At some point last week, US stocks were pushed to the limit. But once again, it is a case of bend but don’t break as key technical levels hold. And even as oil prices are holding up, we’re starting to see dip buyers come in to push equities back up this week.With S&P 500 futures up 0.5% currently, Wall Street looks poised for three consecutive days of gains now. That follows from back-to-back daily gains secured yesterday, the first since the end of February.Despite the negative mood from the first two weeks of the US-Iran conflict, things weren’t that bad for US stocks. That at least what one can take away from looking at the charts. The same levels that were stressed upon last week here continue to be ones that are in play this week:As highlighted last week already:”Sure, the upside momentum has been taken away. The Nasdaq already saw that in February on a break of its 100-day moving average (red line). And the latest developments in the Middle East is even seeing a run at the October and November lows, with a test of the 200-day moving average (blue line) as well. That is now the key line in the sand for tech shares. A firm break below that level and the 22,000 mark will set off another big wave of selling. And that could be where the real correction starts for US stocks and big tech in general. The flip of the double top pattern at 24,000 could indicate a reversal back towards the 20,000 mark. That is roughly another 12% drop from where we are now, which will be a significant retracement at least. As for the S&P 500, the war has seen the index break back under its own 100-day moving average (red line) for the first time since May last year. That in itself points to a material shift in the momentum in Wall Street. But just like the Nasdaq, we’re not seeing any further breakdown in the charts just yet. The 200-day moving average (blue line) at around 6,596 is the next crucial point before the October and November lows come in around 6,525-50 next.”There you go. Another case of bend but don’t break, something we’re getting quite accustomed to with US stocks more often than not.We’ll see how the momentum carries over through the week. Be mindful that there is still the Fed and other major central bank meetings to watch out for too. That alongside further US-Iran developments, as there isn’t an end in sight to the conflict just yet. Even if markets are keeping calmer now, the jitters will surely come back in the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains out of commission. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight US stocks are showing resilience, and here’s why that matters for traders: Despite recent pressure, key technical levels have held firm, signaling that the market isn’t ready to capitulate just yet. This ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality suggests that dip buyers are stepping in, which could lead to a short-term rally. Keep an eye on the S&P 500 and its ability to maintain support around recent lows; a bounce here could trigger further buying momentum. With oil prices stabilizing, energy stocks may also see renewed interest, potentially lifting broader indices. But don’t ignore the flip side—if these technical levels fail, we could see a sharp sell-off. Traders should monitor volume and volatility closely; a spike in either could indicate a shift in sentiment. Watch for key resistance levels to break, which could signal a more sustained recovery. The next few days will be crucial as we head into earnings season, which could either validate the bullish sentiment or expose weaknesses. 📮 Takeaway Watch the S&P 500’s support levels closely; a bounce could signal a short-term rally, but failure to hold may lead to significant sell pressure.

This was the big news from earlier today but let’s put things into context based on what the numbers are saying. From earlier: Iraq, KRG agree to resume Ceyhan oil exports as Hormuz disruption tightens supplyThe Iraqi state news agency confirms that the pipeline has now reopened with oil fields from Kirkuk connecting to Turkey’s Ceyhan Port. However, the amount is just a measly 250,000 barrels per day.No doubt that the reopening here is a major diplomatic breakthrough. But if anything, it is more of a lifeline for Iraq as it has been severely hampered by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. For some context, Iraq exports roughly 3.4 million barrels per day through its southern terminals in Basra (via Hormuz). So, all of that is now out of the picture.As such, being able to use now move oil through the ITP is a massive win for Iraq. It is the only route that bypasses the Persian Gulf entirely, one that delivers oil directly to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan.All that being said, just be reminded of how this ties to the big picture currently:”Even with the more positive headline from the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP), that is still a mere drop in the bucket compared to any solution that is needed to lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. At maximum capacity, the ITP provides a 1.2 million barrels per day cover or ~0.5% of total global supply. That is nowhere near the ~20% and almost 21 million barrels per day worth of transit via the Strait of Hormuz.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Iraq’s resumption of Ceyhan oil exports is a game-changer for traders watching supply dynamics. With the reopening of the pipeline, traders should be on alert for potential shifts in oil prices, especially given the ongoing disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. This could lead to increased volatility in crude oil markets, impacting not just oil futures but also related assets like energy stocks and currencies of oil-dependent economies. If the market reacts as expected, we might see a short-term spike in oil prices, especially if demand remains steady or increases. Keep an eye on key resistance levels around recent highs; a breakout could signal further bullish momentum. Conversely, if geopolitical tensions escalate, we might see a quick reversal. Here’s the thing: while the mainstream narrative focuses on the immediate supply boost, the real story is how this could affect global oil prices in the coming weeks. Traders should monitor the daily closing prices closely, particularly if they approach significant technical levels that could trigger buying or selling pressure. 📮 Takeaway Watch for oil prices around key resistance levels; a breakout could signal bullish momentum while geopolitical risks remain a concern.

