US stocks rebounded on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as easing fears around the Iran conflict and steadier oil prices helped buyers step back in, while Bitcoin extended its latest surge.
Index performance
The major US benchmarks climbed, recapturing a chunk of the prior session’s losses tied to Middle East tensions.finance.yahoo+2
- The S&P 500 rose about 0.78%, closing near 6,869.50 after trading around 6,877 intraday.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average added roughly 0.49%, finishing around 48,739.41.
- The Nasdaq Composite outperformed with a gain of about 1.29%, ending at 22,807.48 as growth and tech bounced.
- The Russell 2000 advanced roughly 1.06%, signaling renewed appetite for smaller caps after recent underperformance.
This rebound came after a choppy stretch in which war headlines had driven sharp intraday swings and a notable pullback in the Dow.
Macro and geopolitics
Traders remained focused on developments in the Iran conflict, but the tone shifted as hopes for at least a pause in escalation nudged volatility lower. Oil, which had spiked on supply-risk fears, stabilized on Wednesday; Crude finished the day roughly flat around $76.16/bbl per barrel, removing an immediate pressure point for equities.
Better‑than‑feared US economic readings and still‑solid corporate commentary helped offset geopolitical anxiety, reinforcing the narrative that growth remains intact even as markets digest higher energy volatility. US private employers added 63k in February, which exceeded expectations according to the private payroll processor ADP.
Sectors and themes
Risk appetite rotated back toward growth, with technology and communication-services names leading the Nasdaq’s rebound. Defense and energy, which had already benefited from prior days’ tension‑driven flows, held firm as crude prices leveled out, while more defensive areas like utilities and staples lagged the broader move higher. Smaller caps’ outperformance hinted at a modest revival of domestic cyclical plays, though index-level data show the S&P 500 is still fractionally lower week‑to‑date, underscoring how fragile sentiment remains.
Crypto and Bitcoin
In digital assets, Bitcoin (BTC) pushed higher, trading back above the high‑$60,000s to low‑$70,000s range as traders leaned into the idea that institutional demand and ETF inflows could sustain the rally. The move comes against a backdrop of mixed signals: on-chain and price‑trend gauges remain cautious after a sharp pullback over the past month, even as some strategists highlight upside scenarios into the $100,000‑plus area if current inflows persist. Crypto’s strength added to the day’s broader “risk‑on” tone, with Bitcoin’s rebound standing in contrast to the defensive posture that dominated when Middle East headlines first hit earlier in the week.
Big picture for investors
Despite Wednesday’s relief rally, the S&P 500 and Dow are only roughly flat to slightly lower for the week, a reminder that geopolitical risk and headline‑driven swings remain central to the tape. For now, the market appears to be in a headline‑sensitive holding pattern: dips tied to Iran and oil shocks are drawing buyers, but sustained upside will likely hinge on clearer evidence that the conflict is contained and that earnings can absorb higher energy and funding costs.
VP Watchlist Updates
Below is an update‑style snapshot on the VP Watchlist names for the week, focused on recent catalysts, positioning, and narrative rather than precise price moves.
