To The Moon

The stock market is buzzing with activity on August 20, 2025, as U.S. equity futures trade mostly flat after a tech-heavy sell-off, setting the stage for a pivotal day. With the S&P 500 at 6,466.58, Bitcoin at $115,000, and oil at $75/barrel amid 30-35% tariffs, investors are on edge awaiting key developments. The VIX at 14.49 signals low volatility, but movements in tech, retail, and global markets are stealing the spotlight. From Palantir’s ongoing slump to retail earnings and tariff ripples, here’s a deep dive into the news, stocks to watch, and trading opportunities shaping the day—plus a plan to seize the moment.

Market Movers: What’s Worth Noting Today?

The day is packed with catalysts to watch:

• Tech Turmoil: Palantir ( $Palantir Technologies Inc.(PLTR)$ ) continues its fifth straight decline, dropping 9% to $158, a 15% pullback from its $187 high, as AI skepticism from an MIT report (95% of firms see zero generative AI returns) and Citron Research’s $40 target weigh heavily. Nvidia (NVDA) also slipped 3.5% to $136.75, its worst day in months, amid bubble concerns from OpenAI’s Sam Altman.

• Retail Earnings Spotlight: Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT) report before the bell, with analysts eyeing consumer spending trends amid tariff pressures. Walmart’s same-day grocery push and Target’s cautious guidance could sway sentiment, while posts found on X highlight mixed expectations.

• Tariff Escalation: Trump’s expansion of 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to 407 more product types, plus hints of 200-300% semiconductor levies, is rattling markets. Retail stocks like Walmart and tech giants like Nvidia face supply chain risks, with Prism Capital forecasting a 0.9% GDP hit.

• Global Cues: Japan’s exports plunged 2.6%, the steepest drop in over four years, dragging Asian tech stocks like SoftBank (down 9%) lower. European markets head for a negative open, while India’s GIFT Nifty futures dip 67 points to 24,967, signaling a weak start.

• Fed Watch: All eyes are on the Jackson Hole Symposium (August 21-23), with Powell’s Friday speech looming. An 83% chance of a September rate cut per CME Fedwatch adds uncertainty, influencing rate-sensitive sectors.

These movements suggest a day of consolidation with potential breakout or breakdown risks.

Stocks to Watch: The Day’s Top Contenders

Key names are in focus:

• Palantir (PLTR): At $158, down 112% YTD, the AI firm’s $1 billion revenue milestone is overshadowed by valuation fears (245x forward P/E). Support at $150 and resistance at $165 are critical, with a possible dip to $142 if selling persists.

• Nvidia ( $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ ): Trading at $136.75 after a $150 billion market cap loss, the chip leader’s $4.2 trillion valuation faces scrutiny. Support at $135 and resistance at $145 could see a bounce or a drop to $130 if AI doubts grow.

• Walmart ( $Wal-Mart(WMT)$ ): At $180, up 15% YTD, the retail giant’s earnings could push it to $185-$190 if grocery delivery boosts confidence, or $175 if tariffs sting. Support sits at $178.

• Target ( $Target(TGT)$ ): At $155, flat YTD, analysts expect a mixed report. A beat could lift it to $160-$165, while a miss might drag it to $150. Support is at $152.

• SoftBank ( $Softbank Group Corp(SFTBY)$ ): Down 9% to $28 in U.S. trading, the Japanese tech firm’s plunge reflects Asia’s tech woes. Support at $27 and resistance at $30 could signal a rebound or deeper fall.

• Indian Picks: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Tata Motors (TaMo) are trending as India opens lower, with HAL’s defense contracts and TaMo’s EV push drawing attention. HAL at ₹4,800 and TaMo at ₹1,050 could see 2-3% moves.

These stocks offer a mix of risk and reward based on today’s news flow.

Trading Opportunities: Seize the Day’s Potential

The market offers diverse plays:

• Bullish Bets: Buy Palantir at $150-$152, target $165, stop at $147 (10% upside if support holds). Buy Nvidia at $135-$137, target $145, stop at $132 (7% gain if AI fears ease). Buy Walmart at $180, target $190, stop at $178 (5% upside on earnings).

• Bearish Hedges: Buy Palantir puts at $150, target $140, stop at $153 (7% win if correction deepens). Buy Nvidia puts at $135, target $125, stop at $138 (7% gain if tech slides). Buy Target puts at $155, target $145, stop at $158 (6% upside on a miss).

• Sector Rotation: Buy Health Care ETF (XLV) at $150, target $155, stop at $148 (3% gain as a safe haven). Buy Energy (XLE) at $90, target $95, stop at $88 (5% upside if tariffs boost oil).

• Scalp Moves: Buy SoftBank at $27.50, sell at $29-$30, stop at $26.50 (5-9% quick win). Buy HAL at ₹4,800, sell at ₹4,900-₹5,000, stop at ₹4,700 (2-4% gain).

• Options Plays: Buy $165 Palantir calls or $140 puts, $145 Nvidia calls or $130 puts, $190 Walmart calls or $175 puts (August expiry) for 150-200% gains on 5-10% moves.

Opportunities span tech dips, retail surprises, and global shifts.

My Trading Plan: Capitalizing on the Market’s Pulse

I’m diving into today’s action with a clear strategy. I’ll buy Palantir at $150-$152, targeting $165, with a $147 stop, betting on a rebound if support holds. I’ll add Walmart at $180, aiming for $188, with a $178 stop, on earnings optimism. I’ll include Nvidia at $135-$137, targeting $145, with a $132 stop, and SoftBank at $27.50, targeting $29.50, with a $26.50 stop. I’m hedging with XLV at $150, targeting $153, and holding 20% cash for a dip to $140 (Palantir) or $130 (Nvidia) if tech falters. I’ll watch Walmart’s report, Jackson Hole previews, and Asian market closes closely.

Key Metrics

The Bigger Picture

As markets open on August 20, 2025, with the S&P 500 at 6,466.58 and Bitcoin at $115,000, Palantir’s 9% drop to $158 and Nvidia’s 3.5% slide to $136.75 reflect AI and valuation jitters, while Walmart ($180) and Target ($155) brace for earnings amid tariff tensions (30-35%). A 4-7% rebound to $165 (Palantir) or $145 (Nvidia) is possible if supports hold, with long-term targets of $200 (Palantir) and $180 (Nvidia) if growth resumes. A 5-10% dip to $142-$150 (Palantir) or $123-$130 (Nvidia) looms if selling accelerates, with $150 and $135 as key levels. Walmart could hit $190 or drop to $175, while SoftBank’s $27 support and India’s HAL/TaMo offer global plays. Seize dips with XLV or XLE hedges, and track Fed signals. The day’s moves could set the tone—where will you jump in?

What’s your top stock pick for today? Share your trades below! 🎁

📢 Like, repost, and follow for daily updates on market trends and stock insights.

📝 Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

📌@Daily_Discussion @Tiger_comments @TigerStars @TigerEvents @TigerWire