.



Comparable sales for the quarter increased 0.2%, driven by Pro, online growth, holiday sales and hurricane recovery, offset by weak DIY discretionary spending.



Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43964363/lowes-earnings-are-imminent-these-most-accurate-analysts-revise-forecasts-ahead-of-earnings-call" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowe&#8217;s Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call</a>



The quarter&#8217;s gross margin expanded slightly by 50 bps year over year to 32.9%. Quarterly operating income totaled $1.83 billion compared with $1.687 billion a year ago, with a margin up 80 bps to 9.9%.



As of Jan. 31, 2025, Lowe&#8217;s operated 1,748 stores, representing 195.0 million square feet of retail selling space.



The company prioritized capital allocation, repurchasing 5.5 million shares for $1.4 billion and paying $650 million in dividends this quarter, totaling $6.5 billion returned to shareholders for fiscal 2024.



&#8220;We remain confident in the long-term strength of the home improvement industry, and we are equally confident in our strategy to capitalize on the expected recovery. We are also pleased to award $80 million in discretionary bonuses to our frontline associates in recognition of their hard work and dedication to delivering excellent customer service,&#8221; said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe&#8217;s chairman, president and CEO.



The company&#8217;s net cash provided by operating activities for 2024 totaled $9.625 billion, up from $8.140 billion a year ago.



2025 Outlook: Lowe&#8217;s forecasts 2025 EPS of $12.15–$12.40, below the $12.51 consensus estimate. Total sales are projected at $83.5 billion &#8211; $84.5 billion, compared to the $84.56 billion consensus.



The company expects an operating margin of 12.3%–12.4% and plans approximately $2.5 billion in capital expenditures.



Price Action: LOW shares are trading higher by 3.64% to $251.21 premarket at last check Wednesday.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43967649/us-stocks-likely-to-open-higher-ahead-of-nvidia-earnings-sp-500s-four-day-fall-was-a-non-event-says-expert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Stocks Likely To Open Higher Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings: S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Four-Day Fall Was A &#8216;Non-Event,&#8217; Says Expert</a>



Photo: Shutterstock

Guidance

Retail Sales

Lowe's Q4 Win: Higher Profits, Big Buybacks And A Cautious 2025 Outlook

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) will be reporting its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday. Wall Street expects 84 cents in EPS and $38.05 billion in revenues as the company reports<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings?tickers=NVDA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> after market hours</a>.



The stock is up 60.11% over the past year, down 8.44% YTD.



Let&#8217;s examine the charts for Nvidia stock and how it currently compares to Wall Street estimates.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43948627/nvidia-stock-quite-cheap-ahead-of-q4-earnings-analyst-says-growth-story-is-intact">Nvidia Stock &#8216;Quite Cheap&#8217; Ahead Of Q4 Earnings: Analyst Says &#8216;Growth Story Is Intact</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia Stock Faces Bearish Momentum Ahead Of Q4 Earnings</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022625&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="622" height="488" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/26074038/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-6.08.54-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-799373" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/26074038/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-6.08.54-PM.png 622w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/26074038/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-6.08.54-PM-300x235.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px" /></a></figure>



<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022625&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>



Nvidia stock, at $129.88, is facing strong bearish momentum, ahead of reporting fourth-quarter earnings. The stock trades below its five-day, 20-day and 50-day exponential moving averages. This indicates continued selling pressure, as short-term trends remain unfavorable.



The eight-day simple moving average (SMA) of $134.85, 20-day SMA of $129.93 and 50-day SMA of $134.03, all suggest a bearish outlook.



However, some technical indicators hint at potential stabilization. Nvidia's 200-day simple moving average at $126.40 signals long-term support, though its Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator at a negative 0.31 supports the bearish signals. With a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 46.78, the stock trades in the neutral territory but has yet to reach a critical reversal zone.



