Financial Summary: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Wall Street's major stock indexes rose 0.1% as Amazon and Nvidia recovered from early losses during a choppy trading session.

The Indian stock market showed resilience with the Nifty recovering nearly 200 points, closing at 25,725 amid reduced market fear.

Cigarette stocks surged up to 12% as companies raised prices to offset higher excise duties, reducing expected EBIT pressure.

Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,000 amid easing U.S.–Iran tensions, while silver saw a rise of 3.5% in trading.

U.S. Treasury yields rose as investors await the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and key inflation data.

Upstream oil stocks, including ONGC and Oil India, fell by up to 4% due to declining crude prices amid US-Iran negotiations.

The FTSE 100 index hit new highs as falling CPI boosted demand for miners and defense stocks.

Indian markets continued their upward trend with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex gaining on consumer and financial strength.

U.S. stocks rose, driven by gains in technology shares, while several major Asian markets remained closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting reveal a split among officials regarding future interest rate decisions, with concerns about inflation remaining above the 2% target.

China's export decline is affecting freight operations at the Port of Los Angeles, the largest trade hub in the U.S.

Japan's exports have surged to a three-year high, with a significant 32% increase in shipments to China.

High-stakes negotiations are ongoing between the U.S. and Iran, alongside discussions between Ukraine and Russia.

Oil prices have risen over 2% amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about crude supply disruptions.

Spain has announced its candidacy to succeed Christine Lagarde as head of the European Central Bank, aiming for a key role in Eurozone monetary policy.

Trump criticizes UK Labour leader Starmer's plan regarding the Chagos Islands, highlighting the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia military base.

The FDA chief warns that the U.S. is lagging behind China in drug development due to delays in trial approvals.

UK ministers are reconsidering plans to increase the minimum wage for younger workers as Labour leader Starmer reaffirms commitment to equal pay.

Tesla is integrating the Grok AI chatbot into its electric vehicles in the UK and Europe amid regulatory scrutiny.

Google has announced its annual I/O developer conference will take place on May 19 and 20 at its Mountain View headquarters.

Meta has expanded its partnership with Nvidia to deploy millions of AI chips in its data centers, enhancing AI capabilities.

Mistral's CEO claims that over 50% of enterprise software could transition to AI, raising concerns about the impact on SaaS business models.

IonQ, a leader in quantum computing, is set to expand its capabilities and market presence over the next year, focusing on partnerships and technological advancements.

Alphabet has launched a new AI music model aimed at attracting content creators from competing platforms.

The ongoing debate about declining fertility rates is leading to calls for a comprehensive investigation into the associated risks.

Concerns are escalating regarding maternity care as childbirth risks rise and midwives encounter significant challenges.

Stephen Colbert has publicly criticized CBS for allegedly blocking an interview with Senate candidate James Talarico due to FCC concerns.

A husband earning $117K is facing backlash for attempting to abandon his six children amid a $60K debt crisis.

Californians continue to discover gold, showcasing that the spirit of the Gold Rush is still alive in the state.

A video glitch during a job interview can significantly affect a candidate's chances of securing employment.

Indian banks are shifting to fixed-price contracts for ATM management to enhance cost stability and service quality.

India's Alternative Investment Fund industry has surpassed ₹15 lakh crore in commitments, primarily from domestic investors.

Nvidia is partnering with major Indian venture capital firms to identify promising AI start-ups, showcasing India's growing AI landscape.

Shares of E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies rose by up to 20% following their collaborations with Nvidia to boost AI infrastructure in India.

Kenvue announces a 3.5% workforce reduction as part of a restructuring plan ahead of its Kimberly-Clark deal.

Palo Alto Networks shares drop 6% after disappointing third-quarter profit guidance and the acquisition of Israeli startup Koi.

Berkshire Hathaway reduces its stake in Apple while initiating a new investment in The New York Times during Warren Buffett's final quarter as CEO.

Asian Paints' stock fell following a disappointing Q3 performance, prompting brokerages to adjust earnings estimates.

Infosys' ambitious AI roadmap targeting a $300-400 billion market failed to impress investors, leading to a stock decline despite positive broker ratings.

Ola Electric shares rebounded 5% after a Bombay High Court stayed an arrest warrant against CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, alleviating investor concerns.

Dilip Buildcon shares rose 4% after the company was announced as the lowest bidder for a Rs 702 crore flood control project in Gujarat.

Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on LG Electronics India with a Buy rating, citing strong market positioning despite a significant drop in Q3 net profit.

Shares of EaseMyTrip surged 60% in three days following board approval to raise up to Rs 500 crore for expansion and tech investments.

Genuine Parts Company announces a division split while reporting a quarterly loss, indicating a strategic shift amidst financial challenges.