Global Markets: U.S. Major Indices Close Higher, Optical Communication and Mining Stocks Rise Across the Board, New York Silver Futures Surge Nearly 9%

U.S. Stock Market: The three major U.S. stock indices all closed higher on February 20. At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 230.81 points to 49,625.97, up 0.47%; the S&P 500 increased 47.62 points to 6,909.51, up 0.69%; and the Nasdaq Composite gained 203.34 points to 22,886.07, up 0.9%. This week, the Dow has gained 0.25%, the Nasdaq 1.51%, and the S&P 1.07%.

Large-cap tech stocks mostly rose, with Alphabet-A up over 4%, Netflix and Amazon up over 2%, Apple, Nvidia, and Meta up over 1%, and Tesla slightly higher; Microsoft declined slightly.

Optical communications and mining stocks mostly rose, with Corning up over 7%, Coherent up over 6%, and Lumentum, Pan American Silver, Hecla Mining, and Royal Gold up over 5%.

Popular Chinese concept stocks had mixed performances, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index down 0.05%. TSMC rose 2.82%, Pinduoduo up 2.93%, Alibaba up 0.12%, Baidu down 0.91%, Bitdeer Technologies Group-A down 2.02%, JD.com up 0.51%, Yum China down 1.81%, Ctrip down 1.39%, Futu Holdings up 1.22%, and NIO up 2.84%.

European Markets: The three major European stock indices all closed higher on February 20. The FTSE 100 in London closed at 10,686.89, up 59.85 points or 0.56%; France’s CAC 40 closed at 8,515.49, up 116.71 points or 1.39%; Germany’s DAX closed at 25,260.69, up 217.12 points or 0.87%.

Commodities Market: International oil prices declined on February 20. At the close, NYMEX WTI crude futures for the current month fell $0.09 to $66.31 per barrel, down 0.14%. COMEX gold futures for the current month rose $132.60 to $5,130.0 per ounce, up 2.65%. COMEX silver futures rose $6.94 to $84.57 per ounce, up 8.93%. Spot gold increased $111.02 to $5,107.32 per ounce, up 2.22%. Spot silver rose $6.12 to $84.62 per ounce, up 7.80%.

Overnight Headlines

Trump: Will Impose an Additional 10% Tariff on U.S. Imports from Global Sources on Top of Existing Tariffs

On February 20, U.S. President Trump announced he will sign an order, under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, to impose an additional 10% tariff on all imports from around the world on top of existing tariffs. He made this statement during a press conference after the Supreme Court ruled that his tariff policies were unlawful. He also said the 10% tariff will likely take effect “within about three days.”

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Trump Administration’s Large-Scale Tariffs Unlawful

On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs implemented by the Trump administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act lacked clear legal authorization.

Trump: Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs “Shameful,” Alternatives Already Considered

According to CCTV, on February 20, President Trump called the Supreme Court’s ruling “shameful.” Sources said during a breakfast with governors at the White House that Trump has already considered alternative plans to respond to the court’s decision.

U.S. Q4 GDP Grew Only 1.4%, Economists Warn Recession Risks Are Higher Than Expected

Latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released this week shows that by the end of 2025, the U.S. economy sharply cooled, with the initial estimate of quarterly annualized GDP growth dropping to 1.4%. This slowdown is mainly due to tariffs and a prolonged government shutdown weakening previous growth momentum. For the full year, U.S. economic growth was 2.2%, lower than last year’s 2.8%. Despite the impact of Trump’s tariffs, U.S. imports increased last year, and the trade deficit continued to expand.

European Parliament Member: The Era of U.S. President Arbitrarily Imposing Tariffs May Be Ending

On social media, European Parliament International Trade Committee Chair Bernd Lange stated that the Supreme Court’s decision has set “legal barriers,” and the era of the U.S. president “imposing tariffs arbitrarily and without limits may be coming to an end.” He said the ruling “sends a positive signal for the rule of law,” showing that “even the U.S. president is not above the law.”

German Chancellor Calls for Strengthening Europe’s Security and Economic Power

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at the CDU party congress on February 20, said that the current international situation is undergoing a “historic shift,” and the rules-based international order no longer exists. Germany and Europe are in a complex and challenging period. Scholz emphasized that security is the foundation of freedom, and Europe must enhance its defense capabilities and strengthen its economic power.

NASA: Manned Moon Mission Launch Scheduled for March 6

On February 20, U.S. NASA officials announced that after completing critical rocket tests, they plan to launch the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission on March 6. However, NASA also warned that remaining preparations could delay the launch.

High Stakes AI Investment Leaves Ordinary Employees Paying the Price? Meta Reportedly Cuts Equity Incentives for Two Consecutive Years

Latest reports indicate that Meta Platforms has cut equity incentives for most employees for the second year in a row. Insiders say Meta reduced the annual stock option grants for most employees by about 5%, affecting tens of thousands of staff. The company had previously cut about 10% the year before, shocking many employees.

Private Equity Executive: Industry Risk Management Fails — Software Bubble Warning Was Three Years Ago

An Apollo Global Management executive stated that the private equity industry is facing a long period of pain from software investments, as it failed to recognize early how AI and other new technologies would disrupt this long-favored sector. Apollo partner and co-head of private equity David Sambur said, “People are only now realizing that a multi-car pileup is imminent on the software investment highway. All signs were there as early as 2022.”

Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Operate at your own risk. Eastmoney publishes this content to disseminate information and does not represent the platform’s stance. While striving for accuracy, Eastmoney does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of the data. For any errors or omissions, please refer to the official disclosures from the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s designated media. Eastmoney is not responsible for any gains or losses resulting from this information. Users assume all risks when using the service, and Eastmoney makes no guarantees of any kind.