Recent Articles from MarketMinute

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Infrastructure Shakeup: IHS Towers to Delist in $6.2 Billion Strategic Exit to MTN Group
In a move that signals a tectonic shift in the global telecommunications infrastructure landscape, IHS Towers (NYSE: IHS) has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by its largest shareholder, MTN Group. The deal, announced on February 17, 2026, values the tower giant at an enterprise value of approximately
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Cytokinetics Secures Triple Crown: EU Approval of MYQORZO Solidifies Global Reach in Cardiovascular Market
Cytokinetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYTK) has officially cleared its final major regulatory hurdle for its flagship heart failure drug, MYQORZO (aficamten), receiving marketing authorization from the European Commission this week. The approval, granted on February 17, 2026, marks the completion of a global regulatory "triple crown" for the California-based biotech, following
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
US Treasury Yields Hit 4.08% as Industrial Strength Reshapes 2026 Economic Outlook
The U.S. bond market experienced a significant jolt this week as the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.08%, up from 4.05% just days prior. This upward trajectory was fueled by a blowout industrial production report that suggests the American economy is not only weathering
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI BREAKWATER Trial Delivers Landmark Survival Gains in Colorectal Cancer
NEW YORK — Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has announced breakthrough results from its Phase 3 BREAKWATER clinical trial, demonstrating that its BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) regimen significantly improves both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The data, bolstered by a fresh topline report
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Cadence Design Systems Stock Surges 7.6% as AI-Driven Earnings Defy Broader Software Sector Sell-off
In a week where the broader software sector continued to struggle under the weight of valuation re-ratings and investor skepticism, Cadence Design Systems (Nasdaq: CDNS) emerged as a clear outlier. The electronic design automation (EDA) leader saw its shares climb 7.6% following a robust fourth-quarter earnings report that exceeded
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Palo Alto Networks Q2 2026 Results: Platformization and AI Governance Take Center Stage
In a decisive display of market dominance, Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that surpassed analyst expectations, signaling a successful acceleration of its "platformization" strategy. For the period ending January 31, 2026, the cybersecurity giant posted revenue of $2.59 billion—a 15% year-over-year increase—and
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Blackstone Acquires Champions Group for $2.5 Billion in Major Sports and Live Events Expansion
On February 17, 2026, private equity giant Blackstone (NYSE: BX) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Champions Group, a leading platform in the high-growth residential and live-event service sector. The acquisition, valued at approximately $2.5 billion, marks a strategic expansion of Blackstone’s footprint in sports-adjacent and live-event infrastructure,
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The Golden Threshold: Gold Stabilizes Above $5,000 as Geopolitical Storms and AI Demand Redefine Commodity Markets
As of February 19, 2026, the global financial landscape is witnessing a historic "structural re-rating" of precious metals. Gold has successfully established a psychological and technical floor above the $5,000 per ounce mark, a level once considered a distant fantasy for even the most bullish analysts. This rally, while
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
US Industrial Production Shakes Off Stagnation with Unexpected 0.7% Surge in January 2026
The United States industrial sector delivered a powerful opening statement for 2026, as fresh data reveals an unexpected surge in domestic production and manufacturing. According to the Federal Reserve’s latest report released mid-February, total industrial production climbed 0.7% in January, a figure that significantly outpaced the consensus Wall
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
US Markets Bracing for Impact as Partial Government Shutdown Looms Over Thursday Deadline
The United States federal government is teetering on the edge of a significant partial shutdown as a critical funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrives tonight, Thursday, February 19, 2026. While much of the federal government remains operational under a broader funding package passed earlier this month,
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The Efficiency Pivot: U.S. Labor Market Cools to Pre-Pandemic Norms as AI Infrastructure Deepens
The United States labor market has officially entered a new phase of the post-pandemic era, characterized by a "low-hire, low-fire" equilibrium that mirrors the stability of 2019 while fundamentally shifting the balance of power toward employers. According to the latest data released in February 2026, job openings have retreated to
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The Agentic Shift: Anthropic’s Opus 4.6 Release Ignites ‘SaaSocalypse’ Fears Among Software Giants
The mid-February 2026 market session has been defined by a sharp "structural reset" in the technology sector following the release of Anthropic’s latest flagship AI model, Claude Opus 4.6. This launch, coupled with the debut of the more efficient Claude Sonnet 4.6, has sent shockwaves through the
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The Great 2026 Software Shakeout: AI Disruption Triggers Massive Sector Rotation into Value and Industrials
The early weeks of 2026 have witnessed a seismic shift in the tectonic plates of the U.S. equity markets, as the long-dominant software sector faces its most grueling correction in a decade. As of mid-February, the MSCI Software Index has plummeted nearly 21% year-to-date, marking a violent departure from
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Medtronic Hits Ten-Quarter Growth Peak in Q3 Fiscal 2026, Signaling Resurgence in MedTech Sector
Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) reported its strongest enterprise revenue growth in ten quarters for its fiscal third quarter of 2026, marking a significant turning point for the medical technology giant. The results, released on February 17, 2026, surpassed analyst expectations and highlighted a robust recovery in elective procedure volumes and a
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Danaher’s $9.9 Billion Acquisition of Masimo: A Strategic Pivot to the Future of Patient Monitoring
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the medical technology sector, Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced on February 17, 2026, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Masimo Corporation (NASDAQ: MASI) for $180.00 per share in an all-cash transaction. The deal, valued at approximately $9.