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (EPRX, $8.18, +2%)
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Eupraxia” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary Diffusphere™ technology designed to optimize local, controlled drug delivery for applications with significant unmet need, recently announced the successful closing of its previously announced public offering (the “Offering”) of 7,607,145 common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”), which includes the full exercise of the option to purchase additional shares granted to the underwriters, at a price to the public of US$7.00 per Common Share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 1,428,571 Common Shares in lieu thereof (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) at a price of US$6.99999 per Pre-Funded Warrant, which equals the public offering price per Common Share less the C$0.000001 per share exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant, for gross proceeds of approximately US$63.2 million, before deducting the underwriting commissions and estimated expenses incurred in connection with the Offering.“We are pleased to complete this financing, allowing us to significantly expand our pipeline, reach several additional development milestones with EP-104GI for eosinophilic esophagitis, and make meaningful progress towards commercial readiness,” said James Helliwell, CEO of Eupraxia. “We appreciate the support from both existing and new investors as we execute our mission and pursue the next phase of growth for Eupraxia.” Cantor and LifeSci Capital acted as joint book-running managers for the Offering. Bloom Burton and Craig-Hallum also acted as co-managers for the Offering. As previously stated, the Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering primarily for the continued advancement of EP-104GI for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, including the completion of ongoing preclinical studies, and Phase 2 clinical trials, preparations for a Phase 3 clinical trial including the related regulatory submissions, and manufacturing activities, and to undertake the necessary commercial/market development activities to prepare for the eventual product launch. The Company also intends to use a portion of the proceeds to accelerate and expand its plans to pursue clinical studies with EP-104GI in multiple additional gastrointestinal indications, including in esophageal strictures and fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease. A portion of the proceeds will be allocated to research and development of additional pipeline candidates, business development initiatives, and general corporate purposes, which may include but are not limited to employee salaries, working capital, leases for facilities, administrative expenses, and capital expenditures. The Company may also use a portion of the proceeds to expand its intellectual property portfolio and strengthen its corporate infrastructure to support future growth.
Modular Medical (MODD $.1899, +13.04%)
- Modular Medical has priced a public offering of 68,098,000 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants) alongside warrants to buy an equivalent number of shares, targeting gross proceeds of about 12 million dollars before fees. The combined public offering price of roughly 17.62 cents per share and accompanying warrant comes at a premium to the prevailing market, a rare feat in a sector where financings often resemble clearance sales rather than premium shelf space.
- Earlier this month, the company began production of validation lots for its disposable cartridge and infusion set, keeping it on track for a planned commercial launch in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on FDA 510(k) clearance—an event path that positions upcoming regulatory decisions as key stock catalysts.
FIGS, Inc. (FIGS, $16.967, +.12%)
- FIGS, the direct‑to‑consumer healthcare apparel brand, operates at the intersection of e‑commerce and specialty retail, with a loyal professional customer base and a growing product portfolio. While macro headwinds and digital‑ad volatility have pressured some consumer names, FIGS’ brand equity in the medical community and ongoing product innovation offer levers for renewed growth as conditions normalize.
- After the close (Feb. 26), FIGS released its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and published a financial highlights presentation on its investor relations highlighting the following: Exceeded Top and Bottom Line Expectations, Grew Q4 2025 Net Revenues 33.0% to a Record $201.9 Million, Achieved Q4 2025 Net Income Margin of 9.2% and Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 13.2% & Plans Low Double-Digit Net Revenues Growth and Margin Expansion in FY 2026. FIGS shares have traded up to $13.74 in the aftermarket today.
GeoVax Labs (GOVX, $1.71, +8,92%)
- GeoVax announced (Feb. 24) the formation of its Oncology Advisory Board with the appointment of three internationally recognized leaders in immuno-oncology, translational medicine, and clinical development. This Advisory Board will play a central role in guiding the scientific, translational, and clinical advancement of GeoVax’s oncology program, focused primarily on Gedeptin(R), the company’s gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapeutic (GDEPT). GeoVax plans to conduct a Phase 2 trial with Gedeptin in the neoadjuvant setting, pairing it with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In parallel, it will be evaluating combination Gedeptin + ICI strategies across additional solid tumor indications.
- GeoVax announced on Wednesday, Feb. 18 that it has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Emory University for intellectual property covering the use of Gedeptin(R) in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
- On February 17, GOVX issued a statement endorsing the urgent call to action articulated by Rosamund Lewis, MD (WHO Head, Poxviruses Programme) and colleagues in their recently published PLOS Medicine article, “The mpox epidemic is not over: Reducing disproportionate burden in Africa and persistent global risk require a sustained response.” (https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004893&type=printable)
- Shares can gap sharply on any trial or regulatory update, positive or negative.