On St. Patrick’s Day, as 2 million spectators flood the streets of New York City, USA₮ (https://usat.io/), a digital dollar issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, is taking over Times Square. The brand activation combines synchronized digital billboards with a street-level campaign designed to introduce digital dollar payments to a mainstream audience. The activation coincides with the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the world’s oldest and largest, drawing more than 150,000 marchers through the heart of the city.The campaign will feature coordinated imagery across several of Times Square’s most recognizable digital screens, culminating in a synchronized share-of-voice takeover that transforms multiple screens into a single, unified visual, showing how digital dollars move between people in an instant.** At street level, brand ambassadors will distribute 25,000 promotional postcards throughout Times Square and along the parade route, inviting passersby to scan a QR code to download the Rumble Wallet and claim $10 in USA₮, free, right from their phone. The activation kicks off at 10 AM ET and ends at 11:59 PM ET.The activation reflects a growing shift in fintech marketing toward experiential campaigns that translate complex financial technology into tangible consumer experiences, using high-traffic cultural moments and large-scale digital displays to capture public attention.The mechanic is simple by design. Scan. Download. Receive. It is the same technology that already moves money for more than 550 million people worldwide, now available to anyone walking through Times Square with a smartphone in their pocket.Stablecoins are blockchain-based digital dollars designed to maintain a stable value while enabling instant, internet-native payments between digital wallets. They combine the price stability of traditional currency with the speed and programmability of blockchain networks.“USA₮ builds on the principles that made USD₮ the most widely used stablecoin in the world,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Today, USD₮ is used by more than 550 million people globally, helping move digital dollars across the internet instantly and reliably. USA₮ brings those same foundations to a new audience, making it easier for people to experience how digital dollars can function in everyday life.””Times Square on St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most electric environments in the world,” said Bo Hines, CEO of Tether USA₮. “We are not just running ads, we are handing people the future of money and letting them use it on the spot. This activation invites people to experience the next generation of money right on their smartphones. By pairing digital billboards with a dynamic street activation, we are turning a complex technology into something people can see, experience, and use for themselves.”Digital dollars no longer require a tutorial. They require an opportunity. Large-scale activations like this have become an increasingly common strategy for fintech and technology brands looking to bridge the gap between digital infrastructure and mainstream awareness – and USA₮ is making that bridge as short as a QR code scan.USA₮ is a digital dollar designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar while enabling instant digital payments through blockchain networks. Send it, receive it, spend it – globally, in seconds, using compatible wallets and applications**. Moving money should feel as simple as sending a message. With USA₮, it does.About USA₮USA₮ is a U.S.