Tag: Market

Trading surge hits markets minutes before Trump’s Iran announcement
S&P 500 futures and crude oil contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) at approximately 6:50 a.m. ET Monday—mere minutes before President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” toward resolving hostilities in the Middle East.
The timing has raised eyebrows across trading desks and prompted quiet scrutiny from market participants, even as the White House forcefully denies any impropriety.
According to Bloomberg data reviewed by multiple outlets, roughly 6,200 Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures contracts traded in a single minute around 6:50 a.m., representing a notional value of approximately $580 million.
At virtually the same instant, S&P 500 e-mini futures recorded an isolated burst of activity that stood out against an otherwise subdued pre-market session. Both oil and equity futures then moved dramatically once Trump’s post appeared at 7:05 a.m.

WTI crude plunged nearly 12% to around $83–$88 per barrel by the close, while Brent fell below $100 for the first time since early March. S&P 500 futures, by contrast, jumped more than 2.5% in the minutes following the announcement, reflecting investor relief that planned U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure had been postponed for five days.

The volume anomalies occurred during thin early-morning liquidity, when even modest order flow can create noticeable spikes. Still, veteran traders described the coordinated moves—aggressive selling or shorting of oil while buying equity futures—as unusually prescient.
“It’s hard to prove causality… but you have to wonder who would have been relatively aggressive at selling futures at that point, 15 minutes before Trump’s post,” one senior market strategist at a major U.S. broker told the Financial Times. Another hedge-fund portfolio manager with 25 years of experience called the pattern “really abnormal” for a quiet Monday morning with no scheduled data releases or Fed speakers.

The SEC and CME Group declined to comment. White House spokesperson Kush Desai rejected any suggestion of insider activity, stating: “The only focus of President Trump and Trump administration officials is doing what’s best for the American people… any implication that officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible reporting.”
Markets React to De-Escalation — For Now
Trump’s Truth Social post described “productive conversations” with Iran and ordered the postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, subject to continued talks. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, quickly denied that any negotiations were underway, calling the claim “fake news” designed to manipulate oil and financial markets.

Oil prices, which had climbed aggressively in recent sessions on fears of supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, reversed sharply. WTI settled down roughly 10–12% at $83–$88 per barrel, while Brent dropped 11–13% to just under $100. European natural gas (TTF) also fell sharply.
The moves provided temporary relief to risk assets but highlighted how fragile sentiment remains. Morgan Stanley analysts warned that a sustained rise to $120 per barrel oil could shave 20–30 basis points off Asian GDP growth and force rate hikes in several emerging economies later this year.
A Pattern of Well-Timed Trades?
This is not the first instance of unusually prescient trading ahead of major Trump administration announcements in recent months. Hedge funds and energy consultants have privately noted several large block trades that appeared well-timed relative to official statements on Iran and Venezuela.
While such patterns are difficult to prove as improper without concrete evidence, they have generated “a level of frustration” among institutional investors, according to one portfolio manager.
Algorithmic and macro strategies can produce rapid cross-asset flows, especially in thin pre-market hours, but the scale and precision of Monday’s moves—selling oil and buying equities just before a de-escalation announcement—left many questioning whether non-public information circulated.
Political and Market Context
The episode unfolds against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension and domestic political pressure on the Trump administration’s aggressive posture toward Iran. While Trump framed the postponement as a sign of progress, critics argue the administration’s brinkmanship has already inflicted economic pain through elevated energy prices and market volatility.
For now, the market appears to be pricing in cautious optimism that a wider conflict can be avoided. Yet with Iran denying talks and both sides continuing information operations, the “fog of war” remains thick.
Investors would be wise to treat headline-driven moves with skepticism—especially when large, well-timed trades precede them.
March 23, 2026
Boston Scientific Stock Is on Pause. Its Earnings Could Get It Moving Higher Again
Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE: BSX), a leading global medical device manufacturer, is facing an unusual period of stagnation. Known for delivering consistent performance over the years, the company’s stock has treaded water for the last six months. But with the release of its second-quarter earnings scheduled for Wednesday, investors and analysts alike are watching closely for signs of renewed momentum.
Boston Scientific’s stock has historically been a favorite among long-term investors, with a solid track record of innovation in minimally invasive medical technologies. Over the past five years, BSX has significantly outperformed many of its peers in the medtech sector, driven by robust product pipelines and strategic acquisitions.
