Summary of U.S. Stock Investment News for February 21, 2026

Part 1: Top 10 Most Important and Trending News Summaries (Focusing on hot stock announcements, key earnings points, and major events)

Supreme Court Rules Trump's Emergency Tariffs Illegal: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration's large-scale tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act lacked legal authority. This move alleviates trade uncertainty and has driven a stock market rebound. Potential refunds could reach $175 billion, but the process is complex and not automatic.
Trump Announces New 10% Global Tariff: Following the Supreme Court ruling, Trump immediately announced a new 10% global tariff through other executive channels, raising market concerns about continued trade policy uncertainty.
All Three Major U.S. Stock Indices Close Higher: S&P 500 up 0.69% to 6,909.51, Nasdaq up 0.90% to 22,886.07, Dow up 0.47% to 49,625.97. The Nasdaq ended a five-day losing streak this week. Tech stocks led gains, with Alphabet up over 3.7% and Amazon up 2.6%.
U.S. Q4 GDP Growth Slows: Fourth-quarter GDP growth was only 1.4%, below expectations, impacted by factors like the government shutdown, but the overall economy remains resilient.
Core PCE Inflation Sticky at 3%: December core PCE inflation data came in higher than expected, making it difficult for the Fed to cut rates in the short term. The market expects neutral rates to be maintained.
Amazon Tops Global Revenue Ranking: Amazon has become the world's highest-revenue company, benefiting from AI and e-commerce growth.
Nvidia Close to Investing $30 Billion in OpenAI: Replacing a previous $100 billion long-term commitment, this strengthens the AI ecosystem. Nvidia will launch a new chip in March.
Walmart Q4 Earnings Slightly Beat but Outlook Misses: Revenue and profit slightly exceeded expectations, but 2026 guidance was weak, reflecting consumer divergence.
GATX Strong Q4 Earnings: EPS of $2.66 beat expectations, revenue of $449 million. The company raised its dividend and authorized a share buyback.
Geopolitical Risks Heat Up: Trump is considering limited military strikes against Iran, driving up both oil prices and gold (gold up over 2%).

Part 2: Over 10 International Macroeconomic Indicators and Related Data (Based on latest close and reports)

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 49,625.97, +230.81 points (+0.47%).
S&P 500: 6,909.51, +47.62 points (+0.69%).
Nasdaq Composite: 22,886.07, +203.34 points (+0.90%).
VIX Fear Index: 19.09, -5.64% (volatility down).
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.086%, slightly up.
U.S. Q4 GDP Growth Rate: 1.4% (below expectations, significant slowdown).
Core PCE Inflation (Dec): ~3% (sticky).
Gold Price: ~$5,130/oz, +2.65%.
Crude Oil Price: ~$66.49/barrel, +0.09%.
U.S. Dollar Index: Slightly down, but strong for the week (influenced by Fed expectations).
Bitcoin: Volatile, with hedge funds shifting to cash amid risk-off sentiment.
Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index: Slight fluctuations, around -0.08%.
Global Growth Forecast (Goldman Sachs): 2026 global GDP 2.8%, U.S. 2.6% (better than consensus).

Part 3: Summary of Reports and Views from Major Investment Banks (Macro forecasts and stock views)

Goldman Sachs: Expects 11% total return (including dividends) for global equities in 2026, bullish on U.S. performance (tariff drag reduction, tax cuts, financial easing). Global growth at 2.8%, U.S. better than consensus. Maintains constructive view on equities, but index returns below 2025 levels, expecting a broadening bull market. Bullish on AI data center demand stocks (e.g., a rare earth stock with 50% upside potential on target price).
Morgan Stanley: Sees room for the bull market to continue in 2026, benefiting from Fed dovishness and AI productivity gains. Bullish on U.S. equities shining under favorable conditions. Structural opportunities include consumer spending, Japanese corporate reform, and a weaker dollar in emerging markets.
J.P. Morgan: Expects double-digit growth for global equities, bullish on both developed and emerging markets. Benefits from strong earnings growth, low rates, and broadening AI capital expenditure. S&P 500 target around 7,500, with EPS growth of 13-15%.
Other Views: Several banks (e.g., Barclays, Citigroup) expect the S&P 500 in the 7,500-7,600 range in 2026, emphasizing the maturation of the AI supercycle, deregulation, and active M&A.

Part 4: Short-term and Long-term Investment Recommendations Based on today's analysis (tariff uncertainty eased but new policy risks, geopolitical tensions, sticky inflation, economic slowdown):

Short-term Investment Recommendations (Intraday/Near-term Buy/Sell):

Buy: Trade-sensitive stocks like Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Nike, furniture/retail stocks (tariff ruling short-term positive for supply chain costs). AI infrastructure-related stocks like Comfort Systems USA (FIX), Corning (GLW) (strong data center demand). Gold-related assets (safe haven).
Sell/Reduce: High-valuation tech stocks if volatility increases (e.g., CrowdStrike's recent sharp decline), or stocks exposed to geopolitical risks. Monitor implementation of Trump's new tariffs; if enacted, reduce holdings in import-dependent stocks.
Overall: Short-term market sentiment is positive, consider buying the dip in tech and consumer sectors, but be cautious of Monday's open reaction to new tariffs.

Long-term Investment Recommendations: Continue to be bullish on the AI theme and U.S. economic resilience. Allocate to the AI beneficiary chain (Nvidia ecosystem, data centers), high-quality large-cap stocks. Diversify into emerging markets (potential dollar weakness). In a Fed neutral rate environment, quality growth stocks still have room, but monitor inflation and geopolitical risks. Recommend core holdings in S&P 500 ETF, with satellite allocations to AI/rare earths/energy transition stocks. Long-term target: Double-digit equity returns are achievable in 2026, but volatility will increase, maintain cash buffers.

Investing involves risks. The above is for reference only and is not personalized advice. Please make decisions based on your own circumstances.