Hi there,

Yesterday, Monday, February 23, 2026, Wall Street faced a sharp "Tariff Tantrum" after the administration ramped up global tariffs to 15% over the weekend. This aggressive move triggered a broad liquidation as investors reassessed global trade stability and inflationary risks.

📉 Active Option Trade Tracker

We are currently out of all trades and holding a 100% track record for 2026. While the broader market has struggled, our disciplined strategy continues to deliver significant outperformance.

• US 500 (IG Portfolio): Up +5.44% YTD.
• IBKR Option Portfolio: Up +3.72% YTD.
• S&P 500 Benchmark: Down -0.11% YTD.

Beating the Index: At a time when the benchmark S&P 500 is in negative territory for the year, our portfolios are showing robust positive returns. We are taking a strict wait-and-see approach given the tariff uncertainty. We will alert you when the time comes.

📋 Long-Term Buy Watchlist Update

Yesterday’s sell-off provided a significant "discount," but we remain patient for technical confirmation.

• PYPL (Spotlight): Interestingly, PayPal bucked the downward trend and rallied over +6% yesterday. This move was driven by reports of unsolicited takeover interest from major financial institutions. If these rumors are correct, there could be considerable upside as the stock currently trades at a deep valuation discount.

📅 Market Review for Monday, February 23, 2026

Overview: The "Liberation Day" tariff saga entered a more aggressive chapter, sending the Dow Jones down over 800 points. Investors also rotated out of "AI losers"—companies deemed vulnerable to disruption—creating a distinct split within the tech sector.

🏛️ FX & Crypto Review

• Bitcoin (BTC): Slumped nearly -4.8% to trade near $64,500 as tariff uncertainty dampened the appetite for risk.
• EUR/USD: Rose slightly to 1.1894 as the U.S. Dollar faced a mixed reaction to the news.
• Gold: The big winner. Surged over +2.7% to settle near $5,200 per ounce as investors fled to safety.

📈 Major Indices & Commodities

• S&P 500: Fell -1.04%, closing at 6,837.75.
• Nasdaq Composite: Slipped -1.12%, finishing at 22,630.41.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Plunged -1.66% (-821 points), closing at 48,969.77.
• Silver: Exploded higher to reach $86.77 per ounce.

📊 Specific Stock Performance (Verified Closing Prices)

• PYPL (PayPal): Up +6.21% ($44.71). The top performer in the S&P 500 on buyout buzz.

• NVDA (Nvidia): Down -4.28% ($181.55). Volatility is peaking ahead of its crucial earnings report this Wednesday.
• NFLX (Netflix): Down -3.37% ($76.02). Watchlist: Facing heavy selling pressure, nearing a potential entry.
• DELL (Dell Technologies): Down -2.71% ($118.96). Watchlist: Retesting support levels after the tariff news.
• MA (Mastercard): Down -1.63% ($511.74). Watchlist: Impacted by fears of slowing global spending.

📞 Strategy Call Assistance

If you require assistance with trade setup, risk management, or strategy review, please schedule a strategy call.

• PREMIUM Plan Members: Strategy calls are included in your plan.
• All Other Members: Strategy calls can be scheduled at a rate of €100 per half hour.

Happy Investing

Share Navigator Support

www.sharenavigator.ie