However, since January 2025, the stock has shown little movement—hovering around the $66 to $70 range. This is despite broader market indices, including the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite, reaching new highs fueled by strong tech and healthcare performance.
Market analysts attribute the recent pause in momentum to a combination of valuation concerns and investor wait-and-see behavior ahead of earnings. “Boston Scientific is not underperforming—it’s consolidating,” said Linda Corrigan, Senior HealthTech Analyst at Fairview Investments. “Investors are waiting for a new catalyst.”
That catalyst could come in the form of Boston Scientific’s Q2 earnings report, which is expected before the market opens on Wednesday.
Wall Street consensus estimates forecast revenue of $3.77 billion for the quarter, up 9.3% year-over-year, and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.61, compared to $0.53 in Q2 2024. The company has beaten EPS estimates in 8 of the last 10 quarters, and analysts are optimistic it will continue that trend.
“The real story will be in the company’s guidance and commentary on growth drivers like the Watchman FLX Pro, Farapulse, and recent expansion in Asia-Pacific markets,” said John Nathan, Equity Research Director at Harding Wealth. “If they deliver a solid beat and raise, BSX could break out of its holding pattern.”
Boston Scientific continues to benefit from its diversified product offerings across cardiology, urology, neuromodulation, and endoscopy. The Watchman heart device and Farapulse pulsed field ablation system remain two of its most closely watched products, with the latter recently gaining traction in Europe and awaiting wider U.S. adoption.
Moreover, the company’s $3.7 billion acquisition of Axonics earlier this year has expanded its footprint in sacral neuromodulation and is expected to be accretive to earnings by late 2025.
In its last earnings call, CEO Mike Mahoney emphasized “strong momentum across our growth platforms” and hinted at further investment in AI-driven diagnostics and robotic-assisted technologies—an area Boston Scientific is expected to ramp up through 2026.
Despite the flat trading pattern, institutional interest in BSX remains strong. According to Bloomberg data, over 68% of the float is held by institutions, including major players like Vanguard, BlackRock, and T. Rowe Price.
The stock currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.5, roughly in line with the sector average. Some analysts believe this leaves room for upside if the company can deliver a strong beat and raise guidance.
Technical analysts note a key resistance level at $71.50. A strong earnings report could push the stock through this ceiling, with bullish targets around $75 to $78 in the near term.
Boston Scientific is at a critical juncture. While its fundamentals remain strong and its long-term outlook is bright, the next few days could determine whether BSX resumes its upward climb or continues to linger in limbo. Wednesday’s earnings report will be a major inflection point for the stock—and possibly for investors seeking medtech exposure in a high-growth, post-pandemic landscape.
July 17, 2025
Hertz Stock Soars 56% After Billionaire Investor Bill Ackman Reveals His Stake
Share prices of Hertz surged 56% after billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s firm disclosed a stake in the car rental company.
Pershing Square Capital Management said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday that it had acquired 12.7 million shares valued at $46.5 million. Pershing Square owns 4.1% of Hertz, making it the third-largest investor after Knighthead Capital Management and BlackRock, according to LSEG data.
CNBC reported on Wednesday that Pershing Square’s purchase — which includes shares and swaps — took its Hertz holdings to about 19.8%
Hertz shares closed 56.4% higher at $5.71 apiece on Wednesday and were up 33.8% in after-hours trade. The stock was little changed this year before Pershing Square’s disclosure.
Even though Hertz’s gains on Wednesday were massive, the car rental company’s stock isn’t a stranger to such eye-watering jumps.
In summer 2020, Hertz’s shares surged over 800% in weeks after filing for pandemic-induced Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection — making it the original meme stock.
It exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 and started investing heavily in electric vehicles, including a plan to buy 100,000 Teslas.
However, the company started backtracking on its EV plan due to the cost of maintenance and repairs for the cars. Used EV prices have also been falling sharply.
Hertz was selling a significant number of its EVs by 2024 and was even asking customers if they wanted to buy the vehicles.
The failed bet on EVs showed up in earnings. Vehicle depreciation cost Hertz a $1 billion non-cash impairment charge in the third quarter.
Pershing Square did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment sent outside regular business hours.
April 18, 2025
‘Keep your head’ if you’re spooked by tariffs: Warren Buffett once suggested reading a 19th century poem when stocks fall
Stock prices fell sharply on Thursday after President Donald Trump the day before announced sweeping tariffs of 10% on all U.S. trading partners and higher levies on countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit.
