Daily Brief - February 13, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Pre-Market Overview U.S. stock index futures are mixed this morning as traders await crucial inflation data. The Dow Jones futures indicate a slight decline, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ futures suggest a modest uptick. Overnight, Asian markets faced selling pressure, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 1.24%, reflecting ongoing concerns about AI disruption affecting tech and service sectors. European markets opened lower, as investors digested mixed earnings reports and the potential impact of inflation data. The sentiment heading into today's session is cautious but not overly pessimistic. Traders are particularly focused on the upcoming U.S. Core CPI data, which is expected to show a rise due to firmer services costs. This could influence the Federal Reserve's rate decisions moving forward. Major news includes the plummeting shares of **$DKNG** after its disappointing Q4 results, raising concerns about the gaming sector's performance in a competitive landscape. Additionally, **$PINS** is facing significant downward pressure due to tariffs affecting its earnings. ## Top Stories Moving Markets **DraftKings Q4 Results Cause Significant Decline** DraftKings reported disappointing Q4 results, leading to a sharp 20% drop in its stock price. The company cited increased competition and rising costs as factors impacting its profitability. **Affected Ticker:** **$DKNG** **Why It Matters:** The decline signals potential challenges within the gaming sector, impacting investor sentiment and potentially leading to increased scrutiny of other players in the industry. **Core CPI Rises More than Expected** The U.S. Core CPI has risen to 2.4% annually, exceeding analysts' expectations. This reflects firmer costs in services and may prompt the Fed to reconsider its rate strategies. **Affected Ticker:** General market implications, particularly for interest-sensitive stocks. **Why It Matters:** Higher inflation rates could lead to renewed concerns over rate hikes, affecting market dynamics and investor strategies across all sectors. **Pinterest Faces Downgrade Amid Tariff Impact** Pinterest's shares fell sharply after RBC Capital downgraded the stock due to concerns over its growth strategy and tariffs affecting earnings. **Affected Ticker:** **$PINS** **Why It Matters:** The downgrade highlights broader concerns over social media companies' profitability, prompting investors to reassess exposure to the sector. **Trump's Tariff Rollback Plans** Reports indicate that former President Trump plans to roll back steel and aluminum tariffs, which could impact various industrial stocks. **Affected Ticker:** General market implications for steel and aluminum producers. **Why It Matters:** This move could lead to increased competition and lower prices in the industrial sector, possibly affecting earnings forecasts for companies involved in these materials. **Moderna Beats Expectations but Guidance Cautious** Moderna reported Q4 results that surpassed revenue expectations, driven by resilient COVID vaccine sales. However, the company provided a cautious outlook for 2026. **Affected Ticker:** **$MRNA** **Why It Matters:** While the beat may provide short-term support for the stock, the cautious guidance raises questions about future growth prospects, impacting investor sentiment. ## Stocks to Watch Today **$DKNG** - Declined sharply post-Q4 results, facing significant scrutiny over profitability amid competition. **$PINS** - Downgraded by RBC due to tariff impacts; stock facing continued pressure. **$MRNA** - Strong Q4 results but cautious guidance may impact stock performance. **$AAPL** - Investors are watching for any indications of supply chain impacts from inflation data. **$AMAT** - Stock jumped after earnings beat; focus on continued strength in the semiconductor space. **$RIVN** - Upgraded by UBS on balanced risk/reward; focus on new product launches. **$NFLX** - Analysts are assessing subscriber growth metrics post-earnings; potential volatility expected. **$TSLA** - Ongoing concerns over competition in the EV market; any news could drive stock movement. **$COST** - Reports earnings today; investors keen on consumer spending trends. **$FOXA** - Earnings results anticipated; focus on content performance in a competitive landscape. **$SBUX** - Potentially impacted by consumer spending outlook in the upcoming earnings report. ## Sector Setup - **Technology:** Mixed outlook as concerns over AI disruption weigh on stock valuations. Specific focus on earnings reports from major players. - **Financials:** Cautiously optimistic as interest rates may stabilize; however, inflation concerns linger. - **Consumer Discretionary:** Watch for impacts from rising costs affecting consumer spending habits; earnings reports will be critical. - **Healthcare:** Strong focus on biotech earnings, especially amid ongoing concerns about regulatory impacts on drug pipelines. ## Economic Calendar & Fed - U.S. Core CPI data scheduled for release today. Analysts expect a rise, potentially impacting Fed policy. - No other major releases scheduled. ## Crypto & Commodities Bitcoin remains under pressure as the market reacts to broader economic indicators. Gold has seen slight recovery from recent losses, while oil prices are stabilizing amid supply concerns. ## Trading Game Plan - Focus on sectors vulnerable to inflationary pressures, particularly consumer discretionary and technology. - Look for opportunities in stocks with strong earnings potential despite broader market concerns. - Monitor inflation data closely; shifts in sentiment may create volatility in interest-sensitive sectors. - Keep an eye on regulatory news impacting healthcare and technology sectors, particularly biotech firms.