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Source: YCharts.com, February 28, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, February 23,
to Friday, February 27. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as
any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
AI Disruption
Markets began the week under pressure as investors’ fears of AI disruption spread to a wide variety of industries. On Monday, a new research report circulated across trading floors, suggesting that AI could influence the broader economy and affect the unemployment rate.3
Stocks bounced back over the next two sessions as investors saw opportunity in an oversold AI trade. The relief rally included software and cybersecurity stocks, as well as AI-related technology shares more broadly. The rally gained momentum, spurred on by a prominent AI chipmaker, as investors eagerly awaited its Q4 corporate report. Investors pushed all three major averages higher over both days.4
But markets resumed their decline over the final two trading days of the week. The Dow Industrials fell more than the other two major averages, both on Friday and for the week. The Dow’s weakness was notable given that it still leads the S&P 500 and Nasdaq year to date.5
Wholesale Inflation Rises
Friday’s shutdown-delayed Producer Price Index (PPI) report showed that wholesale inflation rose 0.5 percent in January over the prior month. Economists expected prices to rise by 0.3 percent.6
PPI measures the costs for businesses, and some fear that if it costs businesses more to make a good or deliver a service, those costs might get passed on to consumers. Investor concerns often rise whenever an inflation report shows prices rising faster than the Fed’s 2 percent target.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: PMI—Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. Auto Sales.
Tuesday: Fed Presidents John Williams (New York) and Neel Kashkari (Minneapolis) speak.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. PMI—Services. ISM Services. Fed Beige Book.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Q4 Productivity. Import Prices.
Friday: Federal Employment Report. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack speaks.
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; February 27, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Wednesday: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL)
Source: Zacks, February 27, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
Food For Thought
“Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters
cannot be trusted in large ones either.”
Albert Einstein
TAX TIP
Do You Know the Difference Between Taxable and Nontaxable Income?
All income you receive is taxable unless the rules explicitly state it isn’t. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxable income includes earned income, such as wages, as well as income from providing services or exchanging property or services. Rental income, interest, dividends, and social security benefits are all examples of taxable unearned income.
Some income is only taxable if certain conditions are met. For example, life insurance proceeds are usually not taxable to the beneficiary unless you redeem a life insurance policy for cash. Any amount you receive above the cost of the policy is taxable. State and local income tax refunds may be taxable and should be reported on your federal taxes.
Some forms of income are usually not taxable, like:
- Gifts and inheritances. (State taxes may apply to inheritances.)
- Welfare benefits.
- Damage awards for physical injury or sickness.
- Cash rebates from a dealer or manufacturer for an item you buy.
- Reimbursements for qualified adoption expenses.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov7
Healthy Living Tip
A Beginner's Guide to Juicing
Juicing is a fantastic way to get some extra fruits and veggies into your diet, especially on those busy days when you can’t find time to make a nutritious meal. Plus, it’s easy to start and reap the many benefits.
First, decide what kind of juicer you want. The two most common types are masticating and centrifugal juicers. Masticating juicers “chew” the food and are slower than centrifugal juicers. Preparing the produce for these juicers takes longer because they can juice only small pieces, but you retain more nutrients. Centrifugal juicers are slightly more affordable and use a spinning disk to extract juice. You do less produce prep, but the juice has fewer nutrients.
Next, you need to decide what to juice. You’ll learn which fruits and veggies yield the most juice and which choices combine well with others, but here are two simple recipes to get you started:
Green Juice
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Apple/pineapple/orange/lemon
- Spinach/kale
Purple Juice
- Beets (you can juice the green tops as well)
- Kale
- Carrots
You can add ginger, turmeric, or even garlic to give your juice extra flavor and kick.
Tip adapted from Live Simply Natural8
Weekly Riddle
All about but unseen, can be captured but can’t be held,
has no throat but can be heard.
What is it?
Last Week's Riddle: Brothers and sisters,
I have none, but this man's father is my father's son.
Who am I talking about?
Answer: My son.
Photo Of The Week
Bratan Lake: Bali, Indonesia
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