Bank stocks propelled the FTSE 100 higher on February 17, 2026, while mining shares declined as metal prices fell. Barclays (BARC) and Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) led the advance, with the index closing up 0.8% at 7,842. Meanwhile, Glencore (GLEN) and Anglo American (AAL) dragged the base metals and gold miners lower.

Eli Lilly's (LLY) oncology drug Retevmo (selpercatinib) has met the primary endpoint of progression-free survival in the Phase 3 LIBRETTO-432 trial for RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the adjuvant setting. The randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated Retevmo versus placebo in patients with early-stage RET+ NSCLC who had undergone complete resection. Topline results are expected in the first half of 2026, with potential to expand Retevmo's label and market reach in lung cancer treatment.

Chevron (CVX) has been awarded leases to explore four offshore blocks in Greece's Ionian Sea. The U.S. oil major will conduct seismic surveys and potential drilling in Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The leases were granted by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund, signaling Greece's push to develop its hydrocarbon resources. Chevron joins Eni and ExxonMobil in Greece's emerging oil and gas sector. Exploration activities are expected to commence in 2026, pending final approvals and environmental assessments.

Nippon Building Fund (8916) reported fourth-quarter and half-year results showing sequential declines in both profit and revenue. The real estate investment trust (J-REIT) recorded a net profit of ¥2.4 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, down from ¥3.1 billion in the prior quarter. Revenue fell to ¥12.8 billion from ¥14.5 billion. For the six months ended December 31, 2025, net profit was ¥5.7 billion, down from ¥6.8 billion in the prior half, with revenue slipping to ¥26.1 billion from ¥29.3 billion.

The company attributed the declines to lower rental income and higher operating expenses. Nippon Building Fund maintained its full-year 2026 forecast, projecting net profit of ¥11.0 billion and revenue of ¥53.0 billion. The J-REIT also announced a dividend of ¥5.0 per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, unchanged from the prior year. The stock last traded at ¥1,020, down 1.2% on the session.

Celltrion (CTRN) today released post-hoc analyses from its LIBERTY Phase 3 trials of tralokinumab for atopic dermatitis, showing significant improvements in skin clearance and quality-of-life measures compared to placebo. The data, presented at a major dermatology conference, support the drug's differentiated efficacy profile in moderate-to-severe AD.

The company noted a 27% higher rate of complete skin clearance in tralokinumab-treated patients versus placebo at 16 weeks. Celltrion is advancing regulatory filings in key markets and plans additional studies to explore long-term benefits and safety.

European equities advanced modestly in thin pre-session trade on February 17, 2026, as investors awaited key U.S. inflation data and central bank cues. The Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.3% to 472.23, with miners and oil & gas sectors outperforming.

Trading volumes remain subdued ahead of the U.S. CPI report due later in the day, which is expected to show a 0.3% rise in January. Analysts noted the market's cautious stance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over upcoming policy decisions.

Oil prices declined as the United States and Iran resumed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program and potential sanctions relief. The talks, held in Vienna, raised hopes for easing tensions that have pressured global oil markets.

Brent crude futures fell 1.2% to $85.40 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 1.1% to $82.80. Analysts noted the discussions could lead to increased Iranian oil exports, potentially offsetting supply disruptions elsewhere.

Gold prices declined as the U.S. dollar strengthened and new inflation data reinforced expectations of higher interest rates. Spot gold fell 0.4% to $1,840 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures dropped 0.5% to $1,842.

The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January showed a 0.3% increase month-over-month, aligning with forecasts and bolstering the case for continued Federal Reserve rate hikes. The stronger dollar, up 0.3% against a basket of currencies, also pressured gold.

Pinewood.AI (AI) stock fell 25% after private equity firm Apax Partners withdrew its proposed takeover offer, citing unfavorable market conditions. The withdrawal leaves Pinewood.AI's future uncertain as it explores alternative strategic options.

Apax had been in advanced talks to acquire Pinewood.AI, a provider of AI-driven content creation tools, for approximately $1.2 billion. The deal was expected to close by Q2 2026 but was called off amid rising interest rates and tech sector volatility. Pinewood.AI CEO stated the company remains committed to its growth strategy and will continue pursuing opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

CoStar Group (CSGP) stock fell 9.9% after Q3 results on October 28, 2025, as soft Q4 guidance weighed. Analysts cut the mean price target to $80.29 from $100, a 78.5% premium to current levels, with a high target of $105 implying 133.4% upside. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained Outperform, cutting its target to $75. The consensus rating remains Moderate Buy based on 10 Strong Buys, 2 Moderate Buys, 5 Holds, and 2 Strong Sells.

Jabil Inc. (JBL) has reached a record high of $269.17, reflecting strong investor sentiment and Wall Street optimism.

Analysts project 19.5% year-over-year EPS growth to $10.62 for the fiscal year ending August 2026, with JBL consistently beating consensus estimates. A "Strong Buy" consensus supports the outlook, with BofA raising its price target to $280.

JP Morgan raised Autodesk (ADSK) to "Overweight" from "Neutral" on February 2, setting a $319 price target. Analysts forecast FY26 EPS of $7.23 (+23.4% YoY), with ADSK beating estimates in three of the last four quarters. The consensus rating is "Strong Buy" (23 Strong Buys, 1 Moderate Buy, 3 Holds), and the mean PT of $372.92 implies a 61.3% upside. ADSK underperformed the S&P 500 (-23.8% vs. +11.8% YTD) amid tech sell-off following reports of Chinese customs blocking Nvidia's H200 AI chips.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin argues prediction market hedging could offer price stability akin to stablecoins, potentially obviating fiat currency.

