The Trading Post | 02.13.26

February 13, 2026

Good morning,

Futures are flat after an AI-led tech smackdown. Today’s inflation print could make or break June rate-cut hopes, Nasdaq just logged one of its ugliest weeks since November, gold is bouncing off recent lows, and pre-market movers are lighting up the tape.

Let’s jump in.

Yesterday’s Post-Market Performance

As of 02.12.26 market close.

Market News

  • US stock index futures flat as traders eye key inflation data after AI-driven tech rout: All three major indices are tracking their worst week since November as AI capex fears spread beyond software into cyclicals. Today’s CPI could either calm rate-cut nerves…or light another match. Reuters

  • AI disruption fears deepen tech rout as Nasdaq leads Wall Street selloff: Nasdaq fell ~2% as investors demand actual ROI from the $650B AI spending spree. Translation: vibes are no longer enough. CNBC

  • Investors pull cash from US equity funds as mega-cap AI trade unwinds: US equity funds saw outflows while Europe and Asia attracted fresh inflows. Crowded US growth trades are finally feeling gravity. Reuters

  • Gold buyers step in at recent lows as traders hedge ahead of US inflation release: Gold rebounds on dip-buying as traders brace for CPI. If inflation runs hot, expect growth stocks to sweat while gold flexes. Reuters

  • Pre-market fireworks: RIVN, AMAT, COIN rip higher while PINS tanks after earnings: Big gaps both ways. Expect early volatility and aggressive liquidity hunts at the open. CNBC

Earnings We’re Watching

  • Advance Auto Parts Inc. (AAP) - Friday (BMO) 

  • Colliers International Group Inc. (CIGI) - Friday (BMO) 

  • Enbridge, Inc. (ENB) - Friday (BMO) 

  • Magna International Inc. (MGA) - Friday (BMO) 

  • Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT) - Friday (BMO) 

  • TC Energy Corporation (TRP) - Friday (BMO) 

Trade Ideas

Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB), Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD),
Boeing Company (BA)

Bloom Energy Corporation (BE), Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK_B), Fortress Transportation & Infr (FTAI), Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD)

Insmed, Inc (INSM), iShares Russell 2000 Index Fun (IWM), Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS),
Drxn Dly S&P Biotech Bull 3X (LABU)

Lennar Corporation (LEN), Lemonade, Inc (LMND), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW),
NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)

Natera, Inc. (NTRA), Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB), SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC),
Simon Property Group, Inc (SPG)

Toll Brothers, Inc (TOL), Valero Energy Corporation (VLO), Astera Labs, Inc (ALAB),
Applied Materials, Inc (AMAT)

Want to learn how we trade these? Learn the setup we call the “High Volatility Switchback” trade.

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Daily Moment of Zen

❝

In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.

Warren Buffett

Why It Matters:

Everything makes perfect sense…after it already happened.

In markets, hindsight is undefeated. The AI bubble? “Obviously” stretched. The tech selloff? “Clearly” telegraphed. The inflation spike? “Totally predictable.” Funny how clarity shows up only once your stop is already hit.

The windshield is foggy because it’s full of uncertainty — data risk, positioning, sentiment, liquidity. That’s where traders actually live. The rearview mirror is just a highlight reel stitched together by ego and selective memory.

For active traders, this quote is a reminder of two things:

Don’t trade narratives — trade levels. The story will always sound cleaner tomorrow. Today it’s noise.

Risk management beats prediction. You don’t need a crystal-clear windshield. You need position sizing that survives the fog.

Everyone’s a genius in hindsight. Professionals build plans for when they’re wrong in real time.