ByteDance is reportedly developing an advanced AI inference chip and in early manufacturing talks with Samsung Electronics, sources said. Sample units are expected by end-March 2026, with an initial annual target of 100,000 and potential ramp to 350,000. Access to稀缺 memory components from Samsung adds value amid global AI infrastructure growth.

A ByteDance spokesperson denied the in-house chip plan without further details. The project, codenamed SeedChip, aligns with the company’s broader AI push, including a Seed unit established in 2023 to develop AI models and applications. ByteDance plans over $22 billion in AI spending this year, with more than half allocated to Nvidia H200 GPUs and advancing its own chip.

Asian shares edged higher on Wednesday as U.S. retail sales for December, released Tuesday, showed weaker holiday spending, sending Wall Street mixed and weighing on expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

U.S. futures and Treasuries moved higher; gold and oil prices rose. Japan was closed for a holiday.

Hang Seng (HSI) +0.3% at 27,265.52; Shanghai Composite +0.3% at 4,139.56; Kospi up to 5,346.34; ASX 200 +1.5% at 8,999.20; Taiex +1.7%.

U.S. equities mixed: S&P 500 -0.3% at 6,941.81; Dow Jones +0.1% to 50,188.14; Nasdaq -0.6% at 23,102.47.

Mizuho Bank noted softening U.S. consumer momentum as eight of 13 categories posted declines, with wage growth cooling and household credit stress rising. The latest U.S. retail report also surprised on the down side, pressuring Treasuries and signaling potential pause in Fed rate hikes.

Key economic dates include Wednesday’s unemployment report and Friday’s consumer inflation data, which will inform the Fed’s decision on interest rates. Coca-Cola -1.5% following Q4 revenue below expectations; S&P Global -9.7% on 2025 profit guidance softer than expected.

Elsewhere, Paramount raised its all-cash offer for Warner Bros. Discovery by 25 cents per share for each quarter past the end of 2026, signaling regulatory confidence; Paramount Skydance +1.5%; Netflix +0.9%.

Energy and metals climbed: WTI +$0.50 to $64.49; Brent +$0.50 to $69.32; gold +0.8%; silver +2.0%. The dollar fell to 153.66 JPY from 154.40; EUR/USD to $1.1908 from $1.1890. Bitcoin -1.8% to $68,200+.

ARK Investment Management projects a multi-year capital expenditure boom driven by artificial intelligence, citing record hyperscaler spending and a convergence of AI with robotics and biotech. Goldman Sachs raised its 2026 AI CapEx forecast to $527B, ahead of consensus, as AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure outpace expectations. BlackRock views tech balance sheets as injecting national-level liquidity. However, the "SaaS-pocalypse" looms as near-zero marginal cost AI tools erode traditional software moats, depressing U.S. software stocks by roughly $300B. Auto stocks faced $59B in write-downs as legacy EV producers scale back. ARK highlights a Ginkgo Bioworks–OpenAI autonomous robotic lab for drug discovery and sees AI-integrated leaders gaining competitive advantage amid higher-for-longer macro conditions and geopolitical volatility.

OpenAI's path to commercialization is gaining momentum, sending ripples through its major partners. ChatGPT is set to begin testing advertisements in the U.S. free tier, and the company recently released an updated Codex. Growth in ChatGPT users is returning to over 10% monthly, with a new model expected later this week.

This optimism has lifted tech stocks: Oracle (ORCL-US) received a buy rating, driving a near-10% gain followed by a 2.11% close on February 11, 2026. Microsoft (MSFT-US) and NVIDIA (NVDA-US) also saw gains. Analysts at Morgan Stanley and D.A. Davidson note the company's improved capital structure and evolving role as Google's primary competitor, with broader index funds indirectly affected by its expanding ecosystem of partners and suppliers.

HBM4 entering verification and production is shifting memory demand back to SK Hynix and Samsung, while Micron (MU) faces significant share erosion. NVIDIA's Vera Rubin and AMD's Instinct MI400 architectures accelerating HBM4 adoption have pressured Micron's HBM4 qualification, with sources citing validation bottlenecks in packaging, pin speed, and process precision.

Micron is re-engineering its base chip and power distribution/PHY architecture to meet HBM4 by Q2 2026, but by then, SK Hynix is expected to capture over 50% of the HBM4 market and Samsung 20%–30%, depending on Micron's progress. Micron's vertical integration strategy and focus on cost and supply chain control may preserve strength in general-purpose DRAM, particularly with SOC AMM transitions.

Dubai International Airport recorded a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, reflecting a broader economic upswing in the United Arab Emirates. The figure, released February 11, 2026, marks a 6.8% year-over-year increase, driven by sustained tourism, business travel, and expansion ofeworld connectivity. The airport's traffic growth outpaces the global average, signaling continued momentum in the Gulf's post-pandemic recovery.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) stated at a congressional hearing that NVIDIA must enforce export of its H200 AI chips to China under the agreed terms, including know-your-customer (“KYC”) requirements.

