By Daniel Shvartsman

Investing.com February began with a tug of war in the markets or with a game combining follow-the leader with musical chairs. Alphabet (NASDAQ) (+7.3%) and Facebook/Meta Platforms(NASDAQ:] (-26.4%) dragged market with them, as best illustrated by the yoyo end to week. Unexpectedly strong U.S. employment reports suggested that the economy is still in good shape. Meanwhile, oil rose to new 7-year highs. Cryptocurrencies are also on the upswing as a reminder about the inflation hedge trade. There was an overall 1.5% increase in the weekly average, the Nasdaq rising 2.4% and the 1% respectively.

This sets us up to receive a CPI and several earnings reports over the next week. With its apparent geopolitical impact as well as the direct effect on commodity sectors, many will be following the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Here’s what you need to know to start your week:

1. U.S. CPI Report

In January the U.S. saw an increase in. This surprised economists and analysts, who thought that Omicron-related disruption might have had a greater effect. It’s a reminder of how much of the U.S. has decided COVID-19 is not a cause of huge concern, and also that the U.S. economy is fairly hot. Inflation is a result.

Thursday’s pre-market release of the and is expected to be announced. According to Economists, there will be a 1.5% monthly increase and 7.3% annual growth. Food and energy prices are excluded. Expectations for.5% month-over month increases and 5.9% annually. The Fed could not only raise its rates four more times in the coming year, but may also increase their rate by 50 basis points per month starting March. This report is likely to have significant weight.

You can also see:

2. Earnings read-through part 1 – pandemic related effects

One way to read Meta Platforms’ muted guidance and earnings report was as a new sign that pandemic-related tailwinds are gone for tech companies. Amazon’s rebound after its reports was as much about the worst already being priced into the shares, as the company took a big hit in Q3.

We’ll continue to get read-throughs on both “Covid plays” and “reopen plays” this week, with the following companies reporting:

• Simon Property Group (NYSE 🙂 ()
• Pfizer (NYSE:) ()
• Peloton (NASDAQ) ()
• Lyft (NASDAQ:) ()
• Disney (NYSE:) ()
• Uber (NYSE: ()
• (NYSE: ()
• AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:) ()
  Cloudflare (NYSE:) ()
• Expedia (NASDAQ:) ()

Peloton’s report will get extra attention with news breaking of Amazon’s in the fitness equipment and subscription company, which is at least a sign that Peloton could be up for sale. Uber will hold an investor conference on Thursday, following the release of its report. It will be closely followed.

You can also see:

3. Earnings read-through part 2 – inflation effects

Another important story that will be covered in this earnings season is how inflation affects different companies. There are companies in the materials, food and consumer goods sectors, as well as healthcare reporting. All of these should help to show how prevalent inflation is, as well the signs that there may be an easing trend, supply-chain or not.

The following companies are included in this group:

• Tyson Foods (NYSE:) ()
• Sysco (NYSE:) (()
• Centene (NYSE:) ()
• CVS Health (NYSE 🙂 ()
• ArcelorMittal (NYSE:) ()
• Coca-Cola (NYSE:) ()
• PepsiCo NASDAQ: ()
• Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:) ()
• Enbridge (NYSE 🙂 ()

You can also see: Our full earnings season calendar

4. Russia/Ukraine developments

Both Russia and Ukraine will continue to engage in diplomatic and military maneuvering. Reuters reportsFrench President Emmanuel Macron will visit Russia Monday and Tuesday to meet with President Vladimir Putin, according to the Washington Post reportsThe U.S. president Joe Biden has scheduled a meeting with Olaf Scholz (German Chancellor) on Monday. This comes after reports of a briefing given by the Biden administration to U.S. congress officials that Russia has built up 70% of the necessary force to invade Ukraine entirely, though the briefing did not affirm that would be Russia’s final decision.

The stakes for Ukraine and then Russia and the broader geopolitical landscape are significant, and from the market perspective, the price of – which crossed the $90/barrier for the first time since 2014 as it continues its recent ascent – and will be in focus and susceptible to any resolution or escalation.

You can also see:

5. The rise of cryptocurrencies

It was an asset that appreciated turning the calendar page, and cryptocurrencies are one such class. The cryptocurrency market has seen a significant increase in value since January after a loss of nearly 20%. In February it has increased by almost 8% and nearly 12% respectively.

The question remains, however: What will be the next incremental driver for sector price performance? The rebound has timed pretty closely with the Nasdaq’s (at least temporary) bottom from the January correction, suggesting that crypto performance – and maybe tech stocks too? – is just an output of risk appetite. The CPI report could be the next catalyst for Bitcoin, higher or lower.

You can also see: Our cryptocurrencies section