With Thursday’s decline, the S&P 500 — a proxy for the broad U.S. stock market — has now slid more than 11% from its record high in February, putting the index in correction territory, defined as a drop of 10% or more from recent highs.
Investors and economists alike fear that Trump’s tariff policies could ignite a trade war with the nation’s trading partners and push inflation higher, two factors that could push the U.S. toward an economic slowdown. Should a recession become imminent, markets could sell off — and quickly.
Over the years, Berkshire Hathaway chairman and investing legend Warren Buffett has recommended staying calm in times of volatility.
In his 2017 letter to shareholders, Buffett wrote: “There is simply no telling how far stocks can fall in a short period.” But should a major decline occur, he continued, “heed these lines” from Rudyard Kipling’s classic poem “If,” circa 1895.
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs … If you can wait and not be tired by waiting … If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim … If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you … Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.”
Why keeping your cool pays off
It’s worth noting that Buffett was writing about major declines in the stock market, such as periods like the 2007 to 2009 bear market during which the S&P 500 lost more than 50% of its value.
Those are quite a bit rarer than what’s happening now. In fact, corrections in the stock market are pretty standard fare. There have been 21 declines of 10% or more in the S&P 500 since 1980, with an average intra-year drawdown of 14%, according to Baird Private Wealth Management.
Of course, investors often don’t know if things are going to go from bad to worse until they do.
“No one can tell you when these will happen,” Buffett wrote in 2017. “The light can at any time go from green to red without pausing at yellow.”
The light can at any time go from green to red without pausing at yellow.
Warren Buffett
But whether a decline is modest and short-lived or seemingly long and painful, the message to individual investors is the same: Stick to your long-term plans and continue investing.
Buffett writes that he views downturns as “extraordinary opportunities.” Why? Because, historically, it’s never been all that long before the market resumes its upward trajectory.
Since 1928, the average bear market — defined by a decline of 20% or more from recent highs — has lasted less than 10 months, according to data from Hartford Funds. In the scope of the several decades you likely plan on investing, that’s practically no time at all.
And even if living through it can be scary, keep your eyes on the prize: your long-term goals. By continuing to consistently invest as the market declines, you effectively buy stocks when they’re selling at a discount. As long as you take a well-diversified approach to investing, you’ll get a better and better deal the further stock prices fall.
As Kipling says, keep your head, ignore breathless headlines and keep doing your thing. Will the Earth and everything in it be yours? Maybe not — but you’ll likely do a good job of boosting your long-term wealth.
The whole attitude recalls another quote of Buffett’s, about taking advantage of bargain-priced investments, this time from his 2009 shareholder letter: “Big opportunities come infrequently. When it’s raining gold, reach for a bucket, not a thimble.”
April 9, 2025
S&P 500 nears bear market, as highest tariffs in a century threaten trade
The stock market staged a brief rally Tuesday on hopes that President Donald Trump would turn from raising tariffs to cutting deals, before sinking amid renewed tough talk by administration officials. The S&P 500 index closed down 1.5 percent, bringing its total loss since the mid-February start of Trump’s trade offensive to almost 20 percent, the official indication of a bear market.
Stocks jumped nearly 4 percent in the first hour of trading, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that nearly 70 countries had approached the United States about negotiating over trade barriers. The next escalation of U.S. tariffs was just hours away. But the president fueled the upbeat mood with a subsequent social media post, describing a “great call” with South Korea’s acting president about a potential bargain.
Yet the market rebound soon fizzled.
On Capitol Hill, some of the president’s top aides sought to clarify the trade war’s murky parameters.
Jamieson Greer, the president’s chief trade negotiator, described the nation’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit as an emergency that required “urgent” efforts to reshape the U.S. economy. Greer brushed aside lawmakers’ complaints about potential costs to consumers and businesses, telling the Senate Finance Committee, “The president is fixed in his purpose.”
Bessent, meanwhile, sought to calm Republican fears that Trump’s bare-knuckled assault on the global trading system might trigger a politically lethal recession. During an hour-long meeting hosted by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), Bessent briefed lawmakers and Jay Timmons, the head of the National Association of Manufacturers, on the administration’s plans for a manufacturing revival.
One week after Trump’s announcement of the highest import taxes in more than a century, investors, companies and lawmakers continue trying to make sense of his ultimate goal. For now, the administration says the president is advancing on twin tracks: raising tariffs to encourage manufacturers to return to the United States, while fielding offers by other nations to lower their barriers to U.S. products.
