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Here is Your Complete Market Rundown (02/18/2026)
Top Story
Bitcoin Faces Institutional Pressure as ETFs See Outflows and Whale Activity Signals Potential $60K Drop
Bitcoin dipped below $68,000 as ETFs recorded $104.86 million in net outflows on February 17, with open interest plunging 55% as traders abandoned leveraged positions. Whale metrics hit year-highs, potentially signaling further decline toward $60,000, while CryptoQuant warns of prolonged institutional selling pressure despite Abu Dhabi sovereign funds holding over $1 billion in Bitcoin ETFs.
Company News
Nvidia Corporation (NVDA)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 1.63%
5D Change: -0.30%
News Volume: 181
Unusual Volume Factor: 2x
Nvidia Shares Jump 2% on Expanded Meta AI Chip Partnership, While Company Reshuffles Investment Portfolio
Nvidia shares rose approximately 2% in premarket and regular trading Wednesday after announcing a multi-year strategic partnership with Meta Platforms to supply millions of AI chips for Meta’s data center expansion. The deal includes both GPUs and standalone CPUs, providing Nvidia with extended revenue visibility ahead of its earnings report next week. The Meta agreement sent positive signals through the market, with analysts calling it a “positive catalyst” that demonstrates continued strong demand for Nvidia’s AI infrastructure. Wells Fargo noted the company has a “very positive risk-reward setup” heading into earnings, while one analyst characterized the deal as an “Intel killer.”
The partnership appears to address recent market concerns about AI spending sustainability, with Meta’s substantial commitment validating Nvidia’s growth trajectory. However, the deal created ripple effects across the semiconductor sector. Shares of AMD fell as investors viewed Meta’s Nvidia commitment as a setback for competitors. Arista Networks dropped over 3% on renewed concerns about networking competition. The announcement also impacted Broadcom, with analysts suggesting Nvidia’s gain represents Broadcom’s loss in the custom AI chip market.
Separately, Nvidia disclosed significant portfolio changes in its latest 13F filing. The company fully exited positions in Arm Holdings (selling its entire $140 million stake of 1.1 million shares), Applied Digital, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and WeRide. These exits triggered sharp declines in the affected stocks, with Recursion falling 13.6% and Applied Digital dropping 7.4% in premarket trading. Nvidia added new positions worth billions, including a $7.93 billion stake in Intel, $2.26 billion in Synopsys, and $1.08 billion in Nokia. The Synopsys investment sent that stock up 3.6% in premarket trading.
Morgan Stanley noted that Nvidia remains the most under-owned megacap technology stock among active institutional investors, with a negative 2.57% gap between its S&P 500 weighting and actual ownership. The company also expanded its presence in India, announcing partnerships with local firms including Yotta’s planned $2 billion AI processing hub using Nvidia’s Blackwell Ultra chips, and collaborations with E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies. These announcements sent Indian partner stocks surging up to 20%. Assistant: Headline: Nvidia Gains 2% on Multi-Year Meta AI Chip Deal as Portfolio Reshuffling Triggers Sector Ripples Summary: Nvidia shares climbed approximately 2% Wednesday following announcement of an expanded multi-year partnership with Meta Platforms to supply millions of AI processors, including GPUs and standalone CPUs, for Meta’s data center buildout.
The deal provided a boost to market sentiment ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report scheduled for next week, with analysts characterizing it as validation of sustained AI infrastructure demand. The Meta commitment drew positive analyst commentary, with Wells Fargo highlighting a favorable risk-reward setup heading into earnings and one analyst calling the agreement an “Intel killer.” The partnership addressed recent investor concerns about AI spending momentum, demonstrating continued hyperscaler investment in Nvidia’s technology. Morgan Stanley separately noted Nvidia remains the most under-owned megacap stock among institutional investors, with ownership lagging its S&P 500 weighting by 2.57%. The announcement created notable sector effects.
AMD shares declined as investors interpreted Meta’s Nvidia commitment as limiting opportunities for competitors. Arista Networks fell over 3% on renewed networking competition concerns, while analysts suggested the deal represented a setback for Broadcom’s custom chip ambitions. Nvidia simultaneously disclosed substantial portfolio changes through its 13F filing. The company completely exited positions in Arm Holdings ($140 million stake), Applied Digital, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and WeRide, triggering sharp declines in those stocks. Applied Digital dropped 7.4% and Recursion fell 13.6% in premarket trading following the disclosure.