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Walmart Signals Caution for 2026 as New CEO John Furner Navigates ‘Volatile’ Economic Landscape
Walmart (NYSE:WMT) shares tumbled more than 3% in premarket trading on Thursday, despite the retail behemoth delivering a robust holiday earnings beat. Investors appeared less focused on the record-breaking fourth-quarter results and more concerned with a cautious outlook for the 2026 fiscal year, which management described as a "volatile
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
War Drums in the Persian Gulf: Oil Prices Surge as Trump Weighs Military Action Against Iran
The global energy market is on a knife-edge this week as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran reached a fever pitch, sending crude oil prices to their highest levels in months. As of February 19, 2026, Brent crude has breached the $71 per barrel mark, while West Texas
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Blue-Chip Breakout: Dow Jones Surges Past 50,000 as Value Rotation Anchors New Bull Phase
The financial world witnessed a historic transition this month as the Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed the 50,000-point threshold for the first time in history. On February 6, 2026, the 130-year-old index closed at 50,115.67, signaling a definitive shift in market leadership. While the previous decade was
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Fed Minutes Signal Hawkish Pause as "Uneven" Inflation Path Cools March Rate Cut Hopes
The Federal Reserve has effectively tapped the brakes on market expectations for an early spring rate cut, according to the minutes from the January 27-28 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting released on February 18, 2026. While the central bank acknowledged that headline inflation has receded to 2.4% as
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Global Commodity Prices Set for Six-Year Low as 'Oil Glut' Collides with Stagnant Growth
The global commodities market is standing at a historic crossroads as we move further into 2026. According to the latest World Bank Commodity Markets Outlook, aggregate commodity prices are projected to plunge to their lowest levels since 2020 by the end of this year. This downward trajectory, characterized by a
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Silicon Synergy: Meta and Nvidia Forge Historic AI Infrastructure Pact to Power the Next Era of Intelligence
In a move that underscores the sheer magnitude of the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) has announced a landmark, multi-year partnership with Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) to secure millions of high-performance AI chips and advanced networking equipment. The deal, finalized today, February 19, 2026, solidifies Meta’s position
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The Carbon Wall: EU’s CBAM Redefines Global Aluminum Markets as 2026 Levy Commences
As of January 1, 2026, the global aluminum trade has entered a transformative new era. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has officially transitioned from a three-year "transitional reporting phase" into its definitive "levy phase," effectively imposing the world’s first major carbon tax on imports. For
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Rice Prices Surge 11.1% as Global Demand Decouples from Corn and Sugar Trends
In a striking divergence from the broader agricultural sector, global rice prices have surged by 11.1% as of mid-February 2026. This sharp rally comes at a time when other staple commodities, such as corn and sugar, are seeing their valuations erode under the weight of oversupply. The sudden spike
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Nickel Defies Gravity: Why Prices Are Soaring Amidst a Global Glut
The global nickel market witnessed a dramatic decoupling of price and fundamentals on February 11, 2026, as the industrial metal surged 5.2% in a single trading session. This sharp rally occurred despite a multi-year backdrop of structural oversupply, catching many commodity traders off guard. The immediate catalyst was a
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
The HREE Breakthrough: How Aclara Resources and US 'Creative' Funding are Ending China’s Rare Earth Stranglehold
SANTIAGO, Chile / WASHINGTON D.C. — February 19, 2026 — As the global race for mineral sovereignty reaches a fever pitch, the United States has intensified its multi-billion-dollar strategy to dismantle China’s long-standing monopoly over the rare earth supply chain. Central to this effort is a new wave of "friend-shoring" initiatives
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Arctic Blast Sends Wheat Prices Soaring 6.1% as Winterkill Fears Grip North American Plains
The global commodities market received a chilling wake-up call this week as wheat futures surged 6.1% per bushel, driven by a series of severe arctic blasts across the North American grain belt. "Winter Storm Fern," which swept through the U.S. Great Plains in early February 2026, has raised
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Landmark India-US Trade Deal Slashes Soybean Oil Tariffs, Reshaping Global Vegetable Oil Flows
In a move that marks a significant pivot in global agricultural trade, the United States and India have finalized an interim trade agreement aimed at easing decades of friction in the agricultural and energy sectors. Announced in early February 2026, the deal’s centerpiece is a strategic reduction in Indian
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Precious Metals Reach Historic Peaks Amid Global Crisis: Gold $5,598 and Silver $121
