Economy gained strength in February despite Winter Storm Fern. ISM survey hits 3½-year high.

Despite the disruptive impact of Winter Storm Fern, the US economy demonstrated surprising resilience in February, evidenced by a significant rise in the ISM survey to a three-and-a-half-year high. This indicates robust manufacturing and service sector activity, suggesting underlying economic strength that could bolster corporate earnings and job growth. Investors should monitor upcoming economic indicators to confirm this trend and its potential implications for monetary policy.