Financial Summary: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Financial news summary and key insights from Thursday, February 19, 2026. Browse summaries by category below.
Companies
Etsy's stock surged 14% after announcing the sale of Depop to eBay for $1.2 billion, allowing a renewed focus on its core marketplace.
DoorDash's stock rose 14% following a positive reaction to its earnings report, despite concerns over tech investments.
Figma's stock jumped 15% amid reports of accelerated growth in AI monetization while maintaining strong gross margins.
Cochin Shipyard secured a $360 million contract to build LNG-powered vessels for CMA CGM, significantly boosting its order book.
Hims & Hers Health announced its acquisition of Eucalyptus for $1.15 billion to enhance its digital health services.
Walmart's stock rises following a strong earnings report and a major buyback plan, despite an outlook that misses analyst expectations.
Amazon has overtaken Walmart in annual revenue for the first time, highlighting the competitive landscape as both companies pursue AI-driven growth.
Klarna's stock plummeted 25% following a surge in bad loan costs, marking a significant decline since its September IPO.
Markets
Gold prices increased as tensions rise over a potential U.S.-Iran conflict, boosting demand for safe-haven assets.
Asian markets are expected to open higher, buoyed by positive momentum from Wall Street and the end of the Lunar New Year trading break.
The Indian equity market's Sensex rose over 100 points, led by strong performances in IT and metal stocks despite recent selloffs.
Oil prices surged above $70 amid fears of a potential U.S. military strike on Iran, contributing to the rise in gold prices.
U.S. equity markets fell due to unexpected jobless claims and rising oil prices, impacting major indices like the Dow and S&P 500.
The Indian Nifty index dropped 365 points as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions led to broad selling across sectors.
Marushika Technology is debuting on the NSE SME platform today, with a modest grey market premium indicating slight listing gains.
Recent post-earnings stock movements have shown significant volatility and irrational trading behaviors in the market.
World
President Trump advocates for a national voter ID requirement, seeking to implement it through executive order as Republican support increases.
The IMF calls on China to cut its industrial subsidies amid growing global economic concerns.
UK ministers require tech companies to eliminate abusive content within 48 hours or face service disruptions.
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in a martial law insurrection.
The U.S. warns Iran to negotiate wisely as tensions rise, coinciding with joint naval drills with Russia.
Prince Andrew has been arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Russian President Putin criticizes the U.S. for its oil blockade on Cuba, as the island faces an economic crisis.
The U.S. increases military deployments in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, leading to a rise in oil prices.
The U.S. Trade Commission reviews automotive rules of origin under the USMCA, potentially affecting trade relations with Canada and Mexico.
Former Prince Andrew was released by British police following his arrest, with President Trump commenting on the situation.
President Trump announces a $10 billion commitment to Gaza redevelopment, facing criticism for excluding Palestinian representation.
The UK government shows reluctance to allow the U.S. to use British bases for a potential strike on Iran amid rising regional tensions.
India
The Reserve Bank of India has introduced new guidelines allowing banks to finance up to 75% of merger and acquisition costs, potentially creating a $10-15 billion opportunity for lenders.
Starting January 1, 2027, the Reserve Bank of India will require unique transaction identifiers for all over-the-counter derivative trades to improve traceability and risk management.
India's brokers' lobby is seeking a six-month delay on new lending norms from the Reserve Bank of India due to operational challenges.
Concerns are rising over the potential disruption of India's $250 billion IT industry due to advancements in AI, with analysts divided on the implications.
Larsen & Toubro has partnered with Nvidia to establish India's largest gigawatt-scale AI factory, significantly enhancing the country's AI infrastructure.
Bill Gates has canceled his keynote speech at India's AI summit due to the ongoing Epstein controversy.
General
The Trump administration warns colleges of potential financial aid cuts due to low student loan repayment rates.
A couple in their 70s is forced to work multiple jobs after losing $500,000 to a scam and borrowing an additional $250,000.
Tech
Mark Zuckerberg addresses concerns about potential teen addiction to Meta's products amid growing scrutiny.
Microsoft's Brad Smith warns U.S. tech firms about the competitive advantage of Chinese companies due to government subsidies.
Recent advancements in quantum computing show potential for integration with the data center industry, signaling a technological leap.
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman commends the progress of Chinese tech companies at the AI summit in New Delhi, highlighting global advancements.
Uber continues to thrive in the evolving robotaxi landscape as Waymo gains momentum in autonomous vehicle technology.