Global markets experienced a turbulent session on February 23, 2026, as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty, and mixed macroeconomic signals. While U.S. stocks recorded their largest daily declines in weeks, Asian equities rebounded and European markets showed only mild weakness, reflecting a cautious but diversified global trading environment. Tel Aviv markets closed with selective gains, highlighting the resilience of blue-chip stocks amid broader volatility.

Americas: Sharp Pullback in U.S. Equities Amid Volatility

U.S. stock markets faced notable declines on February 23, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 1.66% to 48,804.06 and the Russell 2000 shedding 1.61% to 2,620.99. The S&P 500 dropped 1.04% to 6,837.75, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.13% to 22,627.27. Investor sentiment was weighed down by elevated volatility, as reflected in the VIX rising 10.06% to 21.01, signaling heightened risk appetite concerns. Brazil’s IBOVESPA also fell 0.88% to 188,853.48, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite dipped 0.12% to 33,776.50. The U.S. Dollar Index inched higher by 0.10% to 97.81, adding pressure on commodities and multinational earnings. Analysts attributed the declines to trade policy uncertainty and renewed focus on potential disruptions in global supply chains, underscoring ongoing market sensitivity to macroeconomic signals.

Europe: Modest Weakness with Selective Resilience

European equities saw minor declines on February 23, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of key economic releases. Germany’s DAX dropped 1.06% to 24,991.97, while the CAC 40 fell 0.22% to 8,497.17. The EURO STOXX 50 declined 0.28% to 6,113.92, with the broader MSCI Europe index down 0.36% at 2,814.66. Other indices such as the FTSE 100 and Euronext 100 were nearly flat, reflecting selective resilience. Market participants also observed Estonia’s Tallinn Stock Exchange celebrating Independence Day, leading to localized low trading volumes. Currency markets were relatively stable, with the Euro Index at 117.88 (-0.01%) and the British Pound Index rising slightly 0.08% to 134.92. European traders are monitoring U.S. trade signals and global energy prices, which remain influential for sectors like manufacturing and utilities.

Asia: Mixed Performance Driven by South Korea and China Gains

Asian equities closed mixed on February 23, 2026, as positive momentum in South Korea and China offset losses elsewhere. The KOSPI Composite surged 1.62% to 5,940.72, while the SSE Composite in China rose 1.17% to 4,129.78. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.86% to 57,316.13, and India’s S&P BSE Sensex climbed 0.58% to 83,294.66. Conversely, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 2.05% to 26,527.52, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.04% to 9,022.50. Currency movements were mixed, with the Japanese Yen Index up 0.27% to 64.67, while the Australian Dollar Index fell 0.40% to 70.56. Analysts pointed to strong local corporate earnings and supportive economic data in Korea and China as key drivers, while regional trade and geopolitical concerns weighed on other markets.

Israel Market / Tel Aviv: TA-35 Gains Amid Selective Sector Pressure

Tel Aviv equities closed mixed on February 23, 2026. The TA-35 index rose 0.27% to 4,243.47 points on a total trading volume of 2.15 billion NIS, with 19 advancing stocks and 16 declining. Broader indices were weaker, including the TA-90 down 0.82% to 4,059.37 and the All-Bond General Index falling 0.06% to 424.33. Sector-specific performance varied, with the TA-125 up 0.05% at 4,204.63 and the TA-125 value index remaining flat at 4,387.02. Bond indices reflected cautious sentiment, with short-term and inflation-linked bonds broadly declining. Market observers highlighted investor caution amid global equity weakness and mixed macroeconomic signals, while liquidity in blue-chip stocks supported selective gains.

Looking Ahead: February 24, 2026

Investors should anticipate continued market sensitivity on February 24, 2026, as macroeconomic data releases and corporate earnings reports could amplify volatility. In the Americas, U.S. equities may remain pressured by elevated volatility and trade policy concerns. European markets are expected to track global cues while digesting localized trading holidays and economic indicators. Asian markets may continue to show divergence, with strong performers in Korea and China offsetting weakness in Hong Kong and Australia. In Tel Aviv, selective sector trends will likely drive performance, with bond market dynamics warranting close attention. Global oil prices, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical developments remain key variables shaping near-term market sentiment.