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.
Today's Snapshot
- Nifty 50: 24,186.40 (+142.35 pts, +0.59%)
- KOSPI: 3,247.16 (+94.63 pts, +3.00%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 22,753.64 (+175.25 pts, +0.78%)
- 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.
Silver: $78.13/oz (+0.70%)
Silver climbed 0.70% as market stability strengthened investor confidence in the precious metal, driving additional purchasing interest.
Brent Crude: $70.77/bbl (+0.60%)
Oil prices advanced following Iran's military drills, which temporarily restricted vessel access to sections of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical shipping corridor handles substantial global petroleum volumes; even modest disruptions impact tanker throughput and consequently elevate prices.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
India
Nifty 50: 24,186.40 (+142.35 pts, +0.59%)
The Nifty rose 0.59% supported by energy stocks following crude's overnight surge. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) (+1.5%) and Oil India (+2.7%) strengthened as higher crude improves revenues. Jindal SAW fell 3.4% after the American Petroleum Institute suspended the company's quality certification for seamless pipes due to compliance violations.
South Korea
KOSPI: 3,247.16 (+94.63 pts, +3.00%)
The KOSPI surged 3% following U.S. tech strength, particularly Nvidia's major AI chip agreement with Meta. Samsung (+~4-5%) and SK Hynix (+2%) benefited from renewed semiconductor optimism.
United States
Nasdaq Composite: 22,753.64 (+0.78%)
The Nasdaq closed 0.78% higher on improved growth-stock sentiment. Moderna (~+6%) gained after FDA agreement to review its previously rejected influenza vaccine application. Palo Alto Networks (−6.8%) declined following guidance reduction to $3.65–$3.70 EPS from $3.80–$3.90, citing elevated acquisition expenses including the $25 billion CyberArk deal and $3.35 billion Chromosphere agreement.
Volatility & Positioning
The VIX closed at 21.20, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
What Traders Are Watching
- 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
“The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.”
Yesterday's Market News – 18 February 2026
Global stocks advanced with the Nikkei at 57,267.58 (+1.23%), DAX 24,998.40 (+0.80%), and FTSE 10,556.17 (+0.79%). Gold reached $4,926 (+1%), silver $74.94 (+2.15%), while the Dollar Index firmed to 97.22.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters — Commodities — Gold steadies in thin trade, investors await US inflation data
- Reuters — Global Markets — Asia shares get tech lift as Iran, rate uncertainty loom over markets
- Reuters — U.S. Stocks — Wall Street ends higher, lifted by Nvidia and other AI stocks
- Reuters — India Markets — Indian shares set to open flat after three sessions of gains
- Reuters — Business — Palo Alto shares fall as deal costs pile up amid AI security push
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. Data has been taken from sources we believe to be reliable; however, please conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Trading leveraged or complex products carries significant risk; please ensure you understand the risks before trading.
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