U.S. stock futures were higher across the board ahead of Tuesday's trading session on February 24. At the time of writing, Dow Jones futures rose 0.23%, S&P 500 futures gained 0.15%, and Nasdaq futures advanced 0.33%.

In European markets, Germany's DAX index fell 0.08%, while the UK's FTSE 100 declined 0.10%. France's CAC 40 edged up 0.03%, and the Euro Stoxx 50 decreased by 0.07%.

Oil prices saw modest gains, with WTI crude rising 0.23% to $66.46 per barrel and Brent crude increasing 0.13% to $71.20 per barrel.

A recent report from Citrini Research, titled "2028 AI Dystopia Forecast," has stirred significant concern in global financial markets. The report presents a comprehensive scenario of an AI-dominated future, predicting that despite a surge in AI-driven productivity by 2028, widespread displacement of white-collar jobs could trigger a "global economic plague." This has led to panic selling across various sectors, including software, wealth management, and logistics, as investors grow increasingly wary of the potential impact of AI agent tools such as Claude Cowork and OpenClaw.

On Monday, AI-related anxiety resurfaced in U.S. markets, driving down shares of delivery, payment, and software companies. IBM recorded its largest single-day decline in 25 years. The sell-off was largely attributed to Citrini Research's pessimistic outlook, which envisioned a June 2028 scenario where AI-induced job losses lead to reduced consumer spending, loan defaults, and economic contraction.

Amid the turmoil, Goldman Sachs highlighted a potential safe haven: HALO stocks—companies with heavy physical assets and low obsolescence risk. These firms, whose value stems from durable, hard-to-replicate infrastructure, are increasingly viewed as shelters from AI-driven market volatility.

In trade policy, a new 10% global tariff proposed by former President Donald Trump took effect on Tuesday. This move follows a Supreme Court rejection of his earlier comprehensive tariff plan. Although Trump had threatened to raise the rate to 15%, the 10% tariff was implemented without further adjustment. An administration official indicated that plans for a higher rate are still under consideration.

In corporate news, Home Depot reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and earnings, driven by steady demand. Revenue reached $38.2 billion, down 3.8% year-over-year but $100 million above estimates. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.72, $0.20 higher than expected. Same-store sales rose 0.4% for the quarter ended February 1, outperforming average forecasts.

Meta Platforms, Inc. and Advanced Micro Devices announced a landmark strategic partnership valued at $60 billion. Under the agreement, Meta will purchase AI chips and data center hardware from AMD over the next five years, signaling a shift from mere hardware procurement to deeper supply chain collaboration. The deal represents the largest single order in AMD's history and underscores a potential shift toward a more competitive AI chip market.

Apple is expanding its Houston facility for Mac Mini assembly, reflecting confidence in its U.S. manufacturing plans. As part of a $600 billion investment pledge made under the Trump administration, Apple also plans to source over 100 million chips from TSMC’s Arizona plant this year.

Novo Nordisk reported positive mid-stage trial results in China for an experimental weight-loss drug, with participants losing nearly 20% of their body weight over 24 weeks. This supports the company's efforts to expand its obesity treatment portfolio.

Amazon announced a $12 billion investment to build data centers in Louisiana, aimed at supporting its cloud computing and AI operations. The move is part of a broader trend among U.S. cloud providers investing heavily in infrastructure to boost computing capacity.

Key economic data and events scheduled for Tuesday include: - 23:00 Beijing Time: U.S. Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index for February - 05:30 Beijing Time (Next Day): API Crude Oil Stock Change for the week ending February 20 - 21:00 Beijing Time: Speeches by Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic - 22:00 Beijing Time: Opening remarks by Boston Fed President Susan Collins, followed by additional remarks from Bostic - 22:10 Beijing Time: Speech by Fed Governor Christopher Waller - 22:35 Beijing Time: Fed Governor Lisa Cook speaks on AI - 00:00 Beijing Time (Next Day): Apple’s Annual Shareholders Meeting - 04:15 Beijing Time (Next Day): Panel discussion featuring Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin and Boston Fed President Susan Collins - U.S. Presidential State of the Union Address (Time TBD)

Earnings reports expected on Wednesday include HP and HSBC before the market open, and Lowe's pre-market.