DoubleVerify (DV, $10.34, +1.77%)
- DoubleVerify, the leading software platform for digital media measurement, data and analytics, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025 and highlighted the following: Increased 2025 Revenue by 14% Year-over-Year to $748.3 Million, Driven by Global Growth in Social, CTV Measurement, and Programmatic Activation, Achieved 2025 Net Income of $50.7 Million and Adjusted EBITDA of $245.6 Million, representing a 33% Adjusted EBITDA margin, & $300 Million Authorized for Share Repurchases, the Largest Amount in DoubleVerify’s History.
The InterGroup Corporation (INTG, $32.27, +3.03%)
- InterGroup Corporation delivered (Feb. 17) a notably stronger quarter, highlighted by a 20% jump in total revenue to $17.3 million and a 27% surge in hotel revenue as renovated rooms returned to service and travel demand improved. The company swung from a prior-year net loss to $1.0 million in net income, with operating income more than doubling to $2.0 million, underscoring better cost control and improved operating efficiency. Management further enhanced liquidity and sharpened strategic focus by selling a non-core 12‑unit Los Angeles multifamily property, generating a meaningful gain and additional working capital while maintaining stable performance across its real estate portfolio.
Serina Therapeutics (SER, $1.67)
- Serina Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing drug candidates enabled by its proprietary POZ Platform™ drug optimization technology, announced (Feb. 19) that the first patient has been enrolled in the Company’s Phase 1b registrational trial evaluating. The Phase 1b registrational study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of SER-252 in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms are inadequately controlled by current standard-of-care therapies. Serina remains on track to initiate dosing during the current quarter, consistent with previously disclosed guidance.
Volato Group, Inc. (SOAR, $3446, +1.77%) & M2i Global, Inc. (MTWO)
- Volato and M2i Global reaffirmed their goal of closing their business combination in the first quarter of 2026, citing steady advancement through SEC review and integration planning as they move toward a combined listing. The deal, originally announced in 2025, will effectively transition Volato from a pure‑play private aviation operator into a diversified platform spanning aviation technology and critical minerals, with M2i shareholders expected to own the majority of the combined entity. Operationally, the partnership is already visible: the two companies recently initiated their first shipment of titanium ore from Western Australia to the United States from Titanium X, underscoring how the critical‑minerals vertical could become a meaningful growth engine as domestic supply‑chain security rises in strategic importance.
- On Feb. 4, M2i Global,Inc.along with Volato Group, Inc. announced that Titanium X has initiated its first shipment of titanium ore from Western Australia to the U.S. under its collaboration agreement.
NVIDIA (NVDA, $183.04, +1.66%)
- Nvidia delivered strong fourth-quarter results recently, posting revenue of $68.1 billion, well above analyst expectations. Looking ahead, the company projects $7.8 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued robust demand for its AI chips even amid broader market headwinds.
McDonald’s (MCD, $331.74)
- Options data around the February 2026 expiries highlight active positioning near the 300–305 strike range, consistent with expectations for steady but not explosive upside from here.
- In the run-up to World Protein Day on 27th February, McDonald’s India (West & South), owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld, is celebrating Protein Week, reinforcing its leadership in nutrition-led innovation. Making protein more accessible, affordable and customizable, Indian consumers can use the McDonald’s app to explore these nutritious offerings and avail of protein burgers starting at just INR 69. Enhancing this convenience, consumers ordering via McDelivery can also enjoy free delivery on the Protein Plus meal range.
Nokia (NOK, $8.15, +.99%)
- On March 2, Nokia (NOK) and TIM Brasil announced and are are quietly rewriting the script for Latin America’s telecom sector, rolling out an AI‑ready 5G network that targets nearly half of Brazil’s population while giving enterprises a front‑row seat to the AI industrial era. The expanded partnership takes what TIM started in São Paulo and extends it across 14 additional states, ultimately reaching regions that together represent roughly 42% of Brazil’s population. The upgraded network leans on Nokia’s latest AirScale portfolio, including energy‑efficient Habrok Massive MIMO radios, Remote Radio Heads and small cells designed to boost capacity, improve indoor coverage and cut power consumption at the same time. In practical terms, this is less about bragging rights on speed tests and more about building a platform for AI‑driven services: the architecture is being designed from the ground up to support 5G Advanced, 6G and AI‑native workloads at the edge, not just another round of radio swaps.investing+2
- On Feb. 26, Nokia announced that it has been selected by Telefónica for the deployment of networking solutions to support new Edge data center networks across Spain, marking a significant step forward in Telefónica’s next-generation digital infrastructure journey. Featuring high speed, ultra-low latency, and strong reliability, Nokia’s data center networking solutions will be implemented in Telefonica’s 17 new Edge nodes that deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI), B2B, and Telco Cloud services across residential, enterprise, and public sectors—reinforcing Spain’s position as a leader in advanced digital infrastructure in Europe.