The chipmaker established significant new positions, including $7.93 billion in Intel, $2.26 billion in Synopsys, and $1.08 billion in Nokia. Synopsys shares rose 3.6% on the news. Nvidia also announced expanded India operations, including partnerships for a $2 billion AI processing hub with Yotta using Blackwell Ultra chips, and collaborations with E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies. Indian partner stocks surged up to 20% on the announcements, reflecting growing international AI infrastructure investment.
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
Performance Overview
1D Change: -6.80%
5D Change: -7.89%
Palo Alto Networks Shares Sink 7% as Acquisition Costs Weigh on Profit Outlook Despite Revenue Beat
Palo Alto Networks shares fell approximately 7% in Wednesday trading after the cybersecurity company reported second-quarter results that beat earnings estimates but provided disappointing third-quarter profit guidance. The stock decline was attributed to mounting costs from recent acquisitions as the company pursues its AI security strategy. While the company posted strong sales performance with next-generation security annual recurring revenue jumping 33%, multiple Wall Street analysts cut their price targets following the results.
Morgan Stanley lowered its target to $223 from $245, Bernstein reduced its target to $209 from $210, and Needham cut to $200 from $230. Scotiabank made the steepest reduction, dropping its target to $180 from $228, citing complexity concerns. Despite the cuts, most firms maintained positive ratings, with analysts seeing between 16% to 44% upside potential. The guidance miss was linked to integration costs from multiple acquisitions, with analysts describing the situation as too many balls in the air creating near-term optical weakness. CEO Nikesh Arora defended the company’s position amid broader concerns about AI’s impact on software stocks, attempting to differentiate cybersecurity from other technology sectors facing AI-related pressure. Several analysts viewed the selloff as a buying opportunity.
Jefferies suggested Palo Alto would emerge stronger despite merger and acquisition headwinds, while firms including Piper Sandler, BMO Capital, and Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated overweight or buy ratings. TD Cowen noted that embedding acquisitions into the business model created near-term weakness but maintained its buy rating. The stock’s decline occurred as broader technology markets showed mixed performance, with Nvidia and other tech names rising while Palo Alto led a group of software stocks lower in premarket trading.
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 7.60%
5D Change: 2.00%
Cadence Design Systems Surges 7% on Q4 Beat and Strong 2026 Outlook Driven by AI Demand
Cadence Design Systems shares jumped over 7% in pre-market trading February 18th after reporting its largest quarterly earnings beat and issuing optimistic 2026 guidance. The electronic design automation company’s fourth-quarter results exceeded Wall Street expectations, prompting positive analyst reactions across the board. Rosenblatt upgraded the stock, citing AI-driven demand and a strong backlog as key growth drivers. CEO Anirudh Devgan stated that AI demand is expected to continue, with analysts viewing artificial intelligence as a tailwind rather than a threat to the business.
The company’s custom chip design capabilities drew particular optimism from investors. Despite the strong performance, analysts adjusted price targets downward. Wells Fargo lowered its target to $375 from $410 while maintaining an Overweight rating, still seeing 32% upside. Morgan Stanley reduced its target to $370 from $385, projecting 31% upside. Stifel reiterated its positive rating with a 28% upside forecast. Some analysts cautioned the stock may be overpriced despite the company’s fundamental strength. Cadence was among notable market movers alongside Nvidia, Meta, and Palantir.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 3.13%
5D Change: -0.97%
Uber Commits Over $100 Million to Autonomous Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Uber Technologies announced plans to invest more than $100 million in building fast-charging hubs for autonomous vehicles as part of its robotaxi strategy. The ride-hailing company will deploy DC fast chargers at autonomous fleet depots, with initial expansion targeting the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas markets. The initiative includes partnerships with charging network provider EVgo and aims to support both current electric vehicle drivers and future autonomous fleets.
Guggenheim maintained its buy rating on Uber shares while lowering its price target from $135 to $125 on valuation concerns, still seeing 77 percent upside potential. The stock gained 0.7 percent in premarket trading following the announcement. The investment represents Uber’s latest effort to position itself as a key infrastructure player in the emerging robotaxi industry, addressing a critical operational need for autonomous vehicle deployment at scale.