-regulated dollar-backed stablecoin that Tether, the global leader in stablecoin technology, is supporting. Purpose-built to serve the U.S. market and support American regulatory standards, USA₮ is the foundational rail for the next generation of American commerce, trade, and finance.Tether’s support for USA₮ underscores its commitment to driving U.S. dominance and leadership in the evolving digital asset economy. As part of the broader Tether ecosystem, USA₮ will set a new benchmark in the U.S. for utility-driven stablecoins designed to deliver long-term value, strong governance, and real-world applications.Important Note:USA₮ is not legal tender (as described in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code) and is not issued, backed, approved, or guaranteed by the U.S. government. USA₮ is not subject to the insurance protections of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), or any other government agency. The press release is published by Tether Operations, S.A. de C.V. for informational purposes only.Tether Operations, S.A. de C.V. is not the issuer of USA₮. The issuer of USA₮ is Anchorage Digital Bank, N.A. This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The push for digital dollar payments in Times Square signals a pivotal shift in mainstream adoption. As 2 million spectators gather, Anchorage Digital Bank’s initiative isn’t just a marketing stunt; it’s a strategic move to familiarize the public with digital currencies. This could influence trading strategies, especially for those focusing on USD-pegged stablecoins or digital assets that may benefit from increased legitimacy. If the campaign successfully garners public interest, we might see a ripple effect across crypto markets, particularly in stablecoins like USDC or USDT, which could see increased volume and volatility. However, it’s worth questioning whether this mainstream push will translate into sustained adoption or if it’s merely a fleeting trend. Traders should keep an eye on how this event impacts sentiment and trading volumes in the coming weeks, particularly around key levels for USD-pegged assets. Watch for any spikes in trading activity or price movements in response to public engagement with the digital dollar initiative. 📮 Takeaway Monitor trading volumes in USD-pegged stablecoins over the next few weeks for potential volatility spikes linked to the digital dollar campaign.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) is expected to keep interest rates steady at 2.25% and maintain a cautious approach amid the US-Iran war and the elevated energy prices. The market is fully pricing in a rate hike by year-end but these expectations look wrong-footed given the economic backdrop. In fact, the latest Canadian employment report saw -83.9K jobs in February, the sharpest drop since the pandemic, and the unemployment rate rose to 6.7% vs 6.5% prior.On the inflation side, the latest CPI report missed expectations across the board with the Trimmed-Mean CPI Y/Y easing to 2.3% vs 2.4% prior. This is very close to the BoC’s mid-range inflation target of 2%.Given the economic backdrop and the lingering trade uncertainty amid the USMCA review, the central bank has all the reasons to keep a cautious stance and look through the headline inflation spike that is likely to come in the next months.The market might be disappointed if the BoC outright dismisses any rate hike expectation or even floats the idea of looking through the upcoming headline inflation increase and consider another rate cut to support the economy in case the labour market deteriorates further. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The BoC’s decision to hold rates steady at 2.25% signals a cautious stance that traders need to heed right now. With ADA currently at $0.29, the implications of geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices could ripple through crypto markets, especially if investors seek safe havens. The expectation of a rate hike by year-end seems overly optimistic given the current economic climate, which could lead to volatility in both forex and crypto markets. If the BoC maintains this cautious approach, it could strengthen the Canadian dollar, impacting ADA’s performance against CAD. Traders should keep an eye on how ADA reacts to these macroeconomic factors, particularly if it tests support levels around $0.25 or resistance at $0.32. Monitoring the broader sentiment around energy prices and geopolitical developments will be crucial in the coming weeks, as these factors could create unexpected trading opportunities or risks. 📮 Takeaway Watch for ADA’s reaction around $0.25 support and $0.32 resistance as geopolitical tensions and BoC’s rate decisions unfold.