The global financial landscape reached a fever pitch this month as gold and silver values ascended to unprecedented heights, driven by a perfect storm of geopolitical brinkmanship and monetary uncertainty. Gold reached a staggering record of $5,598.09 per ounce, while silver climbed to $121.7, marking a transformative
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Arctic Blast Ignites Natural Gas Markets: NYMEX Futures Surge 18% as 'Winter Storm Fern' Paralyses U.S. Production
In a month defined by atmospheric volatility, the U.S. natural gas market has undergone a historic convulsion. Prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) recently skyrocketed, with front-month futures jumping a staggering 18.1% in a single session to settle at $7.8270 per million British thermal units
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
WTI Crude Oil Futures Surge Toward $66 Amid US-Iran Conflict Fears and Inventory Drop
The energy markets are on edge this week as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures surged toward $66 per barrel, marking their highest level since August 2025. This rapid price appreciation comes as a "perfect storm" of geopolitical instability and tightening domestic supplies caught traders off guard, reversing a
Via MarketMinute · February 19, 2026
Japan’s Exports Surge 17% in January Amid AI ‘Giga-Cycle’ and Robust Asian Demand
Japan’s trade landscape shifted dramatically in early 2026 as the Ministry of Finance reported a staggering 16.8% year-on-year surge in exports for January. This growth, the fastest in over three years, was driven by an insatiable global appetite for semiconductor-related technology and a massive rebound in shipments to
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Financials and Energy Surge as 'No-Landing' Narrative Takes Hold of Wall Street
The U.S. financial markets witnessed a powerful midday rally on February 18, 2026, as investors aggressively rotated into cyclical sectors, fueled by a potent combination of surging Treasury yields and surprisingly robust industrial data. By the middle of the trading session, the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLF)
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Fear Gauge Relaxes as AI Market Panic Subsides: VIX Drops 4.3% Amid Tech Stabilization
In a significant relief rally for Wall Street, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market’s "fear gauge," fell 4.3% on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, closing at 20.29. The decline marks a cooling of the intense anxiety that had gripped the technology sector over
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The AI Scare Trade: February 18, 2026, Marks a Violent Rotation in Global Markets
The global financial markets reached a pivotal inflection point on February 18, 2026, as a phenomenon dubbed the "AI Scare Trade" triggered a massive and violent rotation of capital. Investors began a wholesale exit from traditional service-oriented sectors—most notably wealth management, financial services, and real estate—amid growing fears
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
GM Doubles Down on Internal Combustion: Announces $63 Million Investment in Oshawa Assembly to Secure Truck Dominance
OSHAWA, ONTARIO – In a move that signals a strategic "doubling down" on its most profitable vehicle segments, General Motors (NYSE: GM) officially announced a $63 million (CAD) investment in its Oshawa Assembly plant today, February 18, 2026. The capital injection is earmarked for upgrading the facility’s stamping operations, specifically
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
DoorDash Signals Growth Surge but Warns of Heavy 2026 Investment Spend
In a landmark financial report released today, February 18, 2026, DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) announced record-breaking quarterly growth that solidified its transition from a simple food delivery app into a comprehensive local commerce powerhouse. The company reported a 38% year-over-year surge in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching approximately
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Global Markets on Edge as Iranian Tensions Drive Gold to Record $5,000; Oil Surges Amid Military Mobilization
On February 18, 2026, global financial markets are grappling with a dual-shocker: a historic surge in safe-haven assets and a volatile spike in energy costs. Gold prices have shattered all psychological barriers, trading at an unprecedented $5,019.60 per ounce, as investors flee toward security in the wake of
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
CRH Plc Hits Record $37.4 Billion Revenue as S&P 500 Inclusion Fuels Growth Surge
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 — Building materials titan CRH Plc (NYSE: CRH) cemented its status as a cornerstone of the American industrial landscape today, reporting record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2025. The company announced a total revenue of $37.4 billion, a performance bolstered by a strategic pivot
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Analog Devices Tops Wall Street Estimates as Industrial and Automotive Demand Drives Q1 Growth
Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) delivered a robust fiscal first-quarter earnings report on February 18, 2026, significantly outpacing Wall Street’s expectations and signaling a firm recovery in the specialized semiconductor market. The Wilmington, Massachusetts-based chipmaker reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.46 on revenue of $3.16 billion, comfortably
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Cadence Design Systems Shares Surge Over 7% as AI Demands Reinforce the "Essential Nature" of Engineering Software
