Thursday's Final Takeaways: Software Sees Strength, Memory Stocks Under Pressure

• Crude oil prices surged, topping $80/barrel for the first time since January 2025 (likely 2024), driven by conflict with Iran and threats to shipping.
• Software stocks, especially those in cloud and cybersecurity like Okta, rallied on strong earnings and demand for AI-driven security solutions.
• International ETFs showed weakness amid dollar strength, and memory chip stocks faced pressure as Chinese tech companies like Alibaba and Tencent prioritize domestic chipmakers over South Korean suppliers, who are favoring US firms like Microsoft and Google.
• Upcoming economic data includes the February jobs report and retail sales, which will provide insights into the labor market and consumer spending, though the jobs report may be 'noisy' due to strikes and winter storms.

The discussion covers rising crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions, reaching levels not seen since early 2025 (likely a typo for 2024), and strength in the software sector, particularly for AI-driven security companies. Conversely, international ETFs and memory chip stocks are under pressure, with Chinese tech giants pivoting to domestic chipmakers. Looking ahead, the February jobs report and retail sales data will be key economic indicators.