Catalyst Calendar - March 21, 2026 (EOD)

 ## Today's Catalyst Results How did scheduled events play out? - **S&P 500 (SPY)** - The index dropped 1.70% to close at $648.57, hitting a four-month low with a range between $644.72 and $656.69. The broad market weakness was driven by rate-hike fears and a surge in oil prices. - **Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)** - Fell 0.99% to $587.12, pressured by tech sector declines amid concerns over AI valuations and macroeconomic uncertainty. - **Dow Jones (DIA)** - Declined 1.12% to $455.89, reflecting broad risk-off sentiment. - **Gold (GLD)** - Fell 3.06% to $413.38 despite geopolitical tensions, indicating profit-taking and rising real yields. - **Oil (USO)** - Surged 3.47% to $121.43, breaking above $119 intraday, fueled by escalating Middle East tensions and supply concerns. - **20+ Year Treasury (TLT)** - Declined 1.47% to $86.20, with yields rising sharply on expectations of prolonged Fed tightening. ## Surprise News Today Unexpected developments that moved markets: - **$PL (Planet Labs PBC)** - Shares jumped 27.15% to $34.28 after the company’s $900 million backlog attracted Wall Street attention, signaling strong demand and growth visibility. - **$BWXT (BWX Technologies)** - Dropped 4.94% to $199.75 despite nuclear energy sector strength, possibly due to profit-taking or concerns over capital needs flagged by analysts. - **$INTC (Intel)** - Fell 4.18% to $44.25 amid broad semiconductor weakness and concerns over competitive positioning in foundry and AI chip markets. - **$MU (Micron Technology)** - Declined 4.22% to $425.50, pressured by the same sector headwinds and cautious memory demand outlook. - **$TGLS (Tecnoglass)** - Slumped 5.19% to $40.52, reflecting profit-taking after recent gains and possible concerns over construction sector dynamics. - **$RKLB (Rocket Lab)** - Fell 5.14% to $68.23, likely impacted by renewed scrutiny on production targets and capital requirements. ## After-Hours Catalysts Earnings and events happening tonight: - **$PL (Planet Labs PBC)** - Investors should watch for further details on backlog execution and guidance updates following the strong market reaction today. - **$SCHL (Scholastic Corp)** - After a 10.7% rally earlier, earnings details will be closely monitored for sustainability of growth and buyback impact. - **$DELL (Dell Technologies)** - Following a 1.85% gain on news of Silver Lake’s 13.6% stake, further commentary on strategic direction and capital structure is expected. - **$PSTG (Pure Storage)** - Watch for updates on recent asset sales and free cash flow guidance after a 2.53% drop today. - **$PLTR (Palantir Technologies)** - Market will focus on execution updates and military AI system adoption amid a 2.40% decline. ## Tomorrow's Calendar Key events scheduled for tomorrow: - **Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index** - Time: Morning - Watch for: Insights into regional manufacturing activity and potential impact on Fed policy expectations. - **Earnings: None specifically mentioned for tomorrow** - Focus remains on macroeconomic data and geopolitical developments. ## This Week Ahead Other catalysts coming this week: - **Sunday**: Ukraine says talks on resolving war to continue in the U.S. - Watch for any breakthrough or escalation signals that could impact energy and defense sectors. ## Highest Conviction Setup Based on today's action and upcoming catalysts: - Stock: **$PL (Planet Labs PBC)** - Catalyst: Strong backlog growth and positive market reaction to earnings outlook. - Thesis: The company’s $900 million backlog signals robust demand in satellite imaging and data services, positioning it well to capitalize on growing AI and defense sector needs. The 27% rally suggests strong investor confidence, making it a high-conviction growth play despite broader market weakness. --- Overall, the market faced significant pressure from geopolitical risks and rate-hike fears, with energy stocks benefiting from the oil price surge. Tech and semiconductor sectors remain under pressure amid valuation concerns and competitive dynamics. Investors should monitor after-hours earnings for further directional cues and geopolitical developments over the weekend.