Shares of Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS) surged more than 7% in heavy trading on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a dominant fourth-quarter earnings report that exceeded Wall Street expectations. The electronic design automation (EDA) leader demonstrated robust financial health, posting a significant "beat and raise" performance that underscores the
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
US Housing Foundations Firm Up as 2026 Starts and Permits Shatter Expectations
In a morning report that has sent a jolt of optimism through the financial markets, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed today, February 18, 2026, that the American housing sector is performing with unexpected vigor. Both Housing Starts and Building Permits for
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
US Manufacturing Defies Gravity: Core Durable Goods Orders Surge Amid Economic Headwinds
The U.S. Department of Commerce released its highly anticipated Durable Goods Orders report on February 18, 2026, revealing a striking divergence in the American industrial sector. While the headline figure showed a contraction due to the inherent volatility of the aerospace industry, the "core" measures of manufacturing health painted
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Yields Ignite: Robust Economic Data and Soft Auction Send Treasuries Soaring
The U.S. bond market witnessed a sharp sell-off on February 18, 2026, as a "perfect storm" of stronger-than-expected economic data and lackluster demand for long-term government debt pushed Treasury yields to their highest levels in weeks. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.08%, while the policy-sensitive 2-year
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Wall Street Edges Toward History: Tech Resurgence Pushes S&P 500 Within Striking Distance of All-Time High
Equities rallied on Wednesday as a powerful rebound in megacap technology stocks and a robust slate of corporate earnings propelled major indices higher. The S&P 500 finished the day just 1.4% shy of its record closing high, fueled by investor optimism that the "Infrastructure Reset" of 2026—characterized
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Palo Alto Networks Shares Plunge 9% on Weakened 2026 Profit Outlook Despite Earnings Beat
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Shares of cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) plummeted nearly 9% in Wednesday’s trading session following the release of its second-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results. While the company delivered a robust performance in terms of quarterly profit that surpassed Wall Street’s expectations, a lukewarm
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
American Industry Surges in January as "No-Landing" Economic Scenario Gains Traction
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a powerful display of economic resilience that has caught Wall Street off guard, U.S. industrial production and manufacturing output surged in January 2026, significantly exceeding economist forecasts. Data released by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, revealed that total industrial production rose by
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Federal Reserve Signals 'Higher for Longer' as January Minutes Reveal Persistent Inflation Anxiety
The Federal Reserve released the minutes from its January 27–28 policy meeting today, February 18, 2026, sending a clear message to Wall Street: the era of rapid rate cuts is on a definitive hiatus. Despite mounting political pressure and a cooling—but still resilient—labor market, the Federal Open
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Booking Holdings Surges as 'Agentic AI' Pivot and Q4 Earnings Triumph Over Market Skepticism
NORWALK, Conn. — In a definitive rebuttal to the "AI scare trade" that has haunted the travel sector for months, Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG) delivered a commanding fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report on February 18, 2026. The travel giant reported a significant beat on both the top and bottom lines, sending shares
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Carvana (CVNA) Reports Record-Breaking 2025 Earnings: A Turnaround for the Ages
PHOENIX, AZ – In what market analysts are calling the most dramatic corporate turnaround of the decade, Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) reported a staggering set of fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results on Wednesday evening. The online used-vehicle retailer, which narrowly avoided insolvency just three years ago, has silenced skeptics by delivering
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Nvidia Shares Surge on Massive Meta Partnership: A New Era for AI Infrastructure
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) saw its shares climb to new record highs on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the announcement of a massive, multi-year partnership with Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META). The deal, described by analysts as the largest single infrastructure commitment in the history of the semiconductor industry, will see
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Yield Anchor: How the 10-Year Treasury is Dictating the Nasdaq’s 2026 Velocity
As of mid-February 2026, the financial markets find themselves in a delicate tug-of-war between resilient economic growth and the gravitational pull of the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield, often referred to as the "world's most important interest rate," has become the primary arbiter of value for the technology-heavy Nasdaq
