Markets Mixed: Nvidia Slump Weighs on Wall Street, Asia Trades Uneven & Gold Firms
Daily Market Update | 27 February 2026
Global markets showed mixed momentum as a post-earnings slump in Nvidia weighed on investor sentiment despite strong results. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions, tariff developments, and central bank expectations continue to influence market direction.
1. Asia Markets Mixed as Tech Stocks Slide
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street’s decline, driven by a sell-off in Nvidia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.6%, while the Topix remained flat after hitting record highs earlier. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.1%, with tech giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics declining. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.68%, while China’s CSI 300 slipped 0.49%.
2. S&P 500 Falls as Nvidia Drag Weighs on Market
The S&P 500 declined 0.54% to 6,908.86, while the Nasdaq dropped 1.18% amid a broader tech sell-off. The Dow edged up slightly by 17 points. Nvidia shares fell more than 5%, dragging down semiconductor stocks including Broadcom and Applied Materials.
3. Gold Firms Above $5,190 Amid Safe-Haven Demand
Gold held around $5,190 per ounce, marking a fourth consecutive weekly gain as investors sought safety amid trade uncertainties and geopolitical risks. Market participants are also watching potential Fed rate cuts depending on inflation trends.
4. Oil Stabilizes Around $65.5 on Iran Talks
WTI crude oil steadied near $65.5 per barrel after volatile trading, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to continue nuclear negotiations. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and military presence in the Middle East kept markets cautious.
5. U.S.-Iran Talks Continue Without Breakthrough
The latest U.S.-Iran nuclear talks concluded without a deal, though both sides agreed to continue discussions. Officials described the negotiations as the “most intense so far,” with further meetings scheduled in Vienna.
6. Tariff Refund Cases Near Legal Deadline
The U.S. Department of Justice faces a key deadline in tariff refund cases following the Supreme Court ruling. Over 2,000 cases have been filed as companies seek repayment of previously imposed tariffs.
7. World Economic Forum CEO Steps Down
World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende resigned following scrutiny over past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. His departure comes after an internal investigation into the matter.
8. Cuba Tensions Rise After Deadly Incident
Russia warned of escalating tensions in Cuba following a deadly encounter involving a U.S.-registered vessel. The situation highlights growing geopolitical strain in the region.
9. Netflix Walks Away from Warner Bros Deal
Netflix exited its deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets after a higher competing bid from Paramount. The revised offer valued the company at $31 per share.
10. Nvidia Falls Despite Strong Earnings
Nvidia shares dropped over 5% despite strong earnings, as investors questioned the sustainability of AI-driven growth and high capital expenditures across the sector.
11. Anthropic Pushes Back Against Pentagon Demands
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei reaffirmed the company’s stance against unrestricted military use of its AI models, despite pressure from the U.S. Department of Defense.
12. AST SpaceMobile Gains Momentum with Defense Contracts
AST SpaceMobile continues to strengthen its position as a government contractor, leveraging its satellite technology for defense communications. The latest contract enhances revenue visibility and strategic growth potential.
