Markets exhibited uneven movements on February 16, 2026, as several major exchanges were closed for holidays, including the U.S. New York Stock Exchange, Buenos Aires, B3 in Brazil, and multiple Asian markets celebrating Lunar New Year. Despite the muted global footprint, Canadian and European equities advanced modestly, reflecting stability in core sectors, while volatility indices and currency fluctuations highlighted ongoing investor caution. Tel Aviv equities maintained a steady upward trend, suggesting resilience in local markets as global investors recalibrate positioning.

Americas: Limited Trading but Positive Canadian Momentum

With the U.S. markets closed for Washington’s Birthday, North American trading was concentrated in Canada. The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 1.87% to 33,073.71 points, supported by gains in energy and materials sectors, while the Russell 2000 advanced 1.18% to 2,646.70. The VIX climbed 1.83% to 21.20, signaling caution over market re-entry. The U.S. Dollar Index strengthened slightly, closing at 97.14, reflecting safe-haven flows. Brazil’s B3 and Argentina’s Buenos Aires exchanges were closed for Carnival, limiting broader regional participation, while equity flows into Canadian equities underscored domestic resilience.

Europe: Modest Gains Amid Mixed Regional Sentiment

European markets edged higher on February 16, 2026, with the FTSE 100 advancing 0.26% to 10,473.69 and the Euronext 100 up 0.07% at 1,787.94. France’s CAC 40 rose 0.06% to 8,316.50, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.46% to 24,800.91, reflecting sector-specific pressure in industrials and exporters. The British Pound Index strengthened 0.22% to 136.51, whereas the Euro Index slipped marginally to 118.62. Market sentiment was cautiously constructive, as investors awaited fresh U.S. trading data and monitored regional macro developments, including European energy costs and inflation expectations.

Asia: Selective Gains with Holiday Closures

Asian markets presented a patchwork of activity due to Lunar New Year and regional holidays. The Hang Seng gained 0.52% to 26,705.94, while the S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.34% to 8,967.80. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.01% to 56,230.70, and the SSE Composite fell 1.26% to 4,082.07. Major Chinese exchanges, including Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam, remained closed. Despite limited trading, the appreciation of the Australian Dollar Index (-0.17% to 70.75) and stable currency conditions highlighted cautious optimism ahead of renewed Asian activity on February 17.

Tel Aviv: Positive Momentum Across Key Indices

Tel Aviv equities advanced on February 16, with the TA-35 Index up 0.37% to 4,185.75 points and TA-90 rising 0.76% to 4,097.02. The broader TA-125 increased 0.47% to 4,164.53, while the All-Bond Index saw a minor gain of 0.09% to 425.20 points. Market breadth was solid, with advancing stocks outnumbering decliners and total equity turnover at 4.16 billion NIS. Bond trading reached 5.23 billion NIS, reflecting ongoing demand for fixed-income stability. Sector rotation favored balanced and growth-oriented indices, signaling investor preference for diversified risk in uncertain global conditions.

Outlook: February 17, 2026 Trading Considerations

For February 17, investors should anticipate the reopening of U.S. equities alongside resumption of trading in Asia, including Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong. Tel Aviv will remain active, with domestic equities likely influenced by global flows and currency movements. Key indicators to monitor include S&P 500 and Nasdaq performance, USD strength, European bond spreads, and renewed Asian liquidity. Risk management will remain paramount as cross-border capital navigates holidays, reopening sessions, and potential macro shifts, including inflation expectations and sector-specific momentum.