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Generative Shift: How GenAI is Redefining the Digital Advertising Power Dynamics
As of February 18, 2026, the digital advertising landscape has undergone its most radical transformation since the invention of the search engine. Generative AI (GenAI) has transitioned from a experimental tool for copywriters to the core operating system of the global ad market. Major tech platforms have moved toward "Goal-Only"
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Great Atomic Pivot: How Big Tech and Supply Constraints are Fueling the Nuclear Resurgence
As of February 18, 2026, the global energy landscape is witnessing a historic transformation that many analysts are calling "Nuclear Renaissance 2.0." Once considered a legacy industry burdened by high costs and regulatory hurdles, nuclear power has transitioned into a premium growth sector. This pivot is driven by the
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The "Dassault Exception" Shatters: Software Giant Plunges 19% on Weak 2026 Outlook
In a move that sent shockwaves through the global technology sector, European software powerhouse Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: DSY) saw its market value evaporate on February 11, 2026, as shares plummeted nearly 20%. The sell-off, the company's steepest single-day decline in over two decades, followed a "double miss" in its
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Hard Asset Renaissance: Geopolitics and Debt Fears Ignite a Global Commodity Supercycle
As of mid-February 2026, the global financial landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift. A perfect storm of escalating geopolitical tensions and a burgeoning "debasement trade" has propelled commodities to historic highs, with gold shattering the $5,000 per ounce ceiling and copper reaching unprecedented levels near $14,500 per tonne.
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
2026 Washington Deregulation Outlook: Financial, Housing, and Crypto Impacts
As of February 18, 2026, a seismic shift in federal oversight is redrawing the map of American industry. The second year of the current administration has ushered in what many on Wall Street are calling the "Golden Age of Deregulation," a period marked by a rapid retreat from the enforcement-heavy
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Institutional 'Wall of Capital' Arrives: Spot ETFs Cement Crypto’s Place in Global Finance
As of February 18, 2026, the digital asset landscape has undergone a profound transformation. What began as a speculative experiment has matured into a cornerstone of institutional portfolio construction. The total assets under management (AUM) in U.S. spot crypto ETFs has surged to a staggering $170 billion, with Bitcoin
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The New Proxy War: Bitcoin Consolidation at $83,200 Tests the Resilience of Strategy Inc. and Coinbase
As Bitcoin (BTC) hovers around the $83,200 mark this February, the digital asset market is entering a phase of uneasy stabilization. Following a blistering climb to a cycle peak of $126,000 in October 2025, the current "consolidation floor" represents a 34% retracement that has fundamentally altered the trading
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The PEPM Death Spiral: How AI Automation is Cannibalizing the Human Capital Management Sector
As of February 18, 2026, the Human Capital Management (HCM) software sector is grappling with a profound "Productivity Paradox." For decades, the industry flourished under the Per-Employee-Per-Month (PEPM) revenue model, where growth was inextricably linked to rising corporate headcounts. However, the rapid integration of Generative AI and autonomous agents is
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Great Valuation Rotation: Markets Pivot to ‘Physical Reality’ as Tech Fever Cools
NEW YORK — The financial landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift as of February 18, 2026, with the "Great Valuation Rotation" reaching a fever pitch. After years of dominance by high-flying technology giants, a combination of cooling macroeconomic data and a sudden reassessment of artificial intelligence (AI) capital expenditures has triggered
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Sticky 'Last Mile': Why the Fed’s 2% Inflation Target Remains Out of Reach in 2026
As of February 18, 2026, the Federal Reserve’s long-standing battle against inflation has hit a frustrating plateau. Despite years of aggressive monetary tightening and a brief flirtation with a 2% handle, recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data suggest that the "last mile" of disinflation
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Synopsys Signals "Silicon-to-System" Dominance with Q4 Beat and Ambitious 2026 Outlook
Synopsys (Nasdaq: SNPS) has firmly established itself as the cornerstone of the global AI infrastructure buildout, delivering a resounding beat in its fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 earnings. The electronic design automation (EDA) leader reported a non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $2.90, comfortably surpassing the $2.79 analyst consensus. This
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Barbie’s Cold Winter: Mattel Shares Crater 30% Following Disastrous Holiday Quarter
The toy industry was sent into a tailspin this week as Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) saw its market capitalization evaporate by nearly a third in a single trading session. The legendary toymaker reported a staggering 30% drop in share price following a fourth-quarter earnings report that missed Wall Street expectations on
