Published: February 2026
Category: Markets, Investing, Cryptocurrency,Technology
US stock futures opened lower on Monday as risk-off sentiment spread across global markets. Dow Jones futures dipped modestly, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell more sharply, reflecting renewed caution among investors.
Bitcoin dropped below $75,000 over the weekend, touching its lowest level since November 2024 before rebounding slightly above $77,500. The move marked a significant pullback from its October 2025 record high and reinforced broader concerns about market risk appetite.
Earnings-heavy week adds pressure
A packed earnings calendar is adding to volatility. Alphabet, Amazon, AMD, Eli Lilly, Palantir and Disney are all due to report this week, with Disney releasing results early Monday.
Alphabet shares remain in a buy zone, while Amazon and AMD are hovering just below key entry points. Eli Lilly and Disney are still building bases, but Palantir has broken down technically after recent weakness.
Oracle shares fell around 3 percent in early trading after the company announced plans to raise between $45 billion and $50 billion in 2026 through debt and equity offerings to fund its expanding AI ambitions. The scale of the financing has reignited questions about the long-term sustainability of the AI investment boom.
Bitcoin, commodities and bonds signal caution
Bitcoin fell more than 6 percent last week, closing Friday at $83,817, before sliding further on Sunday. The move coincided with sharp declines in precious metals. Gold dropped more than 11 percent last week, while silver suffered a dramatic sell-off of over 30 percent following increased margin requirements from CME Group.
Oil prices were also volatile. Despite OPEC+ agreeing to hold production steady through March, crude futures fell sharply after last week’s rally linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran failed to gain traction.
The US ten-year Treasury yield edged lower to around 4.22 percent, reflecting increased demand for safer assets.
Stock market tests key levels
US markets ended last week mixed. The S&P 500 notched a new high but struggled to hold momentum, while the Dow Jones, Nasdaq and Russell 2000 slipped below their short-term moving averages.
High-beta stocks and speculative plays were hit hardest, particularly around earnings. Investor sentiment indicators are flashing caution, with bullishness among newsletter writers sitting above levels that have historically preceded short-term market tops.
What investors should consider now
With markets near highs but showing signs of strain, investors may want to tread carefully. Earnings volatility, geopolitical headlines and shifting Federal Reserve expectations are creating sharp swings in individual stocks.
Reducing exposure to weaker positions, locking in partial gains on extended winners and keeping watchlists up to date may help manage risk. In the current environment, patience and discipline matter more than chasing momentum.
Author. Adigun Adedoye