Global Market Outlook

23 February 2026 — Today’s Market News — Oil Falls to $70.95/bbl on Easing U.S.–Iran Tensions & IDFC Bank Drops 15%

February 23, 2026

Tech leads, oil slips, and investors stay selective amid policy uncertainty.

Global markets were mixed as the Nasdaq rose 0.9% to 22,886, led by mega-cap tech gains. Gold added 1% on safe-haven demand, while Brent crude slipped 1% amid supply concerns. Investor sentiment remained cautious but selective.

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

(A) Precious Metals 

Gold: $5,157.03/oz (+1.01%) 
Gold rose more than 1% as investors increased buying after fresh trade policy uncertainty. Stable U.S. bond yields and ongoing geopolitical concerns supported prices, helping gold move higher during the session. 

Silver: $86.98/oz (+2.70%) 
Silver rose 2.7%, performing better than gold. Prices increased due to safe-haven buying and strong demand from the electronics and semiconductor sectors in Asia. Silver benefits both from risk concerns and industrial demand. 

Brent Crude: $70.95/bbl (−1.0%) 
Brent crude fell about 1%, down around 76 cents to nearly $71 per barrel. Prices came down after news that the U.S. and Iran will hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, and there will be more supply of oil. 

(B) FX 

Dollar Index (DXY): 104.30 (+0.10%) 
The dollar did not move much today as tariff worries still exist. The U.S interest rates are still much higher than those of many other countries, so investors still prefer to keep their money in the dollar. 

USD/JPY: 151.80 (+0.20%) 
 
The dollar became slightly stronger against the yen. This happened because U.S. interest rates are higher than Japan’s, so investors prefer holding dollars. 

(C) Stock Market — What Happened Today

U.S Equities 

Nasdaq: 22,886.07 (+204.18 pts, +0.90% – last close) 
The Nasdaq rose 0.90%, mainly driven by large technology stocks, after legal news reduced tariff concerns. Investors bought strong, well-known growth companies, helping the index move higher. 

Alphabet (+3.7%), Amazon (+2.6%), and Apple (+1.5%) rose as the Nasdaq gained 0.90%. Investors bought strong tech firms with large revenues—Alphabet $300B+, Amazon $550B+, and Apple holding $160B+ cash. 

 

Hong Kong 

Hang Seng Index: 27,022.00 (+2.30%) 

The Hang Seng rose 2.30% to 27,022, mainly because large technology stocks moved sharply higher. 

JD.com jumped 6.9%, Meituan rose 4.2%, and Tencent gained 3.4%. Investors bought these companies after earlier declines, as prices had become attractive. Improved global tech sentiment also supported buying. 

 

 

India 

Nifty 50: 25,733 (+0.64%) 

The Nifty 50 climbed 0.64% to 25,733, as Indian equities advanced after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down former President Trump’s emergency tariffs, which removed pressure on export companies. 

Export-focused stocks led gains, with Trident rising about 8% and Welspun Living advancing 3.03 % . However, IDFC First Bank fell 15% on a $65 million fraud probe, while AU Small Finance Bank dropped 6.6% following regulatory action. 

Volatility & Positioning

The VIX closed around 19.5, indicating moderate market risk and cautious investor sentiment. 

What Traders Are Watching

With key macro developments ahead, traders are focusing on three themes: 

  1. U.S. Trade Policy Developments — Further clarity on tariff frameworks could shift global risk appetite quickly. 
  1. AI & Semiconductor Momentum — Continued earnings strength in chipmakers may extend technology leadership. 
  1. Upcoming U.S. Inflation Data — Inflation readings will influence Federal Reserve rate expectations and dollar direction. 

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
- Benjamin Franklin

Last Available Market News — 20 February 2026 

Global markets rose, led by AI-driven strength in U.S. tech stocks. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 3% on optimism around Nvidia’s major AI chip deal, boosting Samsung and SK Hynix. The Nasdaq gained 0.78%, while India’s Nifty 50 rose 0.59%, supported by higher oil prices. 

Catch up on: KOSPI +3%, Palo Alto −6.8%: AI Boost vs. Profit Pressure 

  1. Reuters — Global Markets — Global shares mixed as tariff ruling lifts tech stocks
  2. Reuters — Equities — Wall Street ends higher after Supreme Court rules against Trump tariffs 
  3. Reuters — Asia Markets — Confusion looms as Supreme Court strike on tariffs hits Asian markets 
  4. Reuters — Commodities — Gold climbs to 3-week high as US tariff ruling stokes uncertainty 

Disclaimer:

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