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Amazon Solidifies Future of Logistics with 5.3% Stake in Beta Technologies
In a move that underscores its commitment to revolutionizing the global supply chain through sustainable innovation, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) has officially disclosed a 5.3% ownership stake in the electric aviation pioneer Beta Technologies (NYSE: BETA). The revelation, made public through a Schedule 13G filing with the Securities
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The Agentic Internet Arrives: Cloudflare Surges 13% on Record Revenue and AI Pivot
Cloudflare (NYSE: NET) shares skyrocketed 13% in pre-market trading this week, as the edge computing giant delivered a knockout fourth-quarter performance that silenced skeptics and ignited a sector-wide rally. The rally followed a report on February 10, 2026, where the company not only exceeded revenue and earnings expectations but also
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Nvidia’s AI Guidance Acts as the 'Iron Floor' for Semiconductors Amidst 2026 Market Turbulence
As the financial world braces for the final week of February 2026, all eyes are once again fixed on Silicon Valley’s undisputed heavyweight. Despite a month characterized by "AI fatigue" and a sharp correction in software valuations, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has managed to provide a psychological and financial "floor"
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Tesla’s Bold Pivot: Trading Steering Wheels for Silicon and Steel
AUSTIN, Texas — In a quarterly earnings report that may be remembered as the moment the world’s most famous electric vehicle company formally shed its automotive skin, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has signaled a radical shift in its corporate DNA. On January 28, 2026, the company reported its fourth-quarter 2025 financial
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Apple’s Services Juggernaut Hits Record Highs Amid Growing Hardware Headwinds
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has once again rewritten the record books, reporting a staggering $143.8 billion in revenue for its first fiscal quarter of 2026. Driven by a powerhouse performance from the iPhone 17 series and a relentless surge in high-margin Services revenue, the tech giant appeared to defy
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
The AI Resilience: Dip-Buyers Charge Back as 'Capex Fatigue' Fades in the S&P 500
NEW YORK — The narrative surrounding the "AI trade" has taken a decisive turn as of February 18, 2026. After a tumultuous start to the month that saw the S&P 500 retreat from its historic 7,000-point milestone, a wave of dip-buyers has flooded back into the technology sector. The
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Fed Minutes Under the Microscope: Market Braces for Rate Cut Clues Amid Strengthening Greenback
The global financial community is at a standstill today, February 18, 2026, as the Federal Reserve prepares to release the minutes from its January FOMC meeting at 2:00 PM ET. Investors are scouring the upcoming report for any indication of when the central bank might resume its rate-cutting cycle,
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Insulet (PODD) Shakes the Market with Q4 Earnings Beat as Omnipod 5 Dominance Continues
Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ:PODD) delivered a commanding performance in its fourth-quarter earnings report released today, February 18, 2026. The medical device leader announced an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55, significantly outstripping Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $1.46. Revenue for the quarter reached $783.8 million,
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Global Payments Charts a Bold Path to 2026 with $14 EPS Target and Massive $2.5 Billion Buyback
ATLANTA – In a definitive move to cement its position as a dominant force in the merchant services landscape, Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) sent shockwaves through the financial sector today, February 18, 2026. The company unveiled an aggressive 2026 financial outlook, headlined by an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) target
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Booking Holdings Q4 2025 Earnings: Navigating the 'AI Scare Trade' and a Shifting Global Market
NORWALK, CT — February 18, 2026 — Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results today, delivering a performance that underscores the widening gap between global travel giants and their regional competitors. As the travel industry grapples with a "normalization" of demand following the post-pandemic boom, Booking
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
Housing Sentiment Plummets as Builders Face 22nd Month of Contraction Amid Affordability Crisis
The U.S. housing market faced a sobering reality check this week as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) Housing Market Index (HMI) slumped to a reading of 36 for February 2026. This unexpected decline, down from 37 in January, marks the 22nd consecutive month
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026
New York’s Industrial Resilience: February Manufacturing Beats Expectations Despite Slight Cooling
NEW YORK — The New York manufacturing sector continues to defy gravity in early 2026. According to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, industrial activity in the state posted a reading of 7.1 for February. While this marks a minor step back
Via MarketMinute · February 18, 2026