Investors Tread Lightly as Treasury Jitters Surface
Markets are down slightly to open the week as investors looked ahead to a busy slate of economic data, including the January jobs report and fresh inflation readings. Risk sentiment is staying cautious, with rates edging higher and attention firmly on macro signals. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Chinese regulators have urged banks to limit exposure to U.S. Treasuries, a move framed as diversification rather than geopolitical signaling. Despite the headlines, Treasury volatility remains muted, and foreign holdings of U.S. debt have reached a record, underscoring continued confidence in the asset class.
Strategy Adds More Bitcoin as Shares Fall on Crypto Weakness
Strategy (MSTR) disclosed the purchase of another 1,142 bitcoin (BTC) for about $90M, extending its accumulation strategy even as its treasury remains underwater on paper. MSTR said it bought the coins between Feb. 2 and Feb. 8 at an average price of $78,815, lifting total holdings to 714,644 BTC, worth about $49B at current prices versus roughly $54.4B spent. The purchase was funded through its at-the-market equity program, with shares sold last week for about $89.5M.
Meta Faces New Mexico Trial Over Child Safety Claims
Meta Platforms (META) returns to court as New Mexico begins a trial accusing the company of failing to protect children on Facebook and Instagram from online predators. Prosecutors allege META’s platforms connected minors to exploitative content, claims that the company denies while pointing to ongoing safety efforts. The case adds to a growing wave of lawsuits targeting social media firms over alleged harm to young users, increasing legal and regulatory pressure on the industry.
Novo Nordisk Sues Hims Over Copycat Wegovy
Novo Nordisk (NVO) said it is suing Hims & Hers (HIMS), causing HIMS to drop over -21.0% in premarket trading. NVO accuses the telehealth provider of illegally mass-marketing unapproved, compounded copies of its Wegovy obesity pill and injections in the U.S. NVO is seeking a permanent ban on the products and damages, arguing the knockoffs infringe patents and put patients at risk. The move follows HIMS’ decision to halt sales of its copycat pill after FDA scrutiny and comes as NVO works to defend its share in the fast-growing GLP-1 market amid competition from Eli Lilly (LLY) and compounded alternatives.
Monday.com Slides as Outlook Undershoots Expectations
Monday.com (MNDY) is down over -14.0% in premarket trading after issuing a softer-than-expected revenue outlook, overshadowing a solid quarter that beat estimates. Management guided to 2026 revenue below consensus, citing foreign exchange headwinds weighing on near-term growth and margins, even as underlying demand remained healthy. Investors focused on the slower top-line trajectory despite strong customer retention, expanding large accounts, and rising backlog, tempering confidence in the pace of growth heading into the year.
