White House & Policy - February 27, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Policy Overview The administration overnight emphasized a continued focus on economic growth and technological innovation, underscoring policies aimed at supporting the AI sector and energy independence. No new executive orders were announced, but the president is scheduled to deliver remarks later today on infrastructure investment and workforce development, signaling potential legislative initiatives in these areas. Additionally, congressional committees are set to hold hearings on trade policy and regulatory reform, which could influence market sentiment. The administration also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a balanced approach to trade negotiations, particularly with China and the EU, aiming to ease tariff tensions while protecting domestic industries. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about tariff reimbursements and trade adjustments, which remain a key focus for lawmakers and the White House. Market participants are digesting these policy signals cautiously, with an emphasis on the potential for bipartisan support on infrastructure and technology funding. The administration’s approach to AI and energy policy is expected to be a central theme in today’s trading session. ## Market Impact Pre-market futures reflect a cautious tone, with major indices pointing to a lower open. The S&P 500 futures are down, mirroring the overnight weakness in tech stocks, which are sensitive to regulatory and policy developments around AI and data privacy. The Nasdaq 100 futures are particularly pressured, reflecting concerns over AI regulation and recent earnings misses in the sector. Energy futures are firming, supported by the administration’s continued emphasis on energy independence and infrastructure investment. Oil prices have risen 2.16% to $81.45 per barrel, indicating bullish sentiment in the energy complex. Gold is also up 0.65%, reflecting safe-haven demand amid geopolitical and policy uncertainties. The dollar is modestly stronger, with the UUP ETF up 0.63%, suggesting that investors are seeking currency stability amid mixed economic signals. Long-term Treasury bonds are gaining, with the 20+ Year Treasury ETF (TLT) up 0.72%, indicating a flight to safety and expectations of a cautious Fed stance in response to economic data and policy developments. ## Winners & Losers ### Potential Winners **$ADSK** - Benefits from the administration’s focus on AI and technology innovation, with shares up 6.31% pre-market on strong earnings and growth outlook. **$ENOV** - Gains 13.89% as energy infrastructure and clean energy policies support companies involved in energy transition and infrastructure upgrades. **$MARA** - Up 13.54% on data center development deals aligned with the administration’s push for domestic AI infrastructure. **$FIGS** - Surges 21.35% reflecting favorable healthcare policy developments and strong earnings, benefiting from increased focus on healthcare workforce support. **$BDSX** - Up 12.45%, positioned to benefit from biotech and healthcare initiatives supported by regulatory clarity and funding. ### Potential Losers **$AI** - Down 19.45%, reflecting investor concerns over potential AI regulatory tightening and recent earnings misses. **$AMPH** - Falls 17.77%, hurt by drug pricing scrutiny and regulatory headwinds in the pharmaceutical sector. **$AMBA** - Declines 10.94%, pressured by AI chip regulatory concerns and competitive pressures. **$VXRT** - Drops 23.86%, impacted by FDA regulatory challenges and healthcare policy uncertainties. **$WULF** - Down 19.44%, reflecting sector-specific regulatory risks and supply chain issues. ## Trade & Tariff Watch The administration continues to navigate complex trade negotiations, with no new tariffs imposed overnight. However, ongoing discussions with China and the EU focus on tariff reimbursements and easing trade tensions. Notably, China has recently halted Canada canola meal tariffs, signaling a thaw in trade relations that could positively impact agricultural and commodity sectors. Retaliatory measures remain a risk, but the administration’s balanced approach aims to avoid escalation. Supply chain concerns persist, particularly in technology and energy sectors, as trade policy remains a key factor in global sourcing decisions. ## Sector Exposure - **Technology:** Faces significant policy risk from potential AI regulation and antitrust scrutiny. The sector is reacting to earnings and regulatory developments, with volatility expected to continue. - **Energy:** Positioned for gains due to supportive infrastructure policies and geopolitical risks driving oil prices higher. Companies involved in energy transition and infrastructure upgrades are favored. - **Healthcare:** Mixed impact as drug pricing scrutiny and FDA regulatory actions weigh on some stocks, while workforce and innovation initiatives provide support for others. - **Financials:** Showing resilience with modest gains, supported by regulatory clarity and steady economic data. Bank stocks benefit from stable credit conditions and potential deregulatory moves. ## What to Watch Today - The president’s scheduled remarks on infrastructure and workforce development, which could signal new legislative initiatives. - Congressional hearings on trade policy and regulatory reform, with potential market-moving statements. - Earnings reports from key policy-sensitive companies including Amneal Pharmaceuticals (**$AMRX**), Delek US Holdings (**$DK**), and Northwest Natural Holding (**$NWN**). - Oil price movements and energy sector reaction amid geopolitical developments and administration policy support. - Dollar strength and Treasury bond yields as indicators of market risk appetite and Fed policy expectations.