Cautious Mood Prevails as Markets Await US Return
As the financial world braces for the reopening of US markets, a cautious sentiment has taken hold, with US equity-index futures slipping and Treasuries edging higher. This underscores the uncertainty surrounding the current landscape, as investors closely monitor developments on the global stage.
Upcoming videos will delve into the key themes shaping the markets. Viewers can look forward to insights on the implications of the UK jobs data for the Bank of England’s upcoming policy decision, as well as an analysis of the ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks and their potential impact on the markets. Additionally, the article will feature the perspectives of prominent industry figures, such as Bitcoin bull Bobby Lee, who warns of the potential for the cryptocurrency to break below the crucial $60,000 level.
🎥 Futures Slip Ahead of US Return; Iran-US Talks in Focus | Horizons Middle East & Africa 2/17/2026 (Bloomberg)
The US equity-index futures declined, and Treasuries edged higher, reflecting a cautious sentiment ahead of the market’s reopening after a holiday. Additionally, oil prices slipped in thin trading as traders focused on the upcoming talks in Geneva between the US and Iran, as well as another round of US-brokered negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Furthermore, BHP’s robust copper profits accelerated the company’s shift from iron ore, while PMI data across the Gulf region indicated a mixed start to the year. The presentation also highlighted Russia’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa by turning to religion, as well as the upcoming meeting between Indian Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron. Guests featured in the presentation include Anita Krishna Gupta, CIO of Wealthbrix Capital Partners, Vandita Pant, CFO of BHP, and Simon Williams, Chief Economist CEEMEA at HSBC.
🎥 UK Jobs Data Gives Green Light to March BOE Cut (Bloomberg)
The video segment examines key themes for analysts and investors, including the implications of the latest UK jobs data and its potential impact on the Bank of England’s monetary policy decisions. The discussion covers various topics, such as the MLIV market outlook, the state of the Japanese economy, and recent comments from US Federal Reserve officials. The central finding is that the strong UK employment figures provide a “green light” for the Bank of England to proceed with a rate cut in March, as the labor market data suggests the economy remains resilient despite broader economic uncertainties.
🎥 US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva; Trump Will Be ‘Indirectly’ Involved | Daybreak Europe 02/17/2026 (Bloomberg)
Institutional investors will be closely watching as the US and Iran prepare to hold highly anticipated nuclear talks in Geneva. President Donald Trump has signaled that he will be “indirectly” involved in the negotiations, as Tehran seeks to broker a deal. Separately, another round of US-brokered discussions between Russia and Ukraine is set to resume in the Swiss city, with major sticking points remaining unresolved amid continued fighting. In other news, Bloomberg has learned that SpaceX and xAI are competing in a secretive Pentagon contest to develop voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology. Today’s Daybreak Europe program will provide comprehensive updates and insights to help investors navigate these key geopolitical and technological developments.
🎥 Bitcoin Bull Bobby Lee Warns Bitcoin Could Break Below Key $60,000 Level (Bloomberg)
In a research summary-style, the key takeaways from the video clip are as follows: Ballet CEO Bobby Lee, a prominent bitcoin bull, warns that the cryptocurrency may face further downside, with the $60,000 level emerging as a significant liquidation risk for leveraged traders. Lee explains that the recent volatility signals potential weakness ahead and discusses the impact of liquidation clusters and momentum selling. Additionally, he compares bitcoin’s long-term store-of-value case to that of gold and fiat currencies. The interview was conducted by Paul Allen on Insight with Haslinda Amin.
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