Investors should watch for a break above key moving averages to confirm a bullish reversal or further declines reinforcing the current downtrend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia Analysts See 52% Upside</h2>



Ratings &amp; Consensus Estimates:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The consensus analyst rating</a> on Nvidia stock stands at a Buy currently with a price target of $172.28. The latest analyst ratings from Rosenblatt, Morgan Stanley and Tigress Financial imply a 52.26% upside for Nvidia stock, with an average price target of $197.33.



NVDA Price Action: Nvidia stock closed Tuesday&#8217;s trading day at $126.63, down 2.8%.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43967649/us-stocks-likely-to-open-higher-ahead-of-nvidia-earnings-sp-500s-four-day-fall-was-a-non-event-says-expert">US Stocks Likely To Open Higher Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings: S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Four-Day Fall Was A &#8216;Non-Event,&#8217; Says Expert</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

Previews

Nvidia Stock Stumbles Into Q4 Earnings: Can It Defy NVDA Bears?

While some panic-sell, others seize the dip. El Salvador and Tokyo-listed Metaplanet have expanded their Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto">the crypto market</a> slumped to a three-month low.



Despite IMF pressures and market jitters, these Bitcoin believers are standing firm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A State-Backed Bitcoin Reserve: A Game Changer?</h2>



Seamus Rocca, CEO of Xapo Bank, sees Bitcoin's role evolving: &#8220;One could argue that a State-backed Bitcoin reserve is the ultimate validation that Bitcoin is a better store of value than Gold.&#8221; 



He suggests that government adoption could legitimize Bitcoin in traditional markets while limiting supply and potentially driving prices higher.



Rocca also notes that how a government accumulates Bitcoin matters. Buying BTC with US Treasuries could impact a country's liquidity, while holding confiscated BTC could serve as a strategic financial tool. 



Rather than undermining individual holders, state-level adoption might strengthen Bitcoin's long-term investment case.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43965125/bybit-hacker-launders-nearly-30-of-hacked-1-4-billion-eth-in-5-days-needs-only-8-10-days-to-finish-the-job">Bybit Hacker Launders Nearly 30% Of Hacked $1.4 Billion ETH In 5 Days — Needs Only 8-10 Days To Finish The Job</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">El Salvador Sticks To Its Bitcoin Playbook</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">O ye of little faith… <a href="https://t.co/Rkt8itUKzw">pic.twitter.com/Rkt8itUKzw</a>&mdash; Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1894113420900741275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



President Nayib Bukele took to X to announce El Salvador's latest Bitcoin purchase—7 BTC (around $614,000 worth), bringing the nation's total reserves to 6,088 BTC, valued at approximately $541 million. 



This comes after speculation that IMF pressure had forced the country to halt its daily Bitcoin buys. 



Bukele's response? "O ye of little faith."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metaplanet Ramps Up Its Accumulation</h2>



Meanwhile, Metaplanet added 135 BTC worth ¥1.9 billion ($12.9 million), pushing its total holdings to 2,235 BTC. 



The firm has <a href="https://x.com/gerovich/status/1894224391858212926">ambitious targets</a> &#8211; 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bigger Picture</h2>



With institutions and even governments increasingly accumulating Bitcoin, the asset's limited supply could trigger a massive supply squeeze. 



Whether this signals a global Bitcoin arms race or just another phase in its volatile journey, one thing is clear &#8211; El Salvador and Metaplanet aren't waiting to find out. 



They're buying the dip.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43963512/trump-can-delay-a-bitcoin-meltdown-by-announcing-strategic-reserve-says-peter-schiff-turn-out-the-lights-the-btc-100000-party-is-over">Trump Can Delay A Bitcoin Meltdown By Announcing Strategic Reserve, Says Peter Schiff: &#8216;Turn Out The Lights, The BTC $100,000 Party Is Over&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Bitcoin Is 'A Better Store Of Value Than Gold' Says Expert As El Salvador, Metaplanet Buy-The-Dip

U.S. stock futures rose on Wednesday following two consecutive days of mixed close this week. Futures all four benchmark indices advanced in premarket trading.



