Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, dampening investor morale amid a stubborn polar vortex. The Nasdaq opens with caution, slipping alongside major U.S. stock futures as tech weakness sets the tone. Volatility in tech shares increases as sell-offs in risk assets ripple through markets. Heavy AI infrastructure spending and uncertainty over Federal Reserve leadership weigh on sentiment. Earnings reports from big tech names show that even strong numbers no longer guarantee rallies. The Nasdaq remains in a long-term uptrend, pausing to catch its breath after running far ahead of averages. Traders should expect coordinated moves across major stock indexes as the Nasdaq enters a crucial trading window.

Read more at Barchart: Groundhog Day Gloom? Why the Nasdaq Is Shaking Off Phil’s Shadow and Facing Reality