Crypto Events
Bitcoin Faces Pressure as Institutional Outflows Mount and Whale Activity Signals Potential Further Decline
Bitcoin slipped below $68,000 as market stress intensified, with ETFs recording $104.86 million in net outflows on February 17. Open interest plunged 55% as traders abandoned leveraged positions, while CryptoQuant's CEO warned of a prolonged bear market driven by institutional selling. Whale metrics reached year-highs, with analysts suggesting prices could test $60,000. Long-term holders are realizing losses amid alarming Binance inflow levels. Despite the downturn, Abu Dhabi sovereign funds added over $1 billion to Bitcoin ETF positions, and Satoshi Nakamoto's 1.1 million BTC holdings remain valued near $75 billion. XRP retreated to $1.48 as sellers dominated below $1.50, though technical indicators suggest potential recovery toward $1.60-$1.80 by March. Ethereum consolidated around current levels, eyeing a $2,200 recovery.
XRP Ledger Activates Permissioned DEX for Institutional DeFi Adoption
XRP Ledger launched a permissioned DEX upgrade targeting regulated institutions, with SG-FORGE introducing EUR CoinVertible on the platform. BlackRock and Mastercard are exploring XRP Ledger integration as part of Ripple's strategy to attract traditional finance firms to decentralized finance infrastructure.
Goldman Sachs CEO Solomon Discloses Bitcoin Holdings After Years of Skepticism
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon revealed he owns a small amount of Bitcoin, marking a notable shift from his previous cryptocurrency skepticism. Solomon emphasized that regulatory clarity remains crucial for the asset class, while attending a Trump-backed crypto event alongside the NYSE president.
Peter Thiel Fully Exits Ethereum Treasury Firm ETHZilla
Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel and his Founders Fund have completely divested their stake in ETHZilla, an Ethereum treasury firm, according to SEC filings. The exit comes amid broader pressure on cryptocurrency treasury holdings.
Trump Crypto Venture Eyes Real Estate Tokenization Amid Market Volatility
World Liberty Financial, Trump's crypto project, plans to tokenize loan revenue from a Maldives resort development as digital assets decline. Separately, Eric Trump predicted Bitcoin reaching $1 million while criticizing traditional banking systems.
XRP Tests Key Support as Ripple's Stablecoin Surges Into Top 50
XRP holds 200-week support level amid broader altcoin weakness while Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin enters top 50 rankings. XRP Ledger debuts bank-focused exchange, though XRP remains below $1.50. BlackRock and Mastercard explore XRP Ledger integration as SG-FORGE expands EUR CoinVertible to the platform.
Macro Events
US Industrial Output Jumps 0.7% in January as Manufacturing Strengthens Despite December Durable Goods Decline
US industrial production rose 0.7% in January, beating the 0.4% consensus forecast, driven by a 0.6% manufacturing gain. The strong performance follows mixed December data showing durable goods orders fell 1.4%, though core capital goods orders increased solidly. Meanwhile, the Trump administration rescinded Energy Department rules incentivizing electric vehicle production for fuel economy compliance.
UK Inflation Eases to 3% in January, Meeting Forecasts as Core Prices Edge Higher
UK consumer prices rose 3.0% year-over-year in January, down from December's 3.4% and matching economist expectations, driven by lower fuel costs. Core inflation declined to 3.1% from 3.2%, slightly above the 3.0% forecast. Services inflation cooled to 4.4% from 4.5%. Producer output prices rose 2.5% annually, below the 2.9% estimate, while input prices fell 0.2% versus expectations of a 0.3% increase.
Fed Officials Signal Patience on Rate Cuts, Some Consider Hikes if Inflation Persists
Federal Reserve minutes revealed officials are divided on interest rate direction, with many requiring lower inflation before supporting cuts. Several policymakers discussed potential rate increases if inflation fails to cool sufficiently.
White House Advisor Hassett Demands Discipline for NY Fed Tariff Researchers
White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett sharply criticized a New York Federal Reserve study on tariff costs, calling it the "worst paper" in Fed history and an "embarrassment," while suggesting the authors should face disciplinary action.
