Good morning investors! Things changed over the weekend as the US-Israel attacked Iran, eliminating top leaders.
Today we cover:
What to expect this week
A look at oil prices
New products
📊 Economy and News
What to Expect this Week
Here’s what to keep an eye on this week:
Monday, March 2
Manufacturing PMIs: ISM and S&P Global February readings.
Earnings: MongoDB (MDB), EchoStar (SATS), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS).
Apple (AAPL) begins its "big week" of product launches (expected: iPhone 17e, lower-cost MacBook, culminating in Wednesday event).
Tuesday, March 3
Fed speakers: New York Fed's John Williams, Minneapolis Fed's Neel Kashkari.
Earnings: CrowdStrike (CRWD), Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY), Ross Stores (ROST), AutoZone (AZO), others.
Wednesday, March 4
ADP February private jobs report.
Services PMIs: ISM and S&P Global February; Fed Beige Book (economic conditions overview ahead of March 17-18 FOMC meeting).
Earnings: Broadcom (AVGO; AI revenue in focus), Veeva Systems (VEEV), Okta (OKTA).
Thursday, March 5
Weekly jobless claims (week ending Feb. 28).
Other data: Q4 productivity, January import prices.
Earnings: Costco (COST), Marvell Technology (MRVL), Kroger (KR), Samsara (IOT), Guidewire (GWRE), Gap (GAP), others.
Friday, March 6
February U.S. employment report (nonfarm payrolls; follows January's 130K surprise amid 2025 revisions showing weaker hiring).
Other data: January retail sales (delayed; December showed stalled spending), January consumer credit, December business inventories.
Earnings: Genesco (GCO).
Global hits:
China’s new home prices fall at fastest pace in over 3 years in February.
Saudi stocks slide over 2% as banks tumble; Aramco limits losses.
Stablecoin demand surge could end 30-year Treasury auctions for 3 years.
📈 Stocks
S&P 500 6,878.88 (-0.43%)
DJIA 48,977.92 (-1.05%)
NASDAQ 22,668.21 (-0.92%)
BRENT CRUDE 78.87 (+9.87%)
* Prices as of Mar 1st, 12:20 AM UTC
Oil Prices Set to Surge on U.S.-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Disruption
U.S. crude oil is expected to top $70 per barrel—and possibly rise sharply higher—when trading resumes Sunday evening, fueled by fears of major supply disruptions from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leaders, heightening risks of a wider regional war.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which ~14 million barrels per day flowed in 2025 (about one-third of global seaborne crude exports), is the main concern. Tanker traffic has virtually stopped as companies exercise caution, with vessels backing up and Iran's Revolutionary Guards issuing passage warnings (no formal closure confirmed).
Analysts expect an immediate price jump:
Near-term reaction: +$3–$5 per barrel likely.
Severe scenarios (infrastructure attacks or prolonged closure): +$10–$20 or more.
Worst case (full blockade or broader Gulf escalation): Brent could hit $100+, reminiscent of 1970s energy crises.
Friday closes: WTI ~$67 (up 17% YTD), Brent ~$73 (up 20% YTD). Kalshi markets price a 79% chance of U.S. crude reaching at least $73.
Duration matters most—a brief halt may limit gains, but sustained conflict could pressure global supplies heavily.
President Trump said Sunday that Iran wants talks and he has agreed, offering a potential de-escalation path, while calling U.S. operations "ahead of schedule." Markets remain uncertain about Iran's leadership transition and safe resumption of tanker flows through the critical chokepoint.
Interesting: China's Honor shows off smartphone with robotic camera arm and teases a humanoid robot.
Xiaomi launched The Xiaomi 17 (starting at $1,176) and 17 Ultra (starting at $1,499) representing the Chinese technology giant's top tier devices aimed at challenging the likes of Samsung and Apple. Xiaomi has maintained the prices of the devices versus last year's flagship, even amid the huge jump in memory prices.
Surprising: Google wants Intrinsic to be 'Android of robotics' as it pushes into physical AI. In other news, airlines cancel hundreds of flights after U.S., Israeli attacks on Iran.
💵 Personal Finance
Mastering Credit Card Selection: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing the right credit card can significantly impact your finances, whether you're building credit, earning rewards, or managing debt. With numerous options available in 2026, the key is aligning a card with your credit profile, spending patterns, and goals.
Assess Your Credit Profile First
Begin by reviewing your credit score from major bureaus like Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian. A higher score (typically 670+) opens doors to premium rewards cards with better terms, while lower scores may limit you to secured or credit-builder options. Check your credit report for errors and understand factors like payment history and credit utilization that influence approval odds.
Define Your Primary Goals
Ask what you need from a card. If carrying a balance is likely, prioritize low or 0% introductory APR offers for purchases or balance transfers to minimize interest costs. For those who pay in full monthly, focus on rewards programs—cash back, travel points, or miles—that match your lifestyle. Credit-building cards suit those repairing scores, often with no annual fees and automatic reporting to bureaus.
Analyze Your Spending Habits
Examine recent statements or budgeting apps to identify top categories like groceries, dining, gas, or travel. Select cards offering bonus rewards in those areas—for instance, elevated cash back on everyday essentials. Avoid chasing perks that don't fit your routine, as they can lead to unnecessary spending.
Compare Key Features and Costs
Evaluate APRs (often 20-25% variable in recent years), annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and intro offers. Rewards cards may charge $95+ annually but provide value exceeding the fee through perks like travel credits or protections. Low-interest cards typically skip rewards for lower rates. Use comparison tools to weigh long-term value—calculate expected rewards against fees.
Make the Smart Application Choice
Apply only for cards you're likely to qualify for to avoid hard inquiries hurting your score. Start with your current bank or credit union for potential better terms. Read terms carefully, including grace periods and penalties. Once approved, use responsibly: pay on time, keep utilization below 30%, and monitor statements.
The ideal card fits your life without forcing changes. Shop around, as the best fit evolves with your needs.
💰 Be a Better Investor
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
What did you think of today's newsletter?
👩🏽⚖️ Legal Stuff
FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY; NOT ADVICE. Morning Download products and services are offered for educational and informational purposes only and should NOT be construed as a securities-related offer or solicitation or be relied upon as personalized financial advice. We are not financial advisors and cannot give personalized advice. There is a risk of loss in all trading, and you may lose some or all of your original investment. Results presented are not typical. This message may contain paid advertisements, or affiliate links. This content is for educational purposes only.
Please review the full risk disclaimer: MorningDownload.com/terms-of-use