Global markets delivered a mixed performance on February 17, 2026, as investors balanced macroeconomic signals with holiday-thinned liquidity across Asia and Latin America. U.S. and European indices recorded modest gains, while Asia-Pacific markets and Tel Aviv reflected cautious trading, impacted by regional holidays and selective sector activity. These trends set the stage for February 18, when market participants will monitor post-holiday flows, macroeconomic updates, and early trading signals from the U.S. and Europe.

Americas: U.S. and Latin America Overview

U.S. equities showed moderate gains, with Nasdaq rising 0.14% to 22,578.38, the S&P 500 up 0.10% to 6,843.22, and the Dow Jones 30 advancing 0.07% to 49,533.19. Small-cap performance was flat, as the Russell 2000 closed virtually unchanged at 2,646.59. Investors remained attentive to sector-specific developments in technology and growth-oriented stocks, while the VIX volatility index dropped 4.29% to 20.29, signaling a temporary easing of market uncertainty. The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.07% to 97.22, reflecting stable demand for dollar-denominated assets.

In Latin America, Brazil’s B3 index declined 0.69% to 186,464.30, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite fell 0.54% to 32,896.55. Ash Wednesday and Carnival-related closures contributed to thinner volumes and muted activity in these markets. For February 18, Brazil’s B3 is set to reopen, with investors likely monitoring global risk sentiment and commodity-linked equity performance.

Europe: Broad Gains Across Key Indices

European equities advanced across the board, supported by industrial and financial sector strength. Germany’s DAX P climbed 0.80% to 24,998.40, the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.79% to 10,556.17, and the EURO STOXX 50 increased 0.72% to 6,021.85. France’s CAC 40 added 0.54% to 8,361.46, while Euronext 100 and MSCI Europe advanced 0.49% and 0.13%, respectively. Currency moves were mixed, with the Euro Index slightly down 0.08% to 118.53 and the British Pound Index weakening 0.59% to 135.70.

Investors in Europe appear to be positioning ahead of upcoming macroeconomic releases, including industrial output and inflation data, with a focus on sectors that benefit from stable growth and earnings visibility. February 18 is likely to see continuation of these trends, with attention on corporate earnings reports and central bank communications.

Asia: Mixed Performance Amid Regional Holidays

Asian equities displayed a mixed picture due to ongoing holiday closures. Japan led the gains, with the Nikkei 225 rising 1.16% to 57,220.12. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased 0.40% to 8,995.10, while India’s S&P BSE SENSEX was slightly up 0.12% to 83,553.59. In contrast, South Korea’s KOSPI Composite declined 0.28% to 5,507.01, and mainland China (Shanghai and Shenzhen), Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam were closed for Lunar New Year.

Japanese and Australian markets absorbed modest inflows amid thin regional liquidity, with sectors such as technology and financials driving early optimism. February 18 is expected to see partial reopening of holiday-closed markets, with investors focusing on post-holiday capital flows and early trading trends in major Asian indices.

Tel Aviv: Cautious Trading and Mixed Signals

Tel Aviv equities closed February 17 with mixed results. The TA-35 advanced 0.25% to 4,196.30, while the TA-90 dropped 0.42% to 4,079.96. Banking-focused indices also declined, with the TA-90 & Banks down 0.33% to 4,305.90. The TA-125 posted a minor 0.09% gain, while TA-125 Value fell 0.95%. Bond indices were mostly stable, with the All-Bond Index decreasing 0.05% to 424.99.

Equity trading volume reached 4.45 billion NIS, while bonds totaled 7.12 billion NIS, reflecting selective positioning and cautious investor sentiment. For February 18, market participants are likely to monitor global cues from U.S., Europe, and Asia, with particular attention on liquidity, sector rotations, and bond market performance.

Looking Ahead: February 18, 2026 – Key Factors to Watch

As markets open on February 18, investors will focus on post-holiday flows in Asia, earnings signals from Europe, and early U.S. futures trends. Key risks include volatility in technology and financial sectors, central bank guidance on interest rates, and currency fluctuations impacting cross-border portfolios. Tel Aviv investors are expected to react in line with global sentiment, with mid-cap equities and bond indices likely under selective pressure. Monitoring liquidity, macroeconomic indicators, and sector-specific catalysts will be essential for positioning ahead of the day’s trading session.