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

 ## MARKET MOOD: RISK-OFF Markets are retreating amid heightened geopolitical tensions and energy supply concerns following strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure. Tech stocks are under pressure as investors weigh AI spending against cost-cutting moves in the sector. ## TOP 5 HEADLINES 1. Meta May Cut 20% Of Workforce Amid AI Spending → Impact: Increased cost concerns weigh on tech sector sentiment. 2. Iran Conflict Triggers Major Energy Shock → Impact: Oil prices surge, driving energy stocks higher and fueling inflation fears. 3. Goldman Warns S&P 500 Could Drop to 6300 If Growth Weakens → Impact: Heightened caution on equity valuations amid growth concerns. 4. Oracle Invests $2.2B in TikTok US Business → Impact: Strategic move could boost Oracle’s growth profile. 5. Adobe Shares Plunge 7.5% After Earnings Update → Impact: Weak guidance pressures software stocks. ## PRE-MARKET MOVERS ### Longs (Bullish Catalysts) **$BA** - Shares up 2.2% on defense sector strength amid geopolitical tensions **$COP** - Oil rally lifts energy stocks, ConocoPhillips up 1.68% **$MU** - Strong semiconductor momentum, shares +4.85% **$MSI** - Gains 2.27% on solid fundamentals and market rotation into industrials **$EBAY** - Up 1.49% on positive earnings reaction ### Shorts (Bearish Catalysts) **$ADBE** - Down 7.48% after disappointing earnings update **$META** - Shares down 4.27% amid layoffs and heavy AI investment concerns **$AAPL** - Declines 2.35% on broader tech weakness **$ORCL** - Falls 3.05% despite strategic TikTok investment, profit-taking pressure **$F** - Ford down 2.91% despite analyst interest, reflecting auto sector caution **$HNRG** - Plunges 9.78% on earnings transcript signaling challenges ## INDEX BIAS **SPY:** BEARISH - S&P 500 down 0.57%, pressured by tech weakness and geopolitical risks. **QQQ:** BEARISH - Nasdaq 100 down 0.64%, dragged by major tech names like **$AAPL**, **$META**, and **$ADBE**. **IWM:** NEUTRAL - Russell 2000 down 0.33%, small caps showing relative resilience amid mixed sector flows. ## SECTORS **Favor:** Energy - Rising oil prices amid Iran conflict support energy stocks like **$COP**, **$PBF**. **Avoid:** Technology - Heavy AI spending and layoffs create uncertainty, dragging down **$ADBE**, **$META**, **$AAPL**. ## CATALYST WATCH Events today that could move markets: - 10:00 AM ET: Consumer Sentiment Report - May influence risk appetite amid inflation concerns - 2:00 PM ET: Fed Speakers - Comments could impact interest rate expectations and market direction ## BOTTOM LINE **Today's Play:** Selective Geopolitical tensions and energy supply disruptions are driving a risk-off tone, with oil-related names outperforming. Tech remains under pressure due to cost-cutting worries and mixed earnings signals. Traders should focus on energy and industrials for defensive longs while avoiding high-valuation tech stocks facing earnings and spending headwinds. Watch for key economic data and Fed commentary for directional cues.