ES futures slump amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions but strategists believe de-escalation could spark relief rally and short covering.

Middle East escalation and Strait of Hormuz closure fears set off a risk-off sentiment in the financial markets, while crude oil spiked on supply risks.

Producer price inflation accelerated in January, driven largely by firm service inflation, underscoring persistent underlying pricing pressures.

Tokyo core inflation eased below the BoJ target, complicating the policy outlook, while economists are wary about the pricing pressure in the services sector.

Despite blockbuster Nvidia earnings, futures traders showed restraint, signaling unease as macro risks and policy uncertainty capped risk appetite.

Eurozone inflation cooled to multi-month lows as energy dragged prices, reinforcing expectations of near-term ECB easing.

Trump highlighted economic progress, tariffs, healthcare reform, homeownership measures, retirement benefits expansion, and strong investment and job growth.

US consumer confidence rose modestly in February, reflecting improved expectations, though overall sentiment remains below recent highs.

Fed officials highlight sticky inflation, downplay weak jobs data, and caution against premature rate cuts, reinforcing a higher-for-longer policy stance.

PBoC holds benchmark lending rates steady and conducts large net liquidity withdrawal, signaling neutral-to-tight post-holiday monetary stance.

Trump's tariff escalation triggered a global risk-off shift, sending Bitcoin futures lower as investors favored traditional safe havens over crypto.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller signals the March rate decision is a "coin flip” and flags labor and inflation as key metrics that will decide a cut or pause.