Lighthizer said, “The licensing terms are very detailed and were jointly developed with the State Department; NVIDIA must comply with these provisions.” When asked if he trusted China would follow the proposed H200 restrictions, Lighthizer referred the question to President Trump.

Reuters reported last week that NVIDIA has not yet agreed to include proposed terms in China for use of the H200, including the KYC provisions aimed at ensuring the Chinese military cannot access such chips. The stock closed 0.8% lower at $188.54 per share.

Following the U.S.-China trade and tariff freeze agreement signed late in October 2025, the U.S. also approved the export of NVIDIA’s H200 to China, with the administration promising to delay restrictions on thousands of Chinese companies for one year. On Tuesday, Lighthizer again referred the issue to Trump, noting the “complex relationship” is under the leadership of the president and the Secretary of State. “They provide us with assistance and direction, and we follow their lead,” he said.

Lighthizer added, “We are all very aware of how critical minerals, rare earths, and magnets have been weaponized; how these issues are resolved is in the hands of the president.”

Organon (NYSE: OGN) will report earnings Thursday, Feb 13, 2026. The company posted Q4 revenue of $1.60 billion, up 1.3% year-on-year and 2% above Street estimates, but full-year guidance is slightly below consensus. For Q1 2026, analysts expect revenue to decline 5.2% YoY to $1.51 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.73 per share.

Over the past two years, Organon has exceeded top-line estimates by 1.7% on average and missed revenue guidance only once. Peer performance is mixed: Eli Lilly (+42.6% YoY, +7.4% over estimates) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (+1.4% YoY, +4.8% over estimates) outperformed, with Lilly up 1.7% and BMS up 7.6% on respective results. Pharmaceuticals peers have underperformed broadly (-3.7% in the last month), while Organon’s shares are flat and trade at $7.97 versus an average target of $9.36.

Optimum Communications (NYSE:OPTU) will report earnings before the market opens on February 14, 2026. Last quarter, the company missed revenue expectations by 1.4% to $2.11 billion, down 5.4% year-on-year, and underperformed on adjusted operating income and EPS. Subscribers totaled 3.87 million, a 4.1% year-on-year decline. Analysts expect revenue to fall 4.5% year-on-year to $2.13 billion this quarter, continuing a contraction from the 2.9% decline in Q4 2025. Over the past 30 days, estimates have remained unchanged, and the company has missed Wall Street revenue guidance five times in the past two years. Peer performance provides context: AT&T revenue rose 3.6% YoY and outperformed by 2.1 percentage points, while Verizon revenue was up 2% and outperformed by 0.7 percentage points. AT&T shares gained 9.3% and Verizon 12.1% on respective earnings calls. In the wireless, cable, and satellite segment, shares have averaged a 1.6% decline over the last month, while OPTU is down 18.6% and trades at $1.61 versus an average analyst price target of $2.16.

Nova (NASDAQ:NVMI) reports Q4 earnings Thursday, Feb 13, 2026. Last quarter, the semiconductor quality control company revenue rose 25.5% y/y to $224.6M, beating by 1.5%, with adjusted operating income in line with estimates despite higher inventory. For this quarter, analysts expect revenue up 13.5% y/y to $221.1M and adjusted EPS of $2.12. The company has beaten revenue estimates by an average of 2.8% over the past two years. Peer momentum is strong: Teradyne +13.4% and Kulicke & Soffa +19.3% following their Q4 results. The sector is up 10.2% in the past month; Nova is up 13.5% and trades at $458.94 with an average analyst price target of $400.71.

Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK) will release Q4 earnings after market close on February 14, 2026. Last quarter, the company reported $2.76 billion in revenue, a 1.4% YoY increase and 1.6% ahead of consensus, but guidance for next quarter’s adjusted EPS missed estimates. For the current quarter, analysts expect revenue to grow 1.4% YoY to $2.68 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.98 per share. Recent peer results show MasterCraft up 8.6% and Tapestry up 17.1% following strong beats; Mohawk is up 15% while the average analyst price target is $135.07 versus its current $136.91. Watch for whether EPS guidance aligns with broader consumer discretionary trends.

JFROG (NASDAQ:FROG) reports Q4 results Thursday after the bell, with a strong showing likely to follow. The company posted $136.9 million in revenue, up 25.5% year-on-year and 6.6% over analysts’ expectations. Q4 billings reached 1,121 enterprise customers, including 45 paying over $100,000 annually. Guidance for next quarter’s adjusted EPS exceeded estimates; revenue is expected to rise 19% Y/Y to $138.1 million. Analysts have confirmed their estimates in the past 30 days; JFROG has missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations just once in the past two years. The stock is down 7.6% in the last month while peers F5 and Datadog posted growth of 7.3% and 29.2%, respectively, with F5 rallying 8.1% on results. Average analyst price target is $72.53 versus the current $53.31.

