Global Market Outlook

12 February 2026 — Today’s Market News — Yen Strengthens as Nikkie 225 Breaks 58,000 & Robinhood falls ~9%

February 12, 2026
Feb 12

Stocks Hold Firm, but Traders Stay Cautious Ahead of U.S. Inflation Data

Global markets were steady to firm. U.S. shares finished almost flat after a strong January jobs report cooled expectations for quick rate cuts. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei briefly broke 58,000 for the first time, while the yen stayed strong. Gold eased slightly & silver dipped by 0.8%.

Today’s Snapshot

  • S&P 500: 6,941.47 (−0.34 pts, flat — last close)

  • Nasdaq Composite: 23,066.47 (−36.01 pts, −0.16% — last close)

  • Nikkei 225:  ~57,874.61 (+230.97 pts, +0.40% — last close)

  • Gold: ~$5,063.11/oz (−0.3%)

  • Silver: ~$83.32/oz (−0.8%)

Global Markets

Precious Metals

Gold: $5,063.11/oz (−0.3%)
Gold fell 0.3% after strong U.S. jobs data reduced expectations of quick interest rate cuts. When rates stay high, investors prefer U.S. Treasury bonds and fixed deposits, which pay interest, instead of gold which does not pay interest, and this puts pressure on gold prices.

Silver: $83.32/oz (−0.8%)
Silver fell 0.8% after jumping about 4% the day before—some traders simply took profits after the surge.

(B) FX

(A) Dollar Index (DXY): 96.852 (weaker)
The dollar remained under pressure as investors waited for key U.S. inflation data and continued to expect interest rate cuts later this year.

(B) USD/JPY: 153.05 (yen stronger)
The yen strengthened against the dollar after continued buying of Japanese assets, with traders closely watching if the pair moves toward lower levels.

Stock Market — What Happened Today

U.S. Equities

  • S&P 500: 6,941.47 (~flat)

  • Nasdaq Composite: 23,066.47 (−0.16%)

U.S. stocks were mostly steady, with the S&P 500 ending flat and the Nasdaq slightly lower. Robinhood fell 8–9% after reporting Q4 2025 revenue of about $1.28 billion, falling short of expectations by about $50–70 million because crypto trading revenue dropped around 38% compared to Q4 2024.

 

Japan

Nikkei 225: ~57,874.61 (+230.97 pts, +0.40% — last close)
Japan pushed higher again as investors continued buying after the recent election result and expectations of fresh economic stimulus. The Nikkei briefly broke above the 58,000 level during mid-morning trading in Tokyo (around 10:30–11:00 a.m. Japan time) before easing to ~57,874.61.

Volatility & Positioning

The VIX was around 17.65, indicating moderate caution in the market as traders wait for key U.S. inflation data.

What Traders Are Watching

  1. U.S. inflation on Friday: whether price growth comes in hot or cool—and what that means for rate-cut timing.
  2. USD/JPY near key levels: the yen has moved sharply this week; traders are watching if it keeps strengthening.
  3. Japan’s equity surge: whether the Nikkei’s break above 58,000 triggers more buying—or profit-taking.

Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1.
- Warren Buffett

Yesterday’s Market News — 11 February 2026

Markets were mixed. U.S. stocks edged lower as investors waited for the jobs data, Europe was nearly flat, and Australia rose. Gold held above $5,000/oz and silver jumped nearly 2%, helped by softer U.S. retail data that lifted rate-cut expectations.

Catch up on: 11 February 2026 — Today’s Market Update — Silver Surges ~2%, Asia Climbs While Dollar Slips 

1. Reuters — Wall Street ends muted after strong jobs data nibbles at Fed rate cut bets

2. Reuters — European shares hit record high as energy stocks surge; tech, financials stumble

3. Reuters — Japan’s Nikkei rises past 58,000 for first time on Takaichi trade

4. Reuters — Breakaway yen keeps dollar under the cosh

5. Reuters — Gold edges lower on firmer dollar after strong U.S. jobs data

Disclaimer:

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