🌍 Trump–Zelensky Talks in Washington
The quest for peace in Ukraine saw a new chapter Monday as President Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Optimism was higher than their last tense exchange, with Trump hinting at U.S. security guarantees and even floating potential trilateral talks with Putin.
➡️ While a full peace deal is still far off, any breakthrough would have major implications for energy, defense, and global markets.
📉 U.S. Futures Ease Ahead of Key Data
Futures traded slightly lower this morning as investors wait for retail earnings and Fed commentary.
- S&P 500: -0.2%
- Nasdaq 100: -0.2%
- Dow: -0.1%
Markets are already pricing in an 83% chance of a September rate cut. Fed Governor Bowman (who wanted a cut last meeting) speaks later today, keeping rate expectations in focus.
🏬 Retail Spotlight: Home Depot Leads the Pack
Big-box retail earnings take center stage this week.
- Home Depot (HD) kicks it off this morning, with expectations of a 5.1% YoY revenue jump.
- Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart follow later in the week.
Traders will be watching closely to gauge consumer strength heading into year-end. Tariffs and supply chain adjustments remain a wild card for retailers.
🔐 Palo Alto Networks Crushes Earnings
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) posted strong results and a bullish 2026 outlook, powered by AI-driven cybersecurity demand.
- Revenue guide: $10.48B–$10.53B (above estimates)
- EPS guide: $3.75–$3.85 (above estimates)
- Stock surged +5% premarket.
With cyberattacks making headlines, PANW continues to cement itself as a market leader in AI-security.
🛢️ Crude Slips on Peace Hopes
Oil prices are down as peace talks could ease sanctions on Russian crude.
- Brent: $66.35 (-0.4%)
- WTI: $62.44 (-0.4%)
Energy traders are eyeing Trump’s comments on potential Zelensky–Putin talks in coming weeks.
📊 Market Recap & Today’s Key Data
The $QQQ had a small dip-and-rip Monday, hitting an intraday low of 575.24 before closing at 577.11 (-0.04%), still bullish with multiple squeeze setups in play.
Bitcoin: $115K
Gold: $3,380/oz
Silver: $37.9/oz
Today’s key releases:
- 8:30 AM ET – Housing Starts (Jul)
- 8:30 AM ET – Building Permits (Jul)
- 11:30 AM ET – Atlanta Fed GDPNow (Q3)
- 2:10 PM ET – FOMC Member Bowman Speaks
- 4:30 PM ET – API Weekly Crude Stocks
💥 Big Play Alert
SoftBank just dropped a $2B investment into Intel (INTC). Yesterday’s OP wire call to buy the dip will pay big today. Massive congrats to OP traders who stacked this one.
🔥 Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and keep stacking those gains.
See you in chat!
Responses