All eyes will be on semiconductor technology giant Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) earnings as the Jensen Huang-led company will report its earnings after market close. Investors will be on the lookout for the chipmaker&#8217;s commentary on the future of artificial intelligence following DeepSeek&#8217;s breakthrough, along with its take on Blackwell chips.



The 10-year Treasury yield stood at 4.30%, while the two-year yield was at 4.11%. According to the CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>, there is a 97.5% chance that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged for the March meeting. 



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Change (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>0.76%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>0.46%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>0.24%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>0.18%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in premarket on Wednesday. SPY was up 0.48% to $597.07, and QQQ advanced 0.80% to $517.42, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Cues From The Last Session



Bucking the broader market trend, consumer staples and real estate sectors closed higher on Tuesday, however, most sectors within the S&amp;P 500 finished in negative territory, with information technology, and energy experiencing losses.



Overall, U.S. stocks settled mixed with the Dow Jones index rising by more than 150 points during the session, as other indices fell.



The S&amp;P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index showed a 4.5% year-over-year increase in December, up from 4.3% in the previous month. The FHFA house price index rose by 0.4% in December.



Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) reported fourth-quarter 2024 results that exceeded expectations and provided its 2025 outlook, while Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KDP#NASDAQ">KDP</a>) also delivered stronger-than-expected quarterly results.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>-1.35%</td><td>19,026.39</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-0.47%</td><td>5,955.25</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>0.37%</td><td>43,621.16</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-0.38%</td><td>2,170.08</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts



Ryan Detrick, the chief market strategist at Carson Group reiterated his old seasonality analysis of how "late February tends to be weak," especially in a post-election year.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We&#39;ve been warning all month that late February tends to be weak, while February in a post-election year is the worst month on average. This 4-day losing streak isn&#39;t fun, but can&#39;t say it wasn&#39;t expected. <a href="https://t.co/JvBu9IhAVJ">pic.twitter.com/JvBu9IhAVJ</a>&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1894410909876985937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



He also compiled the data since 1990 when the S&amp;P 500 index hit an all-time high and declined for four consecutive days. Such a trend was last observed in January 2022. According to the data, the index has ended higher 80% of the time in the year following such a trend with an average return of 9.2%.



Highlighting this data, Detrick concluded that the S&amp;P 500's four-day fall was a "non-event," in his X post.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This should help the odds we finish green today, but what happens after a new ATH and then 4 consecutive red days? Near-term weakish returns, but a year out things are a tad better than normal. My take? This is a non-event. <a href="https://t.co/lHgytQhyxg">pic.twitter.com/lHgytQhyxg</a>&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1894487531292373026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Investors may need to drastically alter their strategies as demographic trends shift, potentially impacting inflation, interest rates, and economic growth, according to David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management.



Donald Trump administration&#8217;s curb on immigration after a period of very strong and chaotic unauthorized immigration could lead to the forecasters marking down their estimates of &#8220;population and labor force growth and increase their estimates of inflation, interest rates, and capital spending on productivity-enhancing equipment,&#8221; said Kelly.



"Investors will have to watch Washington as much as the markets to assess how to adjust investment strategy for demographics in 2025," he added.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How to Trade Futures </a>



Upcoming Economic Data



Here&#8217;s what investors will keep on Wednesday:



