Market Summary - February 19, 2026

The trading session on February 19, 2026, was characterized by a moderate risk environment with limited declines across major indices. The US30 index closed at 49,391, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.06%. The overall mood in the US market was negative, but losses were contained to a maximum of 0.5% for most indices. Notably, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the session as the worst performer, with futures down approximately 0.7%.

Macroeconomic Data

Several key macroeconomic indicators were released, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the US economy. The trade policy under former President Donald Trump has shown diminishing returns, with imports increasing, the trade deficit widening, and exports declining. Initial jobless claims fell unexpectedly to 206,000, while continuing claims rose to 1.869 million, surpassing expectations. Additionally, the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index exceeded forecasts, rising to 16.3.

Market Reactions

Investor sentiment was further impacted by Blue Owl Capital's decision to suspend payouts for one of its private funds, raising concerns about the health and liquidity of the private credit market. Following this announcement, Blue Owl's stock dropped over 8%.

European Markets

European indices also closed in the red, with all major markets experiencing losses. The Italian FTSE MIB was the largest decliner, down more than 1%, while Switzerland’s SMI managed to limit its losses to 0.2%. Notable corporate earnings reports included Airbus, which reported results above expectations but saw a decline in aircraft deliveries, resulting in a 6% drop in its stock price. Other companies like Renault and Rio Tinto also faced declines following their earnings announcements.

Currency and Commodity Markets

In the foreign exchange market, the Swiss franc weakened slightly, down about 0.2-0.3% against major currency pairs, while the British pound also experienced a modest decline of 0.2%. In commodities, cocoa prices fell sharply by more than 7% due to persistent oversupply, reaching levels not seen since 2023. Oil prices, however, saw a boost, rising by 2% to $66 per barrel, supported by a significant drop in inventory data, which fell by 9 million barrels amidst concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to US-Iran tensions.

Precious Metals and Cryptocurrencies

In the precious metals sector, palladium was the only notable mover, declining by about 2%. The cryptocurrency market continued to face downward pressure, with Ethereum limiting its losses to around 0.4% at approximately $1,940, while Bitcoin showed slight resilience, holding around $66,800.

Conclusion

The market's performance on February 19, 2026, reflects a cautious sentiment among investors, influenced by macroeconomic data, corporate earnings, and geopolitical concerns. As the week progresses, market participants will be closely monitoring upcoming economic indicators and corporate earnings reports for further insights into market direction.