Despite swelling criticism from lawmakers and chief executives, the administration appears vindicated by the eagerness of foreign leaders hoping to avert U.S. tariffs by making a deal with Trump. In her daily briefing for reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt struck a combative tone.
“America does not need other countries as much as other countries need us,” she said.
The president’s high-risk strategy is already paying off, according to Greer, who cited recent investment announcements by automakers and other manufacturers planning to expand their U.S. operations. Likewise, officials from Argentina, Vietnam and Israel have indicated they will drop their tariff and regulatory barriers to U.S. exports.
Greer and other administration officials are engaged in talks with countries such as Japan and South Korea.
But there is no immediate prospect of talks with the nation at the center of U.S. trade complaints: China. After China imposed a 34 percent tariff on U.S. goods, in retaliation for Trump’s April 2 announcement, the president added an additional 50 percent tax on top of his earlier moves.
As of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, American importers of some Chinese products will pay a tax of up to 129 percent.
Greer said the administration was “disappointed” with China’s failure to comply with the 2020 “phase one” trade deal Trump signed in his first term, which committed Beijing to make substantial purchases of U.S. farm, energy and manufactured goods. Amid the disruption of the pandemic, which erupted within weeks of the White House signing ceremony for the deal, China fell short of its commercial promises.
After Trump said he would impose the additional 50 percent tariff, China’s Commerce Ministry called the president’s move “a mistake on top of a mistake.” If the United States waged a trade war against China, it would “fight to the end,” the ministry said.
Administration official say they have the advantage over Chinese President Xi Jinping, since Americans buy roughly three times as much from China as the Chinese buy from U.S. companies. Trump said China “panicked” in opting to retaliate for his tariffs.
“The president believes that Xi and China want to make a deal. They just don’t know how to get that started,” Leavitt told reporters.
The administration’s unruly nature, however, is shadowing the president’s policy aims. Growing acrimony between Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, and Peter Navarro, a White House trade adviser, spilled into public view in recent days.
After Navarro disparaged Musk during a CNBC interview as a “car assembler” rather than a manufacturer, the Tesla CEO savaged the former university professor in posts on X as “dumber than a sack of bricks” and “Peter Retarrdo.”
*Peter Retarrdo
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025
The extraordinary display was praised by Leavitt as evidence of the administration’s transparency.
“Boys will be boys, and we will let their public sparring continue,” she said.
Greer’s congressional testimony offered additional details of Trump’s plan. Asked by several senators whether American businesses would win exclusions from the tariffs to continue importing products that they could not obtain from domestic suppliers, Greer said no.
“The president does not intend to have exclusions,” he said, adding that granting them would undermine the planned economic restructuring. “We’re trying to remedy a situation that’s persisted for many years.”
Though quick to praise the president’s goals, Republicans on the Finance Committee repeatedly voiced worry over the short-term economic costs.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) told Greer a constituent had relocated his supply chain from China to Vietnam in response to the president’s first-term trade policy only to find that he would now be paying a new 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese products.
Cattle ranchers in Montana were distressed by a 92 percent decline in Chinese purchases of U.S. beef last month, as the trade war intensified, according to Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana).
And Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) pronounced himself “skeptical” that the administration could wage a trade war against dozens of countries simultaneously.
“This is creating some anxiety,” said Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana).
Some big-name tech stocks with notable morning gains joined the broader market in retreating, with Alphabet, Amazon, Apple and Tesla in negative territory Tuesday afternoon.
Stock analysts characterized Tuesday morning’s rally as a natural reaction after weeks of declines, capped by the harshest three-day sell-off in years.
With tariff negotiations beginning, markets “may be an important step closer to finding an equilibrium,” Mark Zabicki, chief investment officer at LPL Financial, wrote in a Tuesday research note.
Some Asian and European markets recovered Tuesday despite the Chinese threats of trade war escalation.
Germany’s DAX gained about 2.5 percent, and London’s FTSE 100 climbed 3.3 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 6 percent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and India’s Sensex were both up 1.5 percent.
But markets in several Southeast Asian countries, which are vulnerable to any disruption of global trade, suffered more losses. Markets in Vietnam and Indonesia declined more than 7 percent, while an index linked to Thailand was down more than 4 percent. Taiwan’s Taiex fell 4 percent.
April 9, 2025