16 February 2026 — Hang Seng Gains 132.87 Points as Global Markets Trade Steady Ahead of Lunar New Year Holidays
Europe Weighed Down by Consumer Weakness as U.S. Tech Slips and Asia Holds Steady
Markets were calm as Lunar New Year holidays kept trading light. The STOXX 600 slipped 0.13% after L’Oréal fell nearly 5%, while the Nasdaq declined 0.22% on weakness in Nvidia and Alphabet. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.5% in a half-day session. Gold dropped 1.05% and silver fell 3% as investors took profits, while the dollar stayed mostly steady.
Today’s Snapshot
Nasdaq Composite: 22,546.67 (-50.48 pts, -0.22% — last close)
STOXX 600: 617.70 (-0.82 pts, -0.13% — last close)
Hang Seng: 26,705.94 (+132.87 pts, +0.5%)
Gold: $4,989.34/oz (-1.05%)
Silver: $75.9/oz (~-2%)
Global Markets
(A) Commodities
Gold: $4,989.34/oz (-1.05%)
Gold fell 1.05% to $4,989.34/oz as trading volumes stayed low and investors locked in profits after last week’s sharp rise.
Silver: $75.05/oz (-3.0%)
Silver fell 3.0% to $75.05/oz, dropping more sharply than gold as recent buying of the metal slowed.
Brent: $67.77/bbl (flat)
Brent crude stayed near $67.77/bbl, as traders waited to see whether the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would increase oil production from April. If OPEC produces more oil, there will be more supply in the market. When supply increases, prices usually fall. But right now, no final decision has been made, hence traders are waiting, and the prices are steady.
(B) FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 97.99 (slightly weaker)
The dollar edged lower in quiet trading, helping support commodity prices during the session.
USD/JPY: 153.07 (slightly stronger)
The dollar moved slightly higher against the yen, trading back above 153 after the yen had strengthened last week.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
U.S. Equities
Nasdaq: 22,546.67 (-50.48 pts, -0.22% — last close)
The Nasdaq Composite closed at 22,546.67, down by 0.22%, mainly due to declines in large technology stocks. NVIDIA (-1.4%) and Alphabet slipped around 1%, and weakness in these major index heavyweights pulled the Nasdaq lower.
STOXX 600: 617.70 (-0.82 pts, -0.13% — last close)
The STOXX 600 slipped slightly as weakness in consumer stocks weighed on the index. L’Oréal fell around 5% after reporting 6% sales growth, below market expectations of about 6.5–7%. More importantly, L’Oréal’s revenue growth in North Asia, especially China, was very weak, rising only about 0.6% compared with expectations of around 5–6% for that region. This shortfall in a key market disappointed investors and was a major reason why the stock fell.
Hong Kong
Hang Seng Index: 26,705.94 (+132.87 pts, +0.5%)
Rose into the Lunar New Year break as investors avoided heavy selling in thin trade.
Volatility & Positioning
The VIX closed at 20.82, showing markets remain cautious despite quiet trading.
What Traders Are Watching
- Whether U.S. equities hold up after the long weekend following a choppy, tech-led week.
- Gold and silver after the post-inflation spike—are traders done taking profit, or does buying return quickly?
- USD/JPY around the low-150s after last week’s sharp yen rally—markets want to see if this move has more follow-through.
Latest Available Market News — 13 February 2026
U.S. stocks fell sharply, with the S&P 500 closing at 6,832.76 (-1.57%) and the Nasdaq at 22,597.15 (-2.03%) as tech weakness deepened after Cisco’s weak outlook and broader selling in mega-cap names. In Asia, the Hang Seng dropped to 26,476.20 (-2.05%) as declines in Alibaba and Tencent tracked the U.S. tech-led selloff.
Catch up on: Nearly 2% Rout: Nasdaq and Hang Seng Slide in Global Tech Selloff
Sources
1. Reuters — Shares subdued in Asia by holidays; dollar and metals move in thin trade
2. Reuters — S&P 500 ends slightly higher; Nasdaq dips as tech drags
3. Reuters — European shares edge lower as AI concerns and earnings mix
4. Reuters — Gold drops over 1% as thin trading and profit-taking weigh
5. AP — Asian shares rise ahead of Lunar New Year; Nikkei and Hang Seng finish higher
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