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.50-3.75% and take a “wait and see” approach amid the US-Iran war. At this meeting, we will also get the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and the Dot Plot. Inflation and unemployment will likely be revised upwards, while growth forecasts might be downgraded. The Dot Plot should still indicate just one rate cut in 2026. STATEMENTWe might see some minor changes in the statement but nothing meaningful to change the broader outlook. The first paragraph will likely see a tweak to economic activity from solid pace to moderate. The second paragraph is likely to remain unchanged but they may add that uncertainty increased amid the US-Iran war and that it could add upward pressure on inflation and weigh on economic activity in the short-term. The third paragraph shouldn’t see any tweak to the forward guidance as the “extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range” remains appropriate. The same is true for the fourth paragraph.The last paragraph should also remain unchanged as Miran and Waller are expected to dissent in favour of a rate cut. Bowman could also join the dissenters but she’s unlikely to do so now if she didn’t do it at the last policy meeting. Potential surprises:No dissenters – slightly hawkish4 dissenters – dovishSUMMARY OF ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS AND DOT PLOTAt this meeting, we will also get the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and the Dot Plot. For 2026, inflation and unemployment are likely to be revised upwards, while growth forecasts might be downgraded. The Dot Plot is expected to remain unchanged showing one rate cut in 2026, one in 2027 and longer run median rate at 3.0%. Potential surprises:No rate cuts in 2026 – hawkishTwo rate cuts in 2026 – dovishPRESS CONFERENCEFed Chair Powell will likely maintain his usual neutral stance, and more so today given the risks posed by the US-Iran war and the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. There’s no reason for him to scare markets given that financial conditions have already tightened since the war started. This could weigh on economic activity and help mitigate inflationary pressures stemming from energy prices.MARKET PRICING99% probability of no change today26 bps of easing priced in by year-end (one rate cut)35 bps of easing priced in by June 2027 This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The Fed’s decision to maintain rates at 3.50-3.75% amidst geopolitical tensions is a crucial signal for traders. With inflation and unemployment projections likely to rise, this could lead to increased volatility in the markets, particularly for assets like DOT, currently at $1.63. Traders should keep an eye on the SEP and Dot Plot for insights into future monetary policy. If inflation expectations shift significantly, we might see a ripple effect across crypto and forex markets, especially if risk-off sentiment takes hold. Watch for key levels in DOT; a break below $1.50 could trigger further selling pressure, while a rally above $1.75 might attract bullish momentum. Given the current uncertainty, positioning for both scenarios could be wise, balancing risk with potential reward. 📮 Takeaway Monitor DOT closely; a break below $1.50 could signal further downside, while a push above $1.75 may indicate bullish momentum.

Prior +1.7%Core CPI +2.4% vs +2.4% y/y prelimPrior +2.2%No changes to the initial estimates with the country breakdown seen below. The main sticking point remains services inflation, which is seen at 3.4% in February. That is up slightly from 3.2% in January, reaffirming more stubborn price pressures in general. Food price inflation was also elevated at 2.5% and has been keeping thereabouts since October last year.The mix of the two is what is still keeping the ECB very much guarded, even before the latest energy price (natural gas especially) surge in Europe amid the US-Iran conflict. The latest development has now even tilted the balance of the scales in favour of a rate hike for later this year.For now, the ECB is still dismissing that idea somewhat but you can bet that they will have to keep their options open. That especially not to repeat the same “transitory” mistake that they did back in 2021-22. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Core CPI holding steady at 2.4% signals persistent inflation, and here’s why that matters: With services inflation creeping up to 3.4%, traders need to brace for potential volatility in both the forex and crypto markets. This stubborn inflation could prompt central banks to maintain or even tighten monetary policy, impacting interest rates and, consequently, asset valuations. If inflation expectations rise, we might see a stronger dollar, which typically pressures crypto prices. Keep an eye on the 2.4% level as a benchmark; any upward revision could trigger a sell-off in risk assets. The broader market context suggests that traders should watch for reactions from institutional players, particularly in the forex space, as they adjust their positions based on these inflation indicators. On the flip side, if inflation stabilizes or decreases, it could provide a short-term boost to risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. So, monitor the upcoming economic reports closely, especially any shifts in services inflation, as they could dictate market sentiment in the coming weeks. 📮 Takeaway Watch the 2.4% Core CPI level closely; any upward revision could lead to a stronger dollar and pressure on crypto prices.