In a detailed tweet, Buterin critiques current overemphasis on short-term crypto bets and sports wagering, advocating a shift toward hedging. He proposes personalized baskets of prediction market shares aligned with users' spending patterns, eliminating the need for fiat. Settlements would occur in Ethereum, wrapped stocks, or interest-bearing fiat. Buterin envisions this approach as more sustainable, attracting sophisticated capital. Myriad CEO Loxley Fernandes agrees, emphasizing prediction markets should serve risk mitigation and economic stability rather than entertainment.

U.S. crypto funds recorded $403 million in outflows, while Europe and Canada posted $230 million in inflows, according to CoinShares' latest report.

Global crypto investment products experienced $173 million in outflows, marking the fourth consecutive week of withdrawals totaling $3.74 billion. Bitcoin products led U.S. exits with $133.3 million, while Ethereum funds lost $85.1 million. XRP and Solana funds attracted $33.4 million and $31 million, respectively. Bitcoin traded at $69,000, down 2% in 24 hours, with altcoins showing modest gains.

The UK government plans to amend stock market listing rules to permit Chinese accounting standards, aiming to lure Chinese companies to the London Stock Exchange and bolster economic growth. Legislation is being drafted to formalize the changes, which would apply to Chinese-registered issuers listing global depositary receipts (GDRs) via the UK-China Stock Connect. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is consulting on a temporary policy adjustment, with permanent recognition of Chinese standards pending parliamentary approval. Critics warn of risks related to audit quality and human rights concerns, citing past accounting scandals involving Chinese firms in US markets. The move follows London's recent struggles to attract overseas listings, including Shein's decision to list in Hong Kong last year. Treasury officials assert the reforms will enhance London's competitiveness while maintaining investor protections.

US stock futures rose slightly on February 16, 2026, as investors sought to stabilize after two consecutive weeks of declines amid growing concerns over AI disruption.

S&P 500 futures (ES=F) gained 0.2%, Dow futures (YM=F) climbed 0.2%, while Nasdaq 100 futures (NQ=F) remained near unchanged. Markets were closed on February 15 for Presidents Day.

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) and Dow (^DJI) each fell over 1% last week, with the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) dropping more than 2%—its fifth straight weekly loss and longest streak since 2022. The Dow and S&P 500 have declined in four of the past five weeks.

Anxiety over AI's potential to disrupt wealth management, transportation, and logistics has overshadowed the January CPI report, which came in below expectations. Investors await the February 20 PCE data, Fed minutes on February 18, and scrutiny of a rumored "loyalty pledge" signed by Trump's nominee for Fed chair, Kevin Warsh.

Walmart (WMT), DoorDash (DASH), and Molson Coors (TAP) are scheduled to report earnings this week.

As of 6:30 PM on February 16, Nikkei 225 futures (CME) traded at 500 yen per index point. Estimated volume reached 12,734 contracts, down from Friday's 34,204. Open interest stood at 68,338, reflecting a decrease of 29,757.

Crude oil prices rose on February 16 as traders weighed the impact of advancing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations against potential OPEC+ supply increases starting in April. Brent futures settled up $0.90, or 1.33%, to $68.65 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $0.86, or 1.37%, to $63.75 at 2:15 p.m. ET; WTI did not set a settlement due to Presidents' Day in the U.S.

Trading volumes were subdued as Lunar New Year holidays paused markets in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Analysts said geopolitical tensions provided a floor for prices. PVM's Tamas Varga noted supply disruption fears continued to underpin risk premiums.

Last week, both benchmarks fell: Brent declined about 0.5% and WTI 1%. U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet in Geneva on February 17, with discussions potentially extending to energy and aviation. SEB sees Brent at $80 if tensions escalate or $60 if they ease.

OPEC+ is expected to approve a resumption of production hikes from April at its March 1 meeting, which could cap upside. Meanwhile, Chinese imports of Russian crude in February are forecast to hit a third straight monthly record, offsetting reduced Indian purchases under U.S. pressure.

Markets will focus on the Geneva talks, the March 1 OPEC+ meeting, and the EIA's February 19 Weekly Petroleum Inventory Report.

SpaceX and xAI are among finalists in the Pentagon's six-month "Replicator" drone swarm AI competition, aiming to develop voice-command systems controlling swarms of aerial and maritime drones. The Defense Innovation Unit and Defense Autonomous Warfare Group are co-sponsoring the $100 million prize challenge, launched January 2026.

The initiative builds on the Trump administration's Replicator program, seeking scalable, attritable autonomous systems. While SpaceX is an established defense contractor focused on launch and satellite services, xAI has secured Pentagon contracts, including integrating its Grok chatbot into government platforms. Both companies declined comment.

On February 16, 2026, billionaire Tom Pritzker stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels (H) amid revelations of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, disclosed in U.S. Justice Department filings.

Pritzker, in office since 2004, will also not seek re-election to Hyatt's board. "I deeply regret my association with Epstein and Maxwell, exercised poor judgment, and failed to distance myself sooner," he stated. This follows fallout from Epstein-linked ties affecting other business leaders.