Market Recap: U.S. Markets Closed for Presidents’ Day as Global Stocks Show Mixed Performance

On Monday, February 17, 2025, U.S. financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, remained closed in observance of Presidents’ Day. Despite the holiday, global markets and future indicators provide insights into the current state of the stock market and what investors can expect in the coming days.

Market Performance and Indicators

While U.S. markets were inactive due to the holiday, it’s worth noting the performance from the previous week. The S&P 500 (SPX) advanced 1.47%, the Nasdaq Composite (NDAQ) added 2.58%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose 0.55%. These gains came despite some challenging inflation reports, showcasing the resilience of the market.

S&P 500 Near Record Highs
The S&P 500 flirted with a fresh all-time high last week, demonstrating the current strength of the market. This positive momentum suggests that investors remain optimistic about the overall economic outlook, despite some headwinds.

Upcoming Market Events

As trading resumes on Tuesday, February 18, investors should keep an eye on several key economic indicators and events that could impact market performance:

1. Empire State Index: Released at 8:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, this manufacturing index provides insights into the state of the New York region’s economy.

2. NAHB Housing Market Index: Expected at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, this index offers a glimpse into the health of the U.S. housing market.

3. Housing Starts and Building Permits: Scheduled for release on Wednesday, February 19, at 8:30 a.m. ET, these figures will provide crucial information about the construction sector.

4. Federal Reserve Minutes: The minutes from January’s Fed meeting will be released on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET, potentially offering insights into future monetary policy decisions.

Major Stock News and Earnings Reports

Several significant earnings reports are scheduled for the week, which could influence market sentiment:

1. Etsy (ETSY): The e-commerce platform specializing in handmade and vintage items is set to report earnings before the bell on Wednesday.

2. Carvana (CVNA): The online used car retailer will release its earnings after the market closes on Wednesday.

3. Walmart (WMT): The retail giant is scheduled to report earnings before the market opens on Thursday.

4. Nvidia (NVDA): While not reporting this week, the upcoming earnings release from this AI chip leader next week is highly anticipated and could significantly impact the tech sector.

Market Trends and Analysis

Broader Market Participation
An encouraging sign for the market is the increased participation of stocks beyond the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants. As of last week, 48% of the S&P 500 stocks were outperforming the index in 2025, indicating a healthier and more balanced market rally.

AI Sector Momentum
The artificial intelligence sector continues to show strong performance, with companies like Palantir (PLTR) and Super Micro Computer (SMCI) leading the S&P 500 gains in 2025. This trend underscores the ongoing investor enthusiasm for AI-related stocks.

Economic Indicators
Recent inflation data, including higher-than-expected CPI and PPI reports, suggest persistent inflationary pressures. This could influence the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates and impact market performance in the coming months.

Looking Ahead

As trading resumes on Tuesday, investors will be closely watching the release of economic data and earnings reports. The market’s reaction to these events could provide valuable insights into the overall health of the economy and the direction of stocks in the near term.

While the U.S. markets were closed on Monday, the global economic landscape continues to evolve. Investors should remain vigilant and consider how international events and domestic economic indicators might impact their portfolios in the days and weeks ahead.