Equity markets in Europe, the US, and Asia had a positive week, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq performing well. Meanwhile, investor sentiment remains bearish and above the historical average.

This week, European, US, and Asian equity markets saw positive gains. The S&P 500 rallied to end a three-week losing streak, and the Nasdaq had its best day since early February.

The turning point came on Thursday when officials from the Atlanta Fed hinted at a possible pause on rate hikes this summer, boosting market confidence.

One element that is garnering attention on Wall Street is the debate surrounding 0DTE options. These options, which expire daily, are gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to their cheap nature and ability to bet on short-term volatility.

There is ongoing discussion about whether these options impact market volatility, especially given the high frequency of significant market movements so far this year.

Looking at historical data, February tends to be a challenging month for stock markets. However, certain companies like Nvidia and Tesla saw notable gains. Investor sentiment remains cautious, with bullish sentiment below its historical average and bearish sentiment on the rise.

The Ideal Purchases and Market Rankings

Despite the challenges, markets had a green week overall, with notable gains across various exchanges. The year-to-date rankings show positive performance for indices like the Italian Mib and the Spanish Ibex.

In summary, while markets are showing resilience and positive momentum, it’s crucial for investors to stay informed and consider various factors, including market volatility and sentiment, when making investment decisions.

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Disclosure: The author does not own any of the securities mentioned.

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