US Stocks Decline for Second Session

2026-02-20 14:35 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

US stock indices fell for a second session on Friday as a series of economic data reflected an unfavorable backdrop for the US corporate sector.

The three main averages were up to 0.5% lower.

The US GDP grew by an annualized 1.4% in Q4, well below expectations of a 3% growth rate, to challenge the view that the economy was robust to tariffs and the government shutdown.

Stocks were also pressured by a surge in the PCE price index and an overshoot in the core gauge, which prevented an outlook of accommodative monetary policy by the Fed after policymakers warned that sticky inflation must be headed when deciding rates.

Stocks that track AI speculation momentum were down, with Nvidia, Meta, and Microsoft dropping up to 1%.

Banks and asset managers also extended their losses on the pullback in the credit outlook.

Meanwhile, Newmont was slightly below the flatline as it forecasted lower bullion production this year.



News Stream
US Stocks Mixed in Afternoon Trading
US stocks rose in volatile trading on Friday afternoon after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's emergency tariffs, sparking a relief rally across trade-sensitive sectors. The S&P 500 gained 0.6% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.8% while the Dow added 0.2% as the court ruled the administration exceeded its authority. Amazon jumped 2% on the removal of import cost headwinds and Alphabet rose nearly 4% as the decision eased fears of a major inflationary catalyst. The rally pushed past a downbeat GDP report showing the economy grew just 1.4% in Q4, far below estimates. Markets also navigated sticky inflation data with core PCE holding at 3%, keeping the Fed on a data-dependent path. While industrials benefited from potential tariff refunds, gold miner Newmont fell 4% on lower production guidance. Despite the volatility the Nasdaq is set to snap a five-week losing streak as the courts rebuke provides a temporary green light for equity bulls.
2026-02-20
US Stocks Swing Higher
US stocks swung higher on Friday after the US Supreme Court struck down a group of tariffs passed by the US presidential administration. The Nasdaq 100 rose 1% and the S&P 500 added 0.6%, while the more defensive Dow added 0.3%. The move suspended IEEPA-based "reciprocal" tariffs by President Trump targeted against countries and tariffs passed by citing fentanyl concerns, with models estimating that $175 billion could be refunded. Industrial companies and manufacturers rose following the news. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta rose around 2% each. In the meantime, the US GDP grew less than expected to challenge the view that the economy was robust to tariffs and the government shutdown. Stocks were also pressured by a surge in the PCE price indexes, combined with another increase in oil prices to lift longer yields. Banks and lenders remained under pressure on higher credit costs. Meanwhile, Newmont was slightly below the flatline as it forecasted lower bullion production this year.
2026-02-20
The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.09% Lower
The Dow Jones Index is falling -43 points. Losses were driven by Walmart (-2.21%), UnitedHealth (-1.27%) and Goldman Sachs (-1.10%). Biggest rises came from Sherwin-Williams (0.99%), McDonalds (0.90%) and Amazon (0.56%).
2026-02-20