Futures Marginally Higher as Geopolitical Risks Rise
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 04 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MRNA?
Futures are marginally higher this morning as markets react to a week of elevated geopolitical risk and see-saw headlines around the Middle East conflict. Geopolitical headlines remain at the center of the tape. The conflict in the Middle East has entered its fifth day, with ongoing strikes and counter-strikes keeping energy markets on edge. There are reports Iran has made indirect contact about potential talks, which is feeding some risk appetite and helping futures trim earlier losses, but uncertainty around the durability of any de-escalation continues to drive positioning.The energy complex continues to surge, with crude oil prices well above recent ranges on heightened supply-risk fears tied to the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions. Higher oil is translating into inflation concerns and weighing on multiple risk assets, particularly rate-sensitive sectors that already faced pressure this week.Global equity markets outside the U.S. are showing stress, with Asian markets taking a particularly severe hit. South Korea's benchmark index experienced one of its largest historical selloffs and other major Asian indices like Japan's Nikkei and Taiwan's TAIEX are trading materially lower as well.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures rose 0.38%, Nasdaq futures rose 0.59% and Dow futures rose 0.27%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -SSR Miningup 17% after announcing that it has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding to sell its 80% ownership stake in the Copler mine and related properties in Turkey for $1.5BModernaup 8% after entering into a settlement agreement with Arbutus Biopharmaand Genevant Sciences, a subsidiary of Roivant Sciences, resolving all litigation worldwideUP AFTER EARNINGS -Ross Storesup 6%Brown-Formanup 6%Bath & Body Worksup 4%Wix.comup 1%DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Staar Surgicaldown 8%Abercrombie & Fitchdown 5%Daktronicsdown 4%National Visiondown 1%
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Analyst Views on MRNA
Wall Street analysts forecast MRNA stock price to fall
20 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
16 Hold
3 Sell
Hold
Current: 53.720
Low
17.00
Averages
32.47
High
63.00
Current: 53.720
Low
17.00
Averages
32.47
High
63.00
About MRNA
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company advancing a new class of medicines made of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). It is engaged in developing medicines across infectious disease vaccines, oncology therapeutics and rare disease therapeutics. Its platform incorporates advances across three components, mRNA, delivery, and the manufacturing process, to advance its medicines. Its products are Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE (its COVID vaccines), and mRESVIA (its vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)). It also has a diverse development pipeline that consists of 35 therapeutic and vaccine programs, six of which are in late-stage development. It has regulatory filings under review for its seasonal flu+COVID vaccine (mRNA-1083) in Europe and Canada and for its seasonal flu vaccine (mRNA-1010) in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Its rare disease programs are Propionic acidemia (mRNA-3927); Methylmalonic acidemia (mRNA-3705), and Cystic Fibrosis (mRNA-3692/VX-522).
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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- Market Potential Boost: The successful trial results not only enhance Sanofi's market position in the COVID-19 vaccine sector but also have the potential to drive sales growth in the global vaccine market, especially amid ongoing vaccine demand.
- R&D Investment Returns: Sanofi's continued investment in vaccine development has paid off, with the successful clinical trial laying the groundwork for future product line expansions and new vaccine developments, further solidifying the company's innovative capabilities.
- Strategic Implications: This successful clinical trial presents new opportunities for Sanofi's role in global public health crises, potentially fostering collaborations with governments and international organizations, thereby enhancing its brand image and market influence.
See More
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See More
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- Vaccine Policy Controversy: Amid leadership upheaval, declining morale, and significant staff turnover, the CDC faces major changes to U.S. vaccine policy, particularly after a judge blocked efforts to reduce the number of recommended childhood vaccinations, exacerbating public trust issues.
- Declining Public Trust: A February poll from KFF indicates a significant drop in public trust in federal health agencies during Kennedy's tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services, which may hinder the CDC's effectiveness and implementation of future public health policies.
See More
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- CDC Leadership Vacancy: The CDC has been without permanent leadership since August when former director Susan Monarez was fired over disagreements with Trump's healthcare policies, which has impacted the agency's policy execution and public trust.
- Schwartz's Background: Schwartz holds a master's degree in public health and a law degree, and her experience as a Navy physician and chief medical officer at the U.S. Coast Guard may bring new perspectives and leadership to the CDC.
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See More
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- Sector Recommendations: Citigroup recommends investors focus on materials, healthcare, and tech stocks, with materials being the best-performing S&P 500 sector this year, up over 14%, while healthcare stocks like Moderna and DaVita have surged 72% and 33%, respectively, showcasing sector performance disparities.
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