<ul>
<li>New home sales data for January will be released at 10:00 a.m., ET.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic will speak at 12:00 p.m., ET.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul>
<li>Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) advanced 2.57% in the premarket on Wednesday ahead of its earnings, which will be released after the closing bell. Analysts expect it to report earnings of 85 cents per share on revenue of $38.16 billion.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Lowe&#8217;s Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) was 0.037% lower as Wall Street expects it to report quarterly earnings of $1.84 per share on revenue of $18.29 billion before the opening bell.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Advance Auto Parts Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>) rose 0.39% ahead of its earnings, which will be released before the opening bell. Analysts expect it to report a quarterly loss at $1.23 per share on revenue of $1.93 billion.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>TJX Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>) declined 0.008% as Wall Street expects it to report quarterly earnings of $1.17 per share on revenue of $16.24 billion before the opening bell.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Sonos Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONO#NASDAQ">SONO</a>) gained 0.15% after announcing a $150 million stock repurchase program.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) jumped 24.29% as it filed its quarterly earnings ahead of the Nasdaq deadline and avoided getting booted off the exchange.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Enveric Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENVB#NASDAQ">ENVB</a>) zoomed 140.68% as its non-hallucinogenic psychedelic compounds showed promise for treating addiction and ADHD.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>) was 16.78% higher after reporting better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Flywire Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLYW#NASDAQ">FLYW</a>) plummeted 29.14% after the company reported worse-than-expected quarterly financial results.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GO#NASDAQ">GO</a>) slumped 21.22% after the company reported mixed fourth-quarter financial results and issued FY25 adjusted EPS guidance below estimates.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DNA#NYSE">DNA</a>) dropped 15.84% after the company posted weak quarterly results.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Gold And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures were trading higher in the early New York session by 0.07% to hover around $68.98 per barrel.



The gold spot index was down by 0.04% to $2,913.77 per ounce. Its last record high was at $2,956.37. The Dollar Index was up 0.16% at 106.482 level.



Most Asian markets ended higher on Tuesday except Japan's Nikkei 225, and Australia's ASX 200 index. India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, China's CSI 300, South Korea's Kospi, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index advanced. European markets were higher in trade.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43966009/home-depot-stays-steadfast-on-investments-amid-economic-uncertainty-as-it-expects-2-eps-decline-guidance-appears-conservative-says-jpmorgan-analyst">Home Depot Stays &#8216;Steadfast&#8217; On Investments Amid Economic Uncertainty As It Expects 2% EPS Decline: JPMorgan Analyst Says &#8216;Guidance Appears Conservative&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Asia

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

Government

Macro Economic Events

Macro Notification

Regulations

Emerging Markets

Eurozone

Futures

Commodities

Forex

Treasuries

Pre-Market Outlook

AXON

ENVB

FLYW

SONO

US Stocks Likely To Open Higher Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings: S&P 500's Four-Day Fall Was A 'Non-Event,' Says Expert

President Donald Trump has finalized the terms of the mineral resources deal with Ukraine. After prolonged negotiations, the deal reportedly includes better conditions for the war-ridden country, albeit without the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43909360/zelensky-says-ukraine-wont-trade-minerals-for-debt-seeks-win-win-deal-with-us" rel="noreferrer noopener">much-desired security guarantees</a>.



The Financial Times and The Guardian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/1890d104-1395-4393-a71d-d299aed448e6" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> the news, citing senior officials familiar with the matter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Washington on Friday to formalize the deal.



"I hear that he [Zelenskyy] is coming on Friday," Trump <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/25/trump-zelenskyy-ukraine-minerals-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday. "Certainly, it's OK with me if he'd like to. And he would like to sign it together with me. And I understand that's a big deal, a very big deal," Trump said.



Initially, Zelensky <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/02/43788546/ukraine-officials-stall-trumps-colonial-rare-earths-bid-prefer-mutually-beneficial-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">delayed signing the deal</a>, rejecting Trump's original proposal that included a demand for $500 billion worth of mineral resources as repayment for military aid. That condition has since been dropped, with the revised agreement allowing Ukraine to retain a 50% stake in a newly created investment fund, which will develop and commercialize the country's mineral wealth.



Despite removing the financial repayment requirement, the deal does not include explicit long-term security guarantees for Ukraine—one of Kyiv's key demands. Instead, Trump has vaguely alluded to a "general security" framework for Ukraine in the future.