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, as there’s still limited progress on inflation and growing downside risks to the economy linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The latest Tokyo CPI report showed inflation easing further in February, with core inflation slipping below the BoJ’s 2% target.While higher energy prices could push headline inflation up in the coming months, the prolonged US-Iran war may weigh on overall economic activity. Japanese equities have already been volatile as the Nikkei dropped more than 14% after the conflict began, though it has since recovered nearly half of those losses.Given this backdrop, the BoJ is likely to avoid tightening policy for now, as doing so could trigger another market selloff and further dampen economic activity. BoJ Governor Ueda is unlikely to offer much in terms of forward guidance and will likely reiterate that they will keep raising rates if the economic outlook is realised. The market is pricing roughly two rate hikes by year-end (42 bps of tightening) with the first one coming in June at the earliest.Traders will also focus on comments on the Japanese yen which recently fell to a two-year low against the US dollar. In 2024, the JPY weakness played a major role in one of their rate hike decisions, so the market will be attentive to signals whether that could happen again. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The BoJ’s decision to hold rates steady at 0.75% signals a cautious approach amid rising economic uncertainties. With inflation easing, as indicated by the latest Tokyo CPI report, traders should be wary of how this could affect the yen’s strength against other currencies. A stagnant rate could lead to a weaker yen, especially if global risk sentiment shifts due to geopolitical tensions like the US-Iran conflict. This scenario could create volatility in forex pairs involving the yen, particularly USD/JPY, which traders should monitor closely. If the yen weakens significantly, it could also impact Japanese equities, making them more attractive to foreign investors. Conversely, if inflation shows signs of unexpected resilience, the BoJ might have to pivot, which could lead to a rapid shift in market sentiment. Keep an eye on the upcoming economic indicators, especially any shifts in inflation data or comments from BoJ officials, as these could provide clues on future monetary policy adjustments. 📮 Takeaway Watch for any unexpected shifts in inflation data or BoJ comments that could impact the yen and related forex pairs, especially USD/JPY.

This year’s IPO calendar is expected to feature giants like SpaceX and OpenAI. Although there is no talk that either will disappoint, there are still reasons for concern — not so much because SpaceX once insisted it wouldn’t go public until it was flying to Mars regularly, or that OpenAI started as a nonprofit, but rather the uncertain outlooks.Starting with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, the company is rumored to be aiming for a valuation exceeding $1.75 trillion, with multiples exceeding 100 times trailing revenue. This is an extremely high bar, implying that massive future revenue growth has already been priced in. The problem is that it’s far from clear where that growth is supposed to come from.Currently, SpaceX generates revenue from rocket launches and its Starlink satellite internet service. The good news is that it has contracts with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. The downside is that Starlink is more expensive and slower than traditional cable when service and equipment costs are included, and its main customer base (rural and underserved areas) is limited.As for xAI, its revenue remains negligible compared to its expenses. Its flagship product, Grok, has a very small market share of 3.4% and is reportedly facing a brain drain. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s bigger ambitions, such as building factories on the Moon or placing servers in space, are extremely costly and unlikely to happen soon.That said, none of this necessarily means the IPO will fail. By offering only a small percentage of its shares, the company could create a shortage, which would push prices up. However, if it joins the S&P 500, it could pose a risk to ETF holders, including pension funds, if the stock falls and pulls the broader market down with it.Now, looking at OpenAI, beyond its enormous costs, which may or may not ever pay off, there is growing concern that competitors are quickly catching up with ChatGPT. For example, according to Mento Ventures, OpenAI’s market share in the enterprise language model sector fell from 50% in 2023 to 25% by mid-2025.What’s the takeaway?These long-awaited IPOs might give the markets a short-term boost, but in the long run, they could contribute to a downturn unless both companies surprise and achieve the exponential growth their prospects suggest. This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight So, the buzz around SpaceX and OpenAI’s potential IPOs is heating up, but here’s the catch: market conditions could shift dramatically before they hit the public. With the broader tech sector facing headwinds from rising interest rates and inflation concerns, these IPOs might not have the smooth sailing many expect. Investors should keep an eye on the NASDAQ, which has shown volatility recently; if it dips further, it could impact the sentiment around these high-profile listings. Additionally, the performance of tech stocks in the weeks leading up to these IPOs will be crucial. If we see a downturn, it could lead to a cautious approach from institutional investors, who typically drive the initial pricing of these offerings. On the flip side, if the market stabilizes and shows signs of recovery, we could see a surge in demand for these IPOs, especially given their innovative reputations. Watch for key resistance levels in the NASDAQ around recent highs and monitor any shifts in retail investor sentiment as these dates approach. 📮 Takeaway Keep an eye on NASDAQ performance and investor sentiment as SpaceX and OpenAI’s IPOs approach; market volatility could impact their success.