US Stocks Close Lower Amid AI Outlook Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Weakness: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.28%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.54%, and the Nasdaq 100 index dropped by 0.41%, indicating market concerns over the outlook for artificial intelligence, particularly affecting chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks.
- Mixed Economic Data: Initial jobless claims in the US fell to 206,000, a 5-week low, indicating a strong labor market; however, the December trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion, exceeding expectations, reflecting uncertainties in economic recovery.
- Shifts in Fed Policy Expectations: Hawkish comments from Fed officials suggest a potential need for interest rate hikes to combat persistent inflation, leading to a more hawkish outlook for future rate paths, which further dampens market sentiment.
- Earnings Season Nearing Conclusion: With over three-quarters of S&P 500 companies reporting, 74% exceeded expectations, and Q4 earnings are projected to grow by 8.4%, demonstrating corporate resilience, yet the market remains cautious about future growth prospects.
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Analyst Views on DE
Wall Street analysts forecast DE stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 599.480
Low
458.00
Averages
514.25
High
560.00
Current: 599.480
Low
458.00
Averages
514.25
High
560.00
About DE
Deere & Company is engaged in the delivery of agricultural, construction and forestry equipment. Its segments include production and precision agriculture (PPA), small agriculture and turf (SAT), construction and forestry (CF), and financial services (FS). PPA segment defines, develops and delivers global equipment and technology solutions for production-scale growers of large grains, small grains, cotton and sugarcane. SAT segment defines, develops and delivers global equipment and technology solutions for dairy and livestock producers, high-value and small acreage crop producers, and turf and utility customers. CF segment defines, develops and delivers a range of machines and technology solutions organized along the earthmoving, forestry and roadbuilding production systems. FS segment finances sales and leases by John Deere dealers of new and used production and precision agriculture equipment and others. Its products include John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and E-Power Backhoe.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Deere & Co. Strong Performance: Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) has seen a 35% stock price increase this year by investing in autonomous tractors and AI technologies, successfully pivoting to a tech company, although it pulled back 5% last week due to tariff concerns.
- GE Vernova Growth Potential: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) shares are up 34%, and with its diverse energy generation capabilities, it is expected to benefit from the rising energy demand driven by AI, despite its high P/E ratio of 50.
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See More
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- High-Level Talks: On October 30, 2025, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in South Korea to seek a truce in their trade war, with Trump expressing optimism about the meeting while China remained cautious, highlighting the complexities in their trade relations.
- Impact of Iran War: The US military actions against Iran have heightened tensions between the US and China, particularly given China's status as the largest buyer of Iranian oil, suggesting that Trump's aggressive stance could influence the atmosphere of the upcoming summit.
- Market Reactions: The military conflict has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a rebound in international oil prices and creating visible ripples in the global economy, especially affecting China and other Asian economies reliant on oil from the region.
- China's Strategic Considerations: Despite facing US military pressure, China has responded with an unusually soft tone, indicating its desire to maintain dialogue with the US, particularly in light of its expanding investments in the Middle East, which may influence future bilateral relations.
See More
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- U.S. Manufacturing Growth: The U.S. manufacturing sector reported a second consecutive month of growth, providing positive news for investors.
- Investor Sentiment: This growth in manufacturing is likely to boost investor confidence in the economy.
See More
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AI's Impact on Robotics: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming robotics, enhancing their capabilities and accelerating adoption across various industries, including healthcare, logistics, and consumer applications.
Tesla's Innovations: Tesla is recognized not only for electric vehicles but also for its advancements in autonomous robotics, with projects like Optimus, which aims to create adaptable robots for various tasks, potentially revolutionizing labor-intensive industries.
NVIDIA's Role: NVIDIA serves as a crucial provider of AI infrastructure for robotics, offering powerful computing resources that enable advanced perception, decision-making, and real-time processing necessary for modern robotic systems.
Deere & Company's Automation Shift: Deere has transitioned from traditional equipment manufacturing to a technology-driven automation company, focusing on smart farming solutions that utilize AI for improved efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
See More
Market Volatility Creates Opportunities in Blue-Chip Stocks
- Deere's Strong Performance: Deere & Co. (DE) stock has surged 35% year-to-date, successfully pivoting to a technology-driven agricultural machinery leader through investments in autonomous tractors and AI, despite a 5% pullback last week due to tariff concerns.
- GE Vernova's Energy Growth: GE Vernova (GEV) shares have risen 34%, benefiting from increased energy demand driven by AI, and although its P/E ratio is high at 50, its diverse energy solutions position it uniquely in the market.
- Microsoft's Market Challenges: Microsoft (MSFT) has faced significant setbacks in the AI-driven software sell-off, with shares down nearly 30%, yet its cloud computing and diversified product portfolio continue to offer growth potential, with a P/E ratio now at 24.5, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
- Investment Opportunities Amid Market Volatility: Despite market fluctuations due to Trump's tariff proposals, investors can still seek opportunities in blue-chip stocks, particularly in leading companies within the AI and energy sectors, which are expected to benefit from future growth.
See More
Deere & Co. Capitalizes on AI for Market Renaissance
- Strong Stock Performance: Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) has seen a 35% increase in stock price this year, reflecting its robust performance in the agricultural machinery market, particularly driven by advancements in AI technology, indicating a strengthening competitive position in the industry.
- Accelerated Tech Investments: The company is investing in autonomous tractors and AI-powered cameras, which not only enhance production efficiency but also strengthen its brand connection with farmers, making it more resilient in the market.
- Growth Potential for GE Vernova: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) has surged 34% this year, and as a leader in the energy sector, its diverse energy sources position it favorably amid rising AI demand, with a high P/E ratio of 50 still reflecting strong growth potential.
- Market Opportunities for Microsoft: Despite a nearly 30% drop in stock price, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) maintains strong performance in cloud computing and diversified business lines, with a reduced P/E ratio of 24.5, presenting an attractive buying opportunity while expected to continue mid-teens growth.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Blue-Chip Stocks Amid Market Volatility
- Deere & Co. Strong Performance: Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) has seen a 35% stock price increase this year by investing in autonomous tractors and AI technologies, successfully pivoting to a tech company, although it pulled back 5% last week due to tariff concerns.
- GE Vernova Growth Potential: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) shares are up 34%, and with its diverse energy generation capabilities, it is expected to benefit from the rising energy demand driven by AI, despite its high P/E ratio of 50.
- Microsoft's Market Challenges: Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has faced nearly a 30% pullback amid the AI-driven software sell-off; however, its cloud infrastructure and 27% stake in OpenAI still provide strong growth potential.
- Investor Focus on Blue-Chip Stocks: Although Deere & Co. was not recommended as a top investment by The Motley Fool, its potential in AI and market position make it worth considering, especially following the current market pullback.
See More
