Geopolitics Key Facts • Tehran was hit by military strikes leading to fires and smoke engulfing the city. • A CNN reporter in Tehran reported 'oil rain' falling on Sunday morning. 2 sources Stocks Key Facts • U.S. stock-market futures fell sharply on Sunday as geopolitical tensions escalated. • Crude oil futures surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022. • Fears are growing regarding the negative economic effects of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Commodities Key Facts • Kuwait started its oil production cut with approximately 100,000 barrels per day as of Saturday. • Kuwait's oil cutback is expected to almost triple to 300,000 barrels per day by Sunday. • The production cuts are a response to a blockage in the Strait of Hormuz. Crypto Key Facts • Zcash surged 700% driven by privacy hype and institutional buying. • The coin lost $7 billion in market value following leadership resignations. Macro Economy Key Facts • A weak jobs report has rattled Wall Street, leading to market volatility. • Torsten Slok, Apollo chief economist, analyzed how labor market weakness affects Federal Reserve rate cut decisions. Central Banks Key Facts • Fed Chair Jerome Powell issued a strong warning to financial markets suggesting a potential turning point in market direction. • Historical data suggests that Powell's warnings may be followed by significant movements in the stock markets. Forex Key Facts • EUR/USD recorded its biggest drop since July last year, ending the week at 1.1615. • A hammer candle has formed on the chart, technically pointing to a potential bullish rebound. • The pair retreated significantly from its year-to-date high of 1.2088 due to a flight to safety into the US dollar. Key Facts • Iran's Assembly of Experts announced the selection of a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his reported death on February 28. • The identity of the new leader is being kept secret due to Israeli threats to target any figure who succeeds Khamenei. • US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting oil depots and refining facilities in Tehran for the first time. Key Facts • Putin ordered the redirection of some Russian LNG exports from the EU to Asia as geopolitical leverage. • The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed and Qatar is shutting down gas liquefaction due to a major regional conflict. • The US temporarily waived sanctions on India's purchase of Russian oil to attempt to stabilize global energy markets. Key Facts • Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates reported additional strikes on civilian targets. • The strikes occur amidst ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Key Facts • The Russian Ambassador to the UK stated that Russia is not neutral and supports Iran in the current conflict. • President Putin held a phone call with Iranian President Pezeshkian to offer condolences over the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. • Reports suggest Moscow is supporting Tehran with targeting intelligence against US bases and assets in the region. Key Facts • Commercial vessels, such as the 'Sino Ocean', have begun broadcasting 'CHINA OWNER' via AIS signals to avoid Iranian drone attacks. • Reports suggest Iran may only allow Chinese vessels safe passage as a gesture of gratitude for Beijing's political stance. • Insurers are canceling coverage in the Persian Gulf due to IRGC attack risks, leading to a choke-off in energy supplies. Key Facts • Reports claim the UAE carried out its first strike against an Iranian desalination facility. • Iranian drones and missiles targeted Gulf areas, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. • Bitcoin price is struggling to defend key support levels as geopolitical tensions rise. Key Facts • Oil prices have jumped to over $90 since the war began in Iran. • Analyst Wright suggests energy prices will fall once the U.S. destroys Iran's ability to attack tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Key Facts • The U.S. is considering the idea of a special operation to seize Iran’s uranium. • The report indicates that this option is not for immediate execution but is something that could be done later. Key Facts • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for attacks on neighboring countries in an attempt to de-escalate. • Iranian missiles and drones continued to fly toward Gulf Arab states despite the President's statements. • There is a clear split within the Iranian leadership between those seeking de-escalation and hard-liners intent on fighting the U.S. and Israel. Key Facts • A US intelligence assessment concluded that even a massive military assault is unlikely to topple the Iranian regime or its state system. • Tehran has established clear succession protocols designed to maintain continuity of power even if senior leaders are killed. • The report noted that the IRGC remains in control and continues to fight back despite ongoing attacks. Key Facts • Markets are closely monitoring Iranian military activity and White House rhetoric to assess risks. • Oil prices serve as the primary channel affected by tensions in the Gulf region. Key Facts • The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Trump's policies ended President Pezeshkian's de-escalation push. • Iran warned the US against escalation and hinted at a potential military response. Key Facts • Nvidia's Q4 revenues surged 73.2% year-on-year to $68.1B. • Gross margins reached 75.2% with data center revenues growing by 75.1%. • Price targets raised to $235.55 (base case) and $314.42 (one-year forward). Key Facts • Amazon committed $200 billion to capital expenditures, with a heavy focus on AI infrastructure. • Nvidia is identified as the primary beneficiary of this spending due to its 15-year strategic partnership with Amazon. • Nvidia's latest financial results continue to show stellar performance and growth. Key Facts • Novo Nordisk plans to sell its weight-loss drug Wegovy on the Hims & Hers Health