Daily Brief - February 11, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Pre-Market Overview U.S. stock futures indicate a mixed opening as investors await the critical jobs report. The Dow futures are up by 0.3%, while S&P 500 futures show a modest gain of 0.1%. Conversely, NASDAQ futures are slightly down by 0.2%, reflecting ongoing concerns about the tech sector after recent earnings announcements. In overnight trading, Asian markets showed resilience with the Nikkei 225 gaining 1.5%, buoyed by strong earnings from major exporters. European markets opened higher, with the FTSE 100 up 0.6%, driven by investor optimism surrounding upcoming economic data and corporate earnings reports. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious but optimistic, as traders brace for potential volatility from the labor market data. The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, surpassing expectations, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%. This strong report could influence the Federal Reserve's policy decisions in the upcoming meetings, making it a focal point for traders today. ## Top Stories Moving Markets **U.S. Jobs Data Exceeds Expectations** The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.3%. This data surpasses analysts' expectations and could impact Fed policy. Affected tickers: **$SPY**, **$DIA** Why it matters: This positive job growth may prompt the Fed to maintain or even tighten interest rate policies, impacting market liquidity and investor sentiment. **Williams Companies Price Target Raised** Wells Fargo raised its price target on **$WMB** to $80 from $71, citing strong fundamentals in the energy sector. Why it matters: This revision could attract buying interest in Williams Companies, particularly in the energy sector, which may see increased investment. **Lyft's Price Target Cut** Wells Fargo lowered its price target on **$LYFT** to $18, reflecting concerns over ride volume misses. Why it matters: The downgrade underscores ongoing challenges for Lyft, potentially leading to further selling pressure on the stock. **Evercore ISI Raises Genuine Parts Target** Ahead of earnings, Evercore ISI raised the price target on **$GPC** to $175, anticipating strong performance. Why it matters: Increased estimates could drive positive sentiment leading into earnings, making it a stock to watch today. **Hinge Health Receives Buy Rating from Needham** Needham reiterated its Buy rating on **$HNGE**, highlighting a strong outlook for FY25. Why it matters: Positive analyst sentiment could bolster investor confidence, leading to increased demand for Hinge Health shares. ## Stocks to Watch Today **$WMB** - Price target raised to $80 by Wells Fargo; strong buy sentiment expected. **$LYFT** - Price target lowered to $18 due to concerns over ride volume; potential selling pressure. **$GPC** - Price target raised to $175 ahead of earnings; positive sentiment expected. **$HNGE** - Buy rating reiterated by Needham; strong outlook for FY25 may attract buyers. **$BP** - Price target raised to $44 by Piper Sandler amid buyback suspension; focus on energy sector. **$XPO** - Downgraded to Neutral despite raised estimates; caution warranted ahead of earnings. **$DVN** - Price target increased to $52 by Raymond James; positive sentiment following merger news. **$IDXX** - Baron Partners Fund leverages long-term growth drivers; potential buying interest. **$NFLX** - Concerns over acquisition pricing may lead to continued volatility. **$TSLA** - Market sentiment mixed; watch for analyst commentary regarding growth paths. **$AAPL** - Eyes on potential breakout as AI initiatives gain attention; strong fundamentals at play. ## Sector Setup **Energy:** The energy sector is poised for gains with positive revisions for companies like **$WMB** and **$BP**. Investor focus on oil prices and energy demand is likely to drive further interest. **Technology:** The tech sector shows mixed signals, with stocks like **$LYFT** facing downgrades while **$AAPL** looks to capitalize on AI developments. Caution is advised as earnings results continue to impact valuations. **Consumer Discretionary:** The sector faces pressure from mixed retail sales data. Companies such as **$LYFT** and **$NFLX** may experience volatility based on earnings expectations. ## Economic Calendar & Fed Today's economic calendar includes the release of the jobs report, which is expected to influence market sentiment and Fed policy discussions. No other major releases are scheduled. ## Crypto & Commodities Gold prices are climbing as the market anticipates softer retail sales, which could influence Fed rate expectations. Oil remains stable amid geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran, which may support higher prices. ## Trading Game Plan - Monitor the impact of the U.S. jobs report on market sentiment and Fed policy. - Favor stocks in the energy sector, especially those with raised price targets. - Exercise caution in tech stocks facing downgrades or mixed earnings results. - Keep an eye on volatility in consumer discretionary stocks amid mixed retail data. - Watch for potential breakout opportunities in **$AAPL** as AI initiatives gain traction.