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Good morning investors!

If this is your first time reading, welcome to The Investor’s Edge — a thriving community of over 22,000 subscribers striving to be better investors with an edge in the market.

Every Wednesday we publish “The Mid-Week Wrap-Up” — your ticket to being well informed and staying ahead in the investment game!

This report is designed to help investors of all skill levels break down important stories/topics within the stock market. And best of all, we cut through all of the BS and give you exactly what you need to know in easy to digest, bite sized pieces of content.

This article is designed to truly give you that EDGE in the day ahead!

Grab your afternoon pick me up and let’s dive in.

Market Talk

The S&P 500 is leading the charge this week, making new all-time highs today, while the rest of the market is mixed.

3 Stories Moving the Market

These are some of the biggest stories so far this week that are having an influence on market action.

Trump suggests 25% tariffs on autos, pharma and semiconductors that could go even higher

President Trump announced plans to expand U.S. tariffs to include automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, with duties set at 25% and potentially increasing over time. The tariffs could take effect as early as April 2, though details on specific countries or exemptions remain unclear.

The move broadens the administration’s trade policy, which already includes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. The largest auto exporters to the U.S.—Mexico, Japan, and Canada—could be significantly affected. Trump claims the tariffs are encouraging companies to relocate operations to the U.S.

For pharmaceuticals, Japan and India would be most impacted, potentially leading to higher drug prices and supply shortages. Analysts suggest companies may shift manufacturing to tariff-free locations.

On semiconductors, Trump did not specify a timeline, but the tariffs would affect Taiwan Semiconductor, a key supplier for Nvidia and Apple.

Embattled EV maker Nikola files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Once a Wall Street darling, Nikola Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after failing to secure a buyer or raise additional funds.

The company plans to auction off its assets, with $47 million in cash remaining to fund bankruptcy proceedings. CEO Steve Girsky cited industry and macroeconomic challenges as key factors behind the decision.

Nikola’s collapse follows years of scandals, including fraud charges against founder Trevor Milton, who misled investors about the company’s zero-emissions technology.

Once valued at $30 billion and backed by GM, Nikola struggled with production issues, vehicle recalls, and dwindling capital. Despite efforts to push forward, the company had warned it lacked the cash to operate beyond early 2025.

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Apple debuts iPhone 16e for $599, includes Apple Intelligence, Apple's first in-house modem

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly smartphone priced at $599, featuring Apple Intelligence and the company’s first in-house C1 modem.

With a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a 48MP camera with 2x telephoto zoom, the 16e aligns more closely with mid-range models like the iPhone 16 than its predecessor, the iPhone SE.

The device is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and includes a USB-C port. Apple claims the battery lasts 24 hours, significantly improving over the SE.

By integrating Apple Intelligence—offering AI-powered features like writing assistance and ChatGPT integration—Apple hopes to entice users to upgrade. However, Wall Street remains skeptical about its impact on driving demand.

In Other News

In this section we'll be curating a selection of news headlines we think you'll find interesting. If a topic catches your eye, click the provided links to read more about it.

• Microsoft reveals its first quantum computing chip, the Majorana 1

• X in talks to raise money at a $44B valuation

• Gold Hovers Near Record High as Trade Risks Boost Haven Appeal

• Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive

• Baidu's Q4 print beats on top and bottom lines; shares fall on weak ad revenue

• Weekly mortgage demand drops 6%, as homebuyers remain ‘on the fence’

• Southwest Airlines to slash 15% of corporate jobs in ‘unprecedented’ move to cut costs

• Etsy stock tumbles on revenue miss as company reports drop in number of goods sold

• Chipotle Mexican Grill to hire 20,000 additional workers for 'burrito season'

• KFC moves U.S. headquarters from Kentucky to Texas

• JetBlue talking to ‘multiple airlines’ about a new partnership

• Celsius Stock Jumps Ahead of Earnings, Conference Presentation

• Hims & Hers to offer at-home blood draws and lab testing with new acquisition

The Second Half

Earnings season carries on as several major names are scheduled to report, while we get a few notable economic reports to end the week.

Earnings Reports

Earnings season carries on and we have a busy Thursday as 5 companies we cover that will be reporting earnings.

• Wednesday 2/19: --

• Thursday 2/20: Walmart, Alibaba, MercadoLibre, Block, and VICI Properties

• Friday 2/21: --

Here is the calendar of earnings releases scheduled for the rest of the week:

Economic Reports

There will be another key housing report to end the week, as well as initial jobless claims, composite PMI and consumer sentiment. We also get the latest FOMC meeting minutes later today.

Here is the full calendar of events scheduled for the remainder of the week:

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Thank you for reading this edition of the Mid-Week Wrap-Up.

Until next time investors!

Mark & Chris

The Investor’s Edge

Disclosure

This is not investing advice. It is very important that you do your own research and make investments based on your own personal circumstances, preferences, goals and risk tolerance.