The PULSE: Global market update for February 18, 2025

Good evening, and welcome to your global market update for February 18, 2025. Wall Street saw modest gains today as investors weighed strong corporate earnings against ongoing geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 closed at a new record high of 6,129.58, up 0.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked to 44,556.34. The Nasdaq Composite continued its rally, finishing at 20,041.26. Markets reacted positively to strong earnings in key sectors, though concerns over energy supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions kept investors cautious. (Reuters)

Leading today’s corporate news, Entergy Corporation surged 6% after reporting better-than-expected earnings, boosting the utilities sector. Meanwhile, Conagra Brands tumbled 5.5% following supply chain disruptions and unfavorable currency exchange rates. Meta Platforms also saw its first decline since mid-January, dropping 2.8% amid concerns about slowing ad revenue growth. In the energy sector, Occidental Petroleum posted an 8% increase in quarterly earnings per share, exceeding forecasts. However, the company also reported a $297 million net loss tied to environmental liabilities and declining crude oil prices, raising investor concerns about long-term profitability. (Investors.com, Reuters)

Shifting to the commodities sector, BHP reported a 23% drop in first-half profits due to a decline in iron ore prices, forcing the company to pivot toward organic growth after a failed acquisition attempt by Anglo American. Meanwhile, Antofagasta announced an 11% rise in annual core profits, primarily driven by higher copper prices. The company plans to ramp up capital expenditures in 2025 as global demand for raw materials fluctuates. (The Times, Reuters)

On the global front, geopolitical tensions remain a key focus for investors. U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia for preliminary peace discussions regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. While no significant agreements have been reached, the talks signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts, which could impact global energy prices and trade relations. European defense stocks surged as investors speculated on increased military spending, with companies like Rheinmetall, Thyssenkrupp, Leonardo, Saab, and BAE Systems seeing notable gains. (Financial Times, Reuters)

Energy markets experienced turbulence today, with oil prices surging following a drone attack on a Russian pipeline that transports crude oil from Kazakhstan through southern Russia. The attack is expected to disrupt oil flows for up to two months, potentially reducing Kazakhstan’s oil exports by as much as 30%. This supply shock could significantly impact global oil prices, with markets bracing for potential price spikes in the coming weeks. Stay alert for more updates. (MarketWatch)

In economic news, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warned that the UK is facing a weak growth environment, which could have significant implications for global markets. Bailey cited concerns over trade fragmentation and rising protectionism, stressing that new import tariffs and unilateral financial policies could hinder global growth. The exact impact on inflation remains uncertain. UK insolvencies in England and Wales have risen 12% year-over-year, primarily due to economic stagnation and tax burdens. (The Guardian, The Times)

While the markets show resilience, today’s events underscore the importance of monitoring corporate earnings, diplomatic negotiations, and shifting trade policies. These factors could significantly influence market trends in the weeks ahead. This is your global market update for February 18, 2025—stay tuned for more financial insights as these stories develop.

Disclosure Statement

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The information presented is based on publicly available data as of February 18, 2025, from sources deemed reliable, including Reuters, MarketWatch, Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, and Investors.com. However, no warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments in equities, commodities, and other financial instruments involve inherent risks, including the risk of loss. Market conditions are subject to change based on economic developments, corporate earnings, geopolitical events, and policy shifts. Readers should conduct their own independent research and consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.

This article may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions regarding economic conditions, market trends, and corporate performance. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projections. Factors that may impact outcomes include interest rate changes, inflation, regulatory developments, geopolitical events, and broader macroeconomic conditions.

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Sources

U.S. Markets Performance: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-inch-up-holiday-thinned-week-focus-feds-rate-cut-plans-2025-02-18/

Entergy Corporation Earnings: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/entergy-mulls-expanding-us-nuclear-power-capacity-execs-say-2024-10-31/

Conagra Brands Supply Chain Issues: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/us-retailers-look-back-up-shipping-plans-prep-holidays-strike-continues-2024-10-03/

Meta Platforms Stock Decline: https://www.reuters.com/technology/meta-prepares-layoffs-monday-internal-memo-2025-02-07/

Occidental Petroleum Q4 Earnings: https://www.investors.com/news/warren-buffett-occidental-petroleum-q4-earnings/

Occidental Petroleum Net Loss Q4 2024: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/occidental-petroleum-reports-fourth-quarter-loss-2025-02-18/

BHP First-Half Profits Decline: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bhp-profits-crash-after-big-fall-in-iron-ore-prices-0cnt8shkl

Antofagasta Annual Core Profit Increase: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/copper-miner-antofagasta-reports-11-rise-2024-core-profit-2025-02-18/

U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Conflict: https://www.ft.com/content/cf5b13e4-0271-4540-beaa-ded9fc24b7c4

European Defense Stocks Surge: https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/european-defence-stocks-surge-top-leaders-hold-summit-ukraine-2025-02-17/

Drone Attack on Russian Pipeline: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-prices-lifted-after-drone-attack-on-russian-pipeline-0d4bc375

Bank of England Governor on UK Economy: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/andrew-bailey-uk-economy-faces-weak-growth-amid-trade-threats-8g90jwgqk

UK Insolvencies Rise: https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/feb/18/uk-pay-growth-payrolls-vacancies-thames-water-ruling-business-live

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