"We'll be looking … general security for Ukraine later on. I don't think that's going to be a problem. There are a lot of people that want to do it, and I spoke with Russia about it. They didn't seem to have a problem with it," he said.



Ukraine holds large deposits of lithium, graphite, titanium, and some rare earth elements. These materials are essential for various industries, including defense, aerospace, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing.



Lithium and graphite are particularly crucial for battery production in electric vehicles, while titanium – which Ukraine commercially produced before the conflict, is vital for aerospace engineering.



Under the terms of the agreement, revenues generated from the joint development of Ukraine's mineral resources will be channeled into domestic infrastructure and economic recovery projects.



However, the framework still leaves several unresolved issues, including the exact structure of the investment fund and the legal jurisdiction governing U.S. involvement. Ukraine's parliament is expected to debate and vote on the agreement following Zelenskyy's return from Washington.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43935605/putin-offers-russian-aluminum-rare-earths-as-an-alternative-to-ukraines-minerals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Putin Offers Russian Aluminum, Rare Earths As An Alternative To Ukraine's Minerals</a></li>
</ul>



Photos courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

Trump Negotiates A 'Very Big Deal' For Ukraine's Mineral Wealth, But Lacks Long-Term Security Guarantees: Report

Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smci#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) soared 26.3% during the pre-market trading session on Wednesday as it disclosed its delayed financial results on Tuesday, narrowly escaping the Nasdaq's delisting warning. Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) soared 26.3% during the pre-market trading session on Wednesday as it disclosed its delayed financial results on Tuesday, narrowly escaping the Nasdaq&#8217;s delisting warning.&nbsp;



What Happened: Super Micro submitted revised and audited financials for fiscal 2024 and the first half of fiscal 2025 to&nbsp;the U.S. Securities and Exchange&nbsp;Commission (SEC). This move alleviates the immediate threat of the company being delisted from Nasdaq, a worry that had previously&nbsp;impacted SMCI stock&nbsp;price.



The company&#8217;s auditor, BDO, verified that the financial statements accurately reflect the company&#8217;s financial status as of June 30, 2024, and comply with U.S. accounting standards. Super Micro also announced that it has re-established compliance with Nasdaq&#8217;s filing requirements.



The submission follows Super Micro&#8217;s loss of its previous auditor, Ernst &amp; Young, due to governance issues. The company had until Tuesday to submit audited financials to the SEC. Super Micro also revealed significant weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and is implementing measures to rectify these issues.



The announcement triggered a 22% spike in the company&#8217;s stock price during after-hours trading.



"The Company has received correspondence from the Nasdaq staff that the Company has regained compliance with the filing requirements, and the matter is now closed," SMCI said in a release.



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43966461/lucid-to-up-production-increase-advertising-and-sell-in-saudi-arabia-to-up-high-end-gravity-suv-sales-this-year">Lucid Gravity Customers Opting For High-End Configurations, All The Way Up To $120,000: CEO Says SUV &#8216;Attracting New People To The Brand&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters: The company&#8217;s ability to meet the Nasdaq deadline, despite losing its previous auditor and facing governance issues, indicates its resilience and commitment to rectifying its internal control weaknesses. The company&#8217;s robust sales growth, driven by the demand for Nvidia&#8217;s GPUs, further underscores its strong market position. However, the potential risks associated with its late financial reports remain a concern for investors.



Despite compliance hurdles, Super Micro&#8217;s business has been booming, driven by surging demand for Nvidia&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) GPUs. The company&#8217;s sales soared, more than doubling to $14.99 billion in fiscal 2024, as per the updated financials.



CEO and founder Charles Liang called yesterday&#8217;s filing an &#8216;important milestone&#8217; and stated that the company will now dedicate its full attention to its core business. Liang also added that SMCI is poised to accomplish its important mission in DLC, the Data Center Building Block Solution (Supermicro 4.0), while also meeting the revenue goals. During its earnings last week, SMCI announced a revenue goal of $40 billion for fiscal 2026.



