Soft CPI Sparks Fed Cut Bets; Tech and AI Stocks Surge, Including QuinStreet (2026-02-13)

The latest CPI report, released on February 13, 2026, showed prices rose 0.2% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year, both below forecasts, prompting optimism for multiple Fed rate cuts in 2026. This cooled inflation reduced borrowing costs for businesses and lifted Treasuries, with the Russell 2000 outperforming. Technology and AI stocks led the gains as major indices rebounded from a week of heavy selling. QuinStreet (QS) shares spiked over 5% on the broader rally, with a 10.4% gain on February 7 following an index rebound. QS is down 19.8% YTD at $11.29, trading 51.1% below its 52-week high of $23.08. The Dow Jones crossed 50,000 for the first time on the day, and the S&P 500 edged positive for 2026 as AI-related spending benefits chipmakers like Nvidia and Broadcom. Enterprise software companies embedding generative AI are emerging as platform winners, presenting opportunities in a low-rate environment.