19 February 2026 — Today’s Market News — KOSPI +3%, Palo Alto −6.8%: AI Boost vs. Profit Pressure
Risk sentiment improves, but investors stay cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data and the ongoing Strait of Hormuz issue.
Global equities rose, led by AI-driven strength in U.S. tech that lifted risk sentiment. The KOSPI surged 3% on chip optimism, while investors remained cautious ahead of U.S. PCE inflation data. Gold hovered near $5,000/oz as hawkish Fed signals offset geopolitical risks, with the yen staying under pressure.
Today’s Snapshot
• Nifty 50: 24,186.40 (+142.35 pts, +0.59% – last close)
• KOSPI: 3,247.16 (+94.63 pts, +3.00% – last close)
• Nasdaq Composite: 22,753.64 (+175.25 pts, +0.78% – last close)
• Gold: $4,980.60/oz (+0.00%)
• Silver: $77.71/oz (+0.70%)
Global Markets
Gold: $4,980.60/oz (flat)
Gold stayed flat as investors waited for key U.S. data, including jobless claims and the upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report, to make rate decisions.
Silver: $78.13/oz (+0.70%)
Silver extended 0.70% because investors feel more confident in the white metal because markets look stable and they don’t expect any major bad news right now, hence they’re willing to buy more.
Brent Crude: $70.77 /bbl. (+0.60%)
Oil climbed to $70.77/bbl. after Iran’s military drills temporarily warned ships to avoid certain parts of the Strait of Hormuz, raising supply concerns.
As this route is used to transport a large portion of the world’s oil, even small restrictions can slow down tanker movement. This affects the supply of oil, and since it’s always in demand, the prices surge.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
India
Nifty 50: 24,186.40 (+142.35 pts, +0.59% – last close)
The Nifty 50 rose 0.59%, and strength in energy stocks supported the index following an overnight surge in crude oil prices after Iran’s military drills temporarily disrupted parts of the Strait of Hormuz, raising supply concerns.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) (+1.5%) and Oil India (+2.7%) gained as higher crude prices improve the revenues and profitability of these companies.
Jindal SAW fell 3.4% after the American Petroleum Institute (API) suspended the company from using its quality certification mark for seamless pipes due to some compliance issues.
South Korea
KOSPI: 3,247.16 (+94.63 pts, +3.00% – last close)
KOSPI jumped or 3% after strong gains in U.S. tech stocks driven by Nvidia’s major AI chip deal with Meta. The deal is certainly in the tens of billions of dollars, said chip analyst Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies, boosting sentiment around South Korean chip giants like Samsung (+~ 4-5%) and SK Hynix (+2%)
United States
Nasdaq Composite: 22,753.64 (+0.78%)
The Nasdaq closed 0.78% higher as investor sentiment improved across growth stocks, supported by renewed confidence in the tech segment
Moderna (~+6%) after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to review its influenza vaccine application, which was rejected earlier.
Palo Alto Networks (−6.8%) declined after cutting its annual profit forecast outlook to $3.65–$3.70 per share from an earlier $3.80–$3.90 per share range due to higher recent acquisition cost including the $25 billion CyberArk deal & a $3.35 billion agreement to acquire cloud management firm Chromosphere. These acquisitions are weighing on the profits of the firm.
Volatility & Positioning
The VIX closed at 21.20, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
What Traders Are Watching
With key macro events ahead, traders are watching three themes:
- U.S. PCE inflation and its impact on rate-cut expectations.
- U.S.–Iran tensions and their effect on oil and inflation.
- Whether the AI-led equity rebound continues.
Yesterday’s Market News — 18 February 2026
Global stocks rose, with the Nikkei at 57,267.58 (+1.23%), DAX 24,998.40 (+0.80%), and FTSE 10,556.17 (+0.79%). Gold hit $4,926 (+1%), silver $74.94 (+2.15%), while DXY firmed to 97.22.
Catch up on: Silver Explodes 2.15% to $74.94/oz & Siemens Crashes 5.6%
Written by Zahal Kottoth Riyas
Sources
Source
Disclaimer:
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Market data and figures are subject to change without notice. Trading leveraged or complex products involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved before trading.
Terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions, please visit centrinocapital.com