Gates Industrial Corporation (NYSE:GTES) is scheduled to release Q4 earnings on February 14, 2026. Last quarter, the company reported revenue of $855.7 million, up 3% YoY, but missed adjusted operating income and organic revenue estimates. For Q4, analysts expect revenue to grow 3.1% YoY to $855.1 million and adjusted EPS of $0.37 per share. The company has missed revenue estimates four times in the past two years, while peers like Arrow Electronics and Graham Corporation posted strong gains of 20.1% and 20.5% YoY, respectively. GTES is up 19.2% over the last month versus a $27.17 average analyst price target and a current share price of $26.76.

Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ:EEFT) will report results Thursday, February 14, 2026, before the bell. Last quarter, the fintech provider missed revenue estimates by 4.5% with $1.15B in sales, up 4.2% YoY, marking a softer performance. For this quarter, analysts expect revenue to rise 5.8% YoY to $1.11B, down from 9.4% in the same quarter last year; adjusted EPS is forecast at $2.46/share. The company has missed Wall Street revenue estimates three times in the past two years. Peers: Corpay revenue up 20.7% YoY, beating estimates by 0.7% and up 11.6% on results; WEX revenue up 5.7% YoY, beating by 1.2%. Diversified financial services shares have averaged -3.5% over the past month; EEFT is unchanged while average analyst price target is $98 versus its current $74.60 share price.

Belden (NYSE:BDC) reports Q4 earnings today (February 11, 2026) before the market opens. The company posted revenue of $698.2 million, up 6.6% year-on-year, and beat revenue and adjusted operating income estimates. For today’s results, analysts expect revenue to grow 4.6% YoY to $696.9 million and adjusted earnings of $1.95 per share. Belden has beaten revenue guidance by 3.1% on average over the past two years. Peer results show Advanced Energy up 17.8% YoY and Littelfuse up 12.2%, while the electronic components sector averaged 8.6% gains last month. Belden is up 21.1% and trades near its $144.40 average target at $142.07.

Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) will report earnings Thursday, February 13, 2026, after the market closes. Last quarter, the company posted revenue of $6.8 billion, 2.2% above estimates and 3.5% YoY down, with a beat on EPS but rising inventory.

Analysts expect revenue to fall 3.9% YoY to $6.89 billion in the current quarter, down from 6.8% growth in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EPS is forecast at $2.21/share; the company has beaten revenue estimates 75% of the time over the past two years.

Sector peers have posted strong results: Teradyne up 13.4% and Kulicke & Soffa up 19.3% following earnings. The semiconductor manufacturing segment is up 10.2% in the last month; AMAT is up 7.7% and trades at an average price target of $335.21 versus a current share price of $329.97.

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) reports Q4 results Thursday before the market opens. The insurer missed revenue guidance by 0.7% to $4.78B, up 3.8% year-on-year, beat net premiums earned, but underperformed on book value per share. Analysts expect revenue to rise 4.3% YoY to $4.83B and adjusted EPS of $1.90/share. Last year’s same quarter saw a 135% revenue surge. LNC is down 5.9% over the past month while peers CNO Financial Group and Aflac posted growth and flat revenue, respectively, with CNO up 5.5% and Aflac up 3.4%.

Jan 6, 2026 — Renowned investor Jim Rogers, 84, advised selling U.S. equities and maintaining positions in gold, silver and copper. "I've cleared my U.S. holdings but will never sell my precious metals," he said in a Feb 6, 2026 interview.

Rogers, whose strategies have accurately predicted past crises, warned U.S. national debt of $38 trillion is pushing the country toward a potential "worst-case" downturn. He views precious metals as a hedge and insurance policy, buying more when prices fall, and plans to leave them as an inheritance.

He expects copper's industrial demand to outpace supply constraints for the near term and advises holding out. Rogers cautioned against overconfidence and excessive leverage, urging investors to maintain skepticism. He remains a坚定看多 China, overweighting sectors like aviation, tourism and agriculture, and sees AI as a transformative technology akin to electricity.

Lincoln Electric (NASDAQ:LECO) reports earnings Thursday, Feb 12, 2026. Last quarter, the company posted $1.06B in revenue, 7.9% YoY, and topped organic revenue estimates while slightly missing EBITDA guidance. For Q4 2025, analysts expect revenue to rise 7.1% YoY to $1.09B and adjusted EPS of $2.54/share. The company has beaten top-line estimates an average of 1.2% over the past two years. Peer performance is strong: Kennametal +7% and Fortive +10.8% on Q4 results; the professional tools and equipment sector is up 8.6% in the last month, while LECO is up 16.9% and trades at $293.84 vs an average target of $268.89.

Kinsale Capital Group (NYSE:KNSL) is scheduled to report earnings this Thursday, Feb 13, 2026, after market close. The insurer outperformed in Q4 2025, delivering $497.5 million in revenue, 19% higher than the prior-year period, and a 10.9% beat on revenue estimates. For Q1 2026, analysts expect revenue to rise 13.5% YoY to $467.7 million and adjusted earnings of $5.31 per share. The company trails its peers in recent results; Stewart Information Services and Assurant posted revenue gains of 19.6% and 7.9%, respectively, ahead of estimates. KNSL shares trade at $398.25 with an average analyst price target of $457.80, up 2% over the past month as the property & casualty insurance segment remains range-bound heading into earnings.