On Monday, Goldman Sachs boosted its price target on Super Micro stock to $36 from $32 and kept a &#8216;neutral&#8217; rating on the shares. 



<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43966206/china-warns-tsmc-could-become-united-states-semiconductor-manufacturing-co-as-trump-pushes-us-chipmaking">China Says TSMC Could Become &#8216;United States Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.&#8217; As Trump Pushes US Chipmaking</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

SMCI Stock Pops Over 26% In Wednesday Pre-Market After Super Micro Computer Says It 'Regained Compliance'

Large investors were dumping Official Melania (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">MELANIA</a>) at massive losses, as the meme coin launched by First Lady Melania Trump traded 93% below its all-time high.



What happened: Two notable loss-making whale transactions were discovered by on-chain data tracking firm Lookonchain on Tuesday



One of the investors purchased 13.97 million MELANIA tokens for 30 million USD Coin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) a month ago, only to sell the stash for 14.32 million USDC on Monday, experiencing a loss of $15.68 million.



The other whale bagged 6.69 million MELANIAs for 10 million USDC more than three weeks ago and sold them for 6.27 million USDC over the past two days, losing $3.73 million.&nbsp;



The sell-offs by whales, known for being large hoarders of cryptocurrencies, suggested a weaker long-term sentiment and a bearish forecast for the meme coin.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Whales sold all their $MELANIA holdings at a loss recently! DNTpoX&#8230;LN2A spent 30M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> to buy 13.97M $MELANIA a month ago, and sold for 14.32M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> yesterday, losing $15.68M. Gu2bnm&#8230;xmni spent 10M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> to buy 6.69M $MELANIA 22 days ago, and sold 6.27M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> in the past 2… <a href="https://t.co/jAK6t6rJhy">pic.twitter.com/jAK6t6rJhy</a>&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1894660982913601660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Price Action: At the time of writing, MELANIA traded at $0.9210, down 0.59% in the last 24 hours and over 93% since the top of $13.73 shortly after its l<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43078040/trump-coin-tanks-36-even-as-melania-trump-launches-her-own-token-top-analyst-says-his-short-is-going-very-very-well">aunch</a> last month, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;



Just for additional context, about $12.8 billion worth of the coin's fully diluted capitalization has been eroded since the peak.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43963817/gamestop-themed-cryptos-soar-after-vivek-ramaswamy-co-founded-firms-ceo-urges-bitcoin-investment-graduate-from-being-meme-stock-to-sector-leader">GameStop-Themed Cryptos Soar After Vivek Ramaswamy Co-Founded Firm&#8217;s CEO Urges Bitcoin Investment: Graduate From Being &#8216;Meme Stock&#8217; To Sector Leader</a>



Why It Matters: The Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)-based meme coin was launched just before President Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43088840/donald-and-melania-trump-memecoins-crash-after-presidential-inaugurationfirst-couples-crypto-wealth-plunges-36">much like the</a> Official Trump (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>) token.&nbsp;



TRUMP has also witnessed a sharp drawdown, plummeting 82% from its record highs.&nbsp;



MELANIA was <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43763620/first-ladys-melania-and-argentine-president-javier-milei-promoted-libra-coin-possibly-masterminded-by-same-team-allege-on-chain-detectives">drawn into a larger controversy</a> when on-chain sleuths alleged a potential link between the token's creators and the scam-tainted LIBRA meme coin promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43965125/bybit-hacker-launders-nearly-30-of-hacked-1-4-billion-eth-in-5-days-needs-only-8-10-days-to-finish-the-job">Bybit Hacker Launders Nearly 30% Of Hacked $1.4 Billion ETH In 5 Days — Needs Only 8-10 Days To Finish The Job</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

$MELANIA

$SOL

$TRUMP

$USDC

Whales Dump Melania Memecoin At Heavy Losses As Market Meltdown Wipes Out $12 Billion In Investor Wealth

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