platform. • Hims & Hers (HIMS) shares surged nearly 40% in after-hours trading following the report. • The partnership effectively ends a long-standing legal and commercial feud over copycat medications. Key Facts • Xenon Pharmaceuticals (XENE) will announce topline data from the Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study on March 9, 2026. • The study tests the drug 'azetukalner' for the treatment of focal onset seizures (FOS). • Results will be presented via conference call and webcast at 8:00 am ET. Key Facts • Oil prices surged higher following the eruption of a fresh conflict involving Iran. • Tehran issued direct threats to disrupt shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. • Analysts recommend investing in Vanguard energy ETFs as a way to capitalize on the price spike. Key Facts • Paramount Skydance submitted the winning bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. • Paramount beat Netflix in the competition to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Key Facts • Nvidia guided for 1QFY27 sales growth to $78B, significantly beating the consensus estimate of $72.2B. • Re-entry into the China market could unlock between $20B and $30B in annual revenue. • The stock experienced its worst 10-month decline following the Q4 print despite strong forward guidance. Key Facts • NAND flash has become a critical component for supporting the massive data storage demands of Large Language Models (LLMs). • A tightening in memory chip supply, driven by AI infrastructure spending, is improving pricing power and margins for manufacturers. • Surging prices are redistributing earnings across the semiconductor sector in favor of memory producers. Key Facts • Earnings reports highlighted the semiconductor sector, specifically Broadcom. • Donald Trump refuted reports of negotiations with the AI startup Anthropic AI. • Nvidia faces ongoing uncertainty regarding chip export restrictions. Key Facts • Lemonade stock dropped 40.3% last month following its Q4 earnings report. • The company continues to report rapid growth but remains unprofitable. Key Facts • Dianthus Therapeutics (DNTH) announced a conference call for March 9, 2026, to discuss interim responder analysis results from the Phase 3 CAPTIVATE trial. • The trial evaluates the drug 'claseprubart' for the treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Key Facts • Richtech Robotics stock plummeted by more than 30% over the last month. • The company is facing a series of lawsuits related to recent controversies. Key Facts • Jet fuel costs are spiking due to the Middle East conflict. • Thousands of flights have been canceled due to geopolitical tensions. Key Facts • Blackstone and TPG are reportedly showing takeover interest in Whitestone REIT following activist pressure. • The company's Sunbelt shopping centers maintain a high occupancy rate of 95%. • Potential buyout value is estimated between $17 and $22 per share based on market comparables. Key Facts • Vertiv Holdings (VRT) stock has surged by 50% during 2026. • The company recently joined the S&P 500 index as a new entrant. • The strong growth is attributed to booming demand for AI-related power and cooling solutions for data centers. Key Facts • EchoStar sold $42.65B in spectrum assets to AT&T and SpaceX. • The sales eliminated net debt and bankruptcy risk for the company. • The company is shifting to a hybrid MVNO/MNO model with AT&T as a key partner. Key Facts • Sibanye Stillwater delivered a 295% one-year return, driven by surging precious metal prices. • Adjusted EBITDA rose by 189% in FY25, with margins expanding to 29.2%. • The company is positioned to benefit from a PGM super cycle amid tightening global supply. Key Facts • NuScale Power stock experienced a sharp decline in February following shocking figures in its earnings report. • A major project is expected to be delayed by several years. • There are expectations that the stock could fall further in the near future. Key Facts • BCP Investment Corporation (BCIC) cut its dividend by 42% following disappointing Q4 earnings. • Net investment income dropped sharply to $0.32 per share, with dividend income plunging 87% year-over-year. • Non-accrual rates remain elevated at 4% of fair value, reflecting ongoing portfolio stress. Key Facts • Increasing global geopolitical instability is acting as a powerful catalyst for the defense industry. • The current moment marks a crucial structural inflection point in defense spending, rather than just a cyclical rise. Key Facts • C3.ai shares fell by 27.8% during the month of February. • The company reported poor earnings results for the last quarter. • The business is losing money as revenue collapses. Key Facts • Activist investor Starboard Value has taken a significant stake in french-fry maker Lamb Weston. • Starboard is pushing the company to accelerate operational improvements and cost-cutting measures. • The move aims to boost the company's underperforming stock price. Key Facts • WTI crude oil futures surged from $72 to $108 per barrel within a single week. • US gasoline prices are predicted to set new all-time highs by the end of March 2026. Key Facts • A top energy expert warns of a 'nightmare scenario' leading to the largest global oil supply disruption in history. • There are fears that this disruption will lead to skyrocketing energy prices. • The projected price surge could plunge the global economy into a deep recession. Key Facts • WTI crude oil price soared to $115 while Brent reached $117 in weekend trading. • Kuwait and the UAE slashed their oil production output unexpectedly. • The war in Iran escalated as Tehran rejected demands for unconditional surrender from Donald Trump. Key Facts • WTI crude surged 36% last week, marking its largest weekly gain since inception. • The primary drivers of the surge are the Middle East conflict and supply disruptions. • Analysts and prediction markets anticipate oil prices could reach $100–$150 per barrel if Persian Gulf exports halt. Key Facts • The UAE and Kuwait have started reducing oil production as storage capacity runs out. • Iraq's oil output has plummeted by 60% amid the current market crisis. • Global oil market chaos is deepening as major Gulf producers are forced to curtail supplies. Key Facts • Gold price slumped to near the $5,050 level. • A stronger US Dollar is exerting direct pressure on gold prices. • Inflation fears driven by oil prices are contributing to market volatility. Key Facts • Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global, warned of long-term implications of the escalating Middle East conflict on energy markets. • Yergin noted that geopolitical uncertainty is increasing risks within global energy supply chains. Key Facts • Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves at 300 billion barrels, but experts believe natural gas presents a more immediate economic opportunity. • Developing the gas industry requires a partnership with Trinidad and Tobago to utilize its infrastructure for processing and exporting. • Major companies like Shell and BP are pursuing key gas projects in the Dragon and Cocuina fields. 2 sources Key Facts • Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the oil price spike is a temporary 'fear premium' rather than a fundamental supply issue. • Wright projected oil and gas prices would fall within weeks, not months, with gasoline potentially dropping below $3 per gallon. • The Secretary emphasized that global markets remain well-supplied despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Key Facts • MicroStrategy plans to double its Bitcoin holdings to reach a total of 1.5 million BTC. • The massive accumulation plan will be funded through equity raises and structured debt instruments. Key Facts • US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows for the second consecutive week. • This marks the first time these ETFs have seen consecutive weekly inflows in 5 months. Key Facts • Solana ETFs attracted $1.5 billion in inflows this month. • Solana's price dropped by more than 30% in recent weeks. • There is a significant disconnect between institutional interest and the market performance of the asset. Key Facts • The world's first XRP spot ETF has declined by approximately 45% since its launch. • The decline is attributed to significant volatility affecting the underlying asset. Key Facts • Ethereum price lost the $2,000 zone as a key support level. • Liquidation data shows heavy short exposure in the market. • Key support levels are now identified between $1,850 and $1,900. Key Facts • Ethereum co-founder Jeffrey Wilcke deposited 79,859 ETH to the Kraken exchange. • The estimated value of the transferred tokens is approximately $158.31 million. Key Facts • XRP investors are facing massive unrealized losses estimated at $50.8 billion due to price declines. • Glassnode data shows that sharp price swings have left millions of holders in an 'underwater' position. Key Facts • Pepeto raised more than $7.741 million in presale funding. • The Iran conflict led to the liquidation of $515 million in the crypto market. • The market crash is attributed to Trump's 15% tariff and geopolitical tensions. Key Facts • The Real-World Asset (RWA) market has surpassed $24.9 billion, driven by tokenized gold, stocks, and treasuries. • The sector recorded a 289% year-over-year growth, reflecting a significant expansion in merging traditional finance with crypto. • 88% of RWA-related stablecoins remain idle outside of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols. Key Facts • Outflows from long-term Bitcoin holders fell to 276,000 BTC over the past 30 days. • Last November saw significantly higher selling levels of 904,000 BTC. • On-chain data indicates a recovery in spot market demand. Key Facts • Michael Saylor shared a chart highlighting continued corporate Bitcoin buying, reinforcing expectations of a new acquisition round. • MicroStrategy remains the largest public-company holder of Bitcoin globally. • Saylor's declarations sparked speculation that the firm may be starting another massive acquisition cycle. Key Facts • Large holders (whales) liquidated 66% of their Bitcoin holdings at the $74,000 price peak. • Bitcoin is currently trading around $67,127, reflecting a daily decline of 0.85%. • The broader cryptocurrency market capitalization followed Bitcoin's downward trajectory. Key Facts • Large holders (whales) are selling their positions while retail investors are buying. • The Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to 12, indicating extreme fear. • Historically, the divergence between whale and retail behavior precedes further price downside. Key Facts • 77% of corporate Bitcoin holdings are currently worth less than their purchase price. • Bitcoin is trading at $67,515, down 46.5% from its October 2025 peak of $126,198. Key Facts • Bitcoin is nearing the 20 million mined milestone out of its total 21 million supply cap. • Shrinking issuance and accelerating institutional accumulation are tightening liquid BTC supply across global markets. Key Facts • Bitcoin fell 7.6% after failing to hold the $74,000 level. • Analysts warn of a possible drop toward $61,000 based on technical indicators. • Reports indicate selling pressure coming from miners and corporate holders. Key Facts • Bitcoin funding rates turned sharply negative, indicating significant bearishness in the derivatives market. • Open interest remained elevated despite macro stress, reflecting persistent positioning. • The US jobs report data changed the market direction after funding rates hit multi-month lows. Key Facts • February payrolls fell by 92,000 jobs. • The US unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. • Prior months were revised down by 69,000, leading to a total of 161,000 jobs 'disappearing' from previous estimates. Key Facts • Oil prices are currently the primary factor being monitored by investors due to their broad impact. • Rising oil prices can have significant negative effects on the stock market. 