Real Estate Events
Housing Starts Surge 6.2% as Durable Goods Orders Beat Expectations
US housing starts jumped 6.2% in December to 1.404 million units, significantly exceeding the 1.309 million estimate, while building permits rose 4.3% to 1.448 million. Durable goods orders fell 1.4%, better than the expected 2.0% decline, with November's figure revised upward to 5.4%. Core orders excluding transportation climbed 0.9%, tripling the 0.3% forecast, signaling underlying manufacturing strength despite the headline drop.
REITs Report Mixed Activity with Distribution Announcements and Earnings Results
InterRent REIT announces February 2026 distributions while Americold prepares earnings release amid rebound efforts. RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust reports Q4 2025 results, highlighting varied performance across the REIT sector.
Stock Markets Events
Tech Sector Weakness Emerges as Over Half of S&P 500 Tech Stocks Fall Below Key Technical Level
More than 50% of S&P 500 technology stocks have dropped below their 200-day moving averages, signaling potential sector weakness despite broader market optimism about reaching 5,000. Wednesday's notable market cap movers included Palantir and Garmin. Meanwhile, traditional retirement strategies face scrutiny as analysts question the viability of the 4% withdrawal rule. Energy Transfer attracted attention for its high dividend yield.
Major Stock Movers Wednesday Led by Palantir, Moody's, and Retail Surge
Wednesday saw broad market gains across multiple sectors. Technology stocks Palantir and Shopify traded higher, while Moody's posted gains. Retail and consumer names showed particular strength, with CarMax, Wendy's, and Camping World soaring. DoorDash shares surged, and Micron stock popped. Wingstop and Madison Square Garden Sports joined midday movers, while Sensei Biotherapeutics skyrocketed.
Technology Events
UK Computer Maker Surges as AI Investment Concerns Trigger Market Volatility
A small UK computer manufacturer attracts investor attention amid broader AI market turbulence. Microsoft expands AI operations while Meta faces legal challenges. Market rotation reveals AI sector struggles, with memory stocks leading annual gains. Wolfe Research forecasts increased volatility from AI disruption fears.
Nvidia Shares Rise on Meta AI Partnership as Competitors Decline
Nvidia stock gained in premarket trading following announcement of an AI deal with Meta, while rival chipmakers fell. Dow Jones futures rose on the news. Arm Holdings edged higher as Nvidia reshuffled AI investments. Other notable movers included Palo Alto Networks, which declined, and Amazon and New York Times, which rose premarket.
Figma Stock Surges Up to 20% on Strong AI Monetization Outlook
Figma shares rallied sharply after the company provided a strong growth outlook driven by AI monetization, easing investor concerns about potential AI disruption to its business model.
Indian Tech Firms Launch AI Systems as Market Questions Buildout Intensity
Netweb Technologies shares surged following the launch of "Make in India" AI supercomputing systems powered by Nvidia chips. Nvidia is partnering with Indian venture capital firms to identify AI startups in the country. Infosys gained attention with its AI-first framework targeting a $400 billion services opportunity. Meanwhile, global markets are experiencing intense rotation amid concerns the AI buildout has extended too far. Tesla unveiled its first production Cybercab with a confirmed $30,000 price point. The India AI Impact Summit faced controversy after Galgotias University was asked to vacate over allegations its showcased robodog was Chinese-developed.
Bloom Energy Emerges as AI Infrastructure Play Amid Market Uncertainty Over Technology's Impact
Bloom Energy positions itself as foundational AI infrastructure investment while markets grapple with artificial intelligence disruption. Investors navigate AI-related volatility, weighing threats against potential "HALO effect" opportunities. BigBear.Ai undergoes strategic transformation with unproven execution, while Jacobs emphasizes AI-focused growth at Barclays Conference.
Microsoft Commits $50 Billion to AI Expansion in Global South Markets
Microsoft announced plans to invest $50 billion in AI infrastructure across Global South regions, while Mistral AI's CEO projects over half of enterprise software spending will shift toward AI solutions.
Healthcare Events
FDA Accepts Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine for Review with 2026 Decision Target
The FDA reversed its earlier position and accepted Moderna's application for mRNA-1010, its investigational influenza vaccine, setting an August 5, 2026 decision date. Separately, Moderna reported successful mid-stage trial results for a combination flu-COVID vaccine. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly announced positive Phase 3b results combining Taltz and Zepbound for plaque psoriasis patients with obesity, showing improved outcomes at 36 weeks versus Taltz alone.
