Day Trade Cheat Sheet - July 14, 2026 (Morning)

 ## MARKET MOOD: MIXED Overnight markets showed mixed sentiment as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, while cooling U.S. inflation data tempered expectations for aggressive Fed hikes. Earnings from major banks beat estimates, supporting risk assets, but tech stocks faced pressure from profit warnings and sector rotation. ## TOP 5 HEADLINES 1. IBM shares plunge 23% on earnings miss and profit warning → Impact: Tech sector weakness likely to pressure growth stocks today. 2. US June CPI fell 0.4%, cooling inflation and reducing July Fed hike odds to 20% → Impact: Supports risk-on sentiment but keeps markets cautious. 3. JPMorgan Chase reports record $16.9B Q2 profit, boosted by trading strength → Impact: Positive for financials and bank stocks. 4. Oil surges above $85 on renewed US-Iran tensions and Hormuz blockade threat → Impact: Energy stocks gain; inflation concerns rise. 5. Evercore ISI lowers Salesforce price target to $250 but maintains Outperform → Impact: Mixed signals for software sector; selective buying advised. ## PRE-MARKET MOVERS ### Longs (Bullish Catalysts) **$HCA** - Q2 sales beat estimates at $20.23B, despite lowered FY2026 guidance **$JPM** - Record Q2 profit of $16.9B driven by strong trading revenue **$TREX** - Stifel raises price target to $47, maintaining Hold rating amid distribution changes **$PYPL** - Goldman Sachs raises price target, signaling confidence in growth **$COIN** - Upgraded to Buy by US Tiger Securities on structural transformation ### Shorts (Bearish Catalysts) **$IBM** - Earnings miss and profit warning cause 23% plunge in shares **$TTD** - Shares fall amid rising short interest and mixed analyst views on data deal **$CRM** - Evercore lowers price target to $250, indicating headwinds from Tableau **$ERIC** - Q2 earnings miss; shares down after margin pressure report **$HOOD** - Price target raised but valuation concerns linger ## INDEX BIAS **SPY:** NEUTRAL – Mixed earnings and inflation data create balanced risk appetite. **QQQ:** BEARISH – Tech weakness from IBM and cautious software outlook weigh on Nasdaq. **IWM:** BULLISH – Small caps benefit from bank earnings strength and easing rate hike fears. ## SECTORS **Favor:** Financials – Strong earnings from JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs support sector momentum. **Avoid:** Technology – IBM’s profit warning and mixed software outlooks dampen enthusiasm. ## CATALYST WATCH - 08:30 ET: US CPI inflation data for June (expected to show cooling) - 10:00 ET: Fed’s Warsh testimony to Congress on inflation outlook - Throughout day: Earnings from major banks including Wells Fargo and Citigroup ## BOTTOM LINE **Today's Play:** Selective Markets face a tug of war between easing inflation and geopolitical risks pushing oil higher. Financials stand out with robust earnings and trading strength, offering the best opportunities. Technology remains under pressure due to IBM’s earnings shock and cautious software guidance. Traders should be selective, focusing on beaten-down financials and energy plays while avoiding tech names with negative catalysts. The biggest risk remains renewed inflation fears from rising oil prices and geopolitical instability.