Conner Paffrath
Feb 13, 2025
Between February 13 and February 20, financial markets were affected by geopolitical developments and economic indicators.
On February 13, the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.5%, while the S&P 500 added 1%, closing just below a record high. This upward momentum was tempered on February 20, when major indices closed lower after two consecutive days of record highs for the S&P 500, reflecting investor caution. Stock Market Gains Fade as Investors React to U.S.-Russia Talks, Gold Hits Record High Amid Rising Uncertainty.
During this period, geopolitical events played a significant role in market dynamics. On February 13, President Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss initiating peace talks to end the Ukraine war. This announcement led to a surge in the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), which rose over 6%, and a 3.7% appreciation of the ruble against the U.S. dollar. Additionally, gold prices reached a record high of $2,954 per ounce on February 20, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, prompting investors to seek safe-haven assets.