- On Feb. 24, Nokia and AWS showcase industry-first agentic AI-powered network slicing with du and Orange
- Industry-first intent-based 5G-Advanced slicing with agentic AI offers telecommunication providers with premium network slicing services that respond to real-world situations and enable autonomous intelligence.
- This breakthrough innovation inferences and leverages open Internet data, including traffic, events, locations, maps and operator data for network slicing business.
- du and Orange first to explore this innovative slicing solution that adapts automatically to support customer demand.
Opendoor (OPEN, $4.88)
- Opendoor Technologies, a leading e-commerce platform for residential real estate transactions, reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025. They highlighted the following: October 2025 acquisition cohort tracking as best-performing October in Company history; acquisitions increased 46% quarter-over-quarter while inventory days in possession reduced 23%.
- Opendoor continues to navigate a challenging housing backdrop characterized by still‑elevated mortgage rates and tight existing‑home inventories, which weigh on transaction volumes even as affordability slowly improves. The company’s focus on disciplined acquisition spreads, inventory turns, and ancillary services remains central to the investment debate as markets handicap the pace and magnitude of any 2026 housing recovery.
Actelis Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASNS, $.5393, +186.56%)
Actelis Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASNS), a market leader in cyber-hardened, rapid-deployment networking solutions for IoT and broadband applications, today announced that it has received an order to supply its hybrid fiber-copper networking solution in support of a major California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) infrastructure modernization project in San Mateo County. The order continues a pattern of growing adoption of Actelis’ solutions by government transportation agencies across the United States.
Moderna (MRNA, $57.80, +15.99%)
Genevant Sciences, a leading nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms and a robust lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent portfolio and a subsidiary of Roivant Sciences Ltd. (Nasdaq: ROIV), and Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on infectious disease, today announced that they have entered into a $2.25 billion global settlement with Moderna, Inc. to resolve all U.S. and international enforcement actions involving Moderna’s unauthorized use of Genevant’s and Arbutus’ LNP delivery technology in its COVID-19 vaccines, including Spikevax®.
The Sources
- Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq rebound on hopes of Iran deescalation as Bitcoin surges”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-rebound-on-hopes-of-iran-deescalation-as-bitcoin-surges-210937794.html - Yahoo Finance – “Wednesday, March 4, 2026”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wednesday-march-4-2026-050300506.html - Yahoo Finance – “How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 3/4/2026”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/major-us-stock-indexes-fared-212254691.html - Yahoo Finance – “Stock Market News for Mar 3, 2026”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-news-mar-3-142000562.html - Wall Street Journal – “Stock Market Today: Dow Rises, Oil Prices Stabilize” (Live coverage, March 4, 2026)
https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-03-04-2026 - Trading Economics – “United States Stock Market Index”
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/stock-market - Yahoo Finance – “Bitcoin High-Stakes March: $120K Forecasts Meet the $60K–$70K …”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-high-stakes-march-120k-103819836.html - CoinCodex – “Bitcoin is Predicted to Reach $73,640 By Mar 03, 2026”
https://coincodex.com/article/82290/bitcoin-prediction-february-26-2026/ - Robinhood – “Bitcoin price on Mar 4, 2026 at 10pm EST – Crypto Prediction Market”
https://robinhood.com/us/en/prediction-markets/crypto/events/bitcoin-price-on-mar-4-2026-at-10pm-est-mar-03-2026/