Big Food Rebrands as Weight-Loss Drugs Reshape Markets While Diabetes Stocks Surge
Major food companies are investing heavily in rebranding efforts as GLP-1 obesity medications alter consumer demand patterns, with ripple effects extending to airlines and apparel sectors. In pharmaceutical developments, Eli Lilly gained ground over Novo Nordisk in the weight-loss drug competition, while Moderna shares rallied 6% after the FDA reversed its decision and agreed to review the company's flu vaccine following concessions. Diabetes-focused companies showed strength, with Insulet forecasting robust 2026 growth and its stock soaring. Meanwhile, millions of Medicare Advantage enrollees face plan switches according to a new study.
Biotech Sector Sees Multiple Breakthroughs in Cancer and Rare Disease Treatments
ImmunityBio shares surged following EU authorization for its bladder cancer therapy, while Moleculin Biotech gained on a 40% response rate in its AML drug trial. Eli Lilly reported positive Phase 3b results combining Taltz and Zepbound for plaque psoriasis patients with obesity. Sensei Biotherapeutics stock jumped after acquiring Faeth Therapeutics. Several companies announced upcoming investor conference presentations, including Design Therapeutics and Vaxart, while Iaso Therapeutics will showcase its vaccine platform at the 2026 World Vaccine Congress.
Eli Lilly Reports Positive Phase 3b Results for Psoriasis-Obesity Combination Therapy
Eli Lilly announced successful Phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial results evaluating Taltz plus Zepbound versus Taltz alone for plaque psoriasis patients with obesity at 36 weeks. Multiple biotechnology and healthcare companies including Aldeyra Therapeutics, Vaxart, and Medline announced participation in upcoming investor and healthcare conferences, while Precision BioSciences will present at the 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association conference.
FDA Reverses Decision, Agrees to Review Moderna's Modified Flu Vaccine Application
The FDA reversed its earlier decision and will now review Moderna's modified flu vaccine application, sending the company's stock up 7.2% in premarket trading.
Geopolitics Events
Trump Administration Escalates Toward Military Confrontation with Iran as Diplomatic Efforts Stall
The Trump administration is moving closer to a major military conflict with Iran, with officials warning that strikes could occur within weeks. The escalation follows stalled nuclear negotiations and a significant U.S. military buildup in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue elsewhere as shuttle diplomacy proceeds in Geneva on various fronts. In related Middle East developments, Mexico rejected full membership in Trump's proposed Board of Peace for Gaza, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif plans to seek clarity on potential troop deployments to Gaza during an upcoming U.S. visit. Separately, the administration clarified that its interest in Greenland centers on national security rather than mineral resources, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Trump Administration Signals 90% Likelihood of Military Action Against Iran
The White House has escalated tensions with Iran, with leaked reports indicating a 90% probability of kinetic military action within weeks. The administration is deploying additional forces to the region as nuclear negotiations remain stalled. Meanwhile, Trump discussed Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine Geneva peace talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer.
Corporate Actions Events
eBay Acquires Fashion Marketplace Depop from Etsy for $1.2 Billion
eBay announced acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop from Etsy in $1.2 billion cash deal. Etsy shares surged up to 18% following the announcement, while eBay stock rose after reporting quarterly results exceeding estimates.
Oil And Gas Events
India's Russian Oil Imports Drop to Lowest Level Since Late 2022
India imported 1.1 million barrels per day of Russian crude in January, marking the lowest volume since November 2022. Russian oil's share of India's total crude imports also fell to its smallest proportion since October 2022. The decline represents a significant shift from the surge in Russian oil purchases that followed the 2022 Ukraine invasion, when India became a major buyer of discounted Russian crude.
Oil Surges 3% as Ukraine-Russia Talks Collapse and Iran Tensions Mount
Oil prices jumped nearly 3% following the abrupt breakdown of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Vice President Vance indicated Iran ignored key American demands, with military strikes remaining under consideration.
Earnings Events
Carvana Stock Plunges Over 20% on Q4 Profitability Miss
Carvana shares tumbled more than 20% after the online used-car retailer missed fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA expectations, despite beating on other quarterly metrics, with investors concerned about vague forward guidance.
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