Market Brief: February 17, 2026 Global financial markets are navigating a cautious Tuesday session characterized by holiday-thinned trading and shifting geopolitical dynamics. While U.S. markets were closed Monday for Presidents' Day, futures indicate a defensive restart. **S&P 500 futures** are down **0.4%**, and **Nasdaq 100 futures** have slipped **0.8%**, reflecting localized risk aversion. In Asia, several major hubs including China, Hong Kong, and South Korea remain closed for the Lunar New Year. Japan’s **Nikkei 225** declined **0.5%** following weaker-than-expected GDP data, which showed the economy grew at an annualized rate of just **0.2%** in the fourth quarter. In contrast, Australia’s **S&P/ASX 200** managed a gain of **0.5%**. Commodities and Currencies Energy markets are in focus as **Brent crude** remains firm near **$68.33** per barrel. Traders are closely watching nuclear negotiations in Geneva between the U.S. and Iran, particularly after recent naval exercises raised concerns over shipping corridor stability. Precious metals are experiencing a pullback. **Spot gold** has retreated below the **$5,000** mark, while **silver** prices saw a significant decline of approximately **$4,700 per kg** in domestic markets. The **U.S. Dollar Index** remains steady at **97.14**, holding onto recent gains. Fixed Income and Rates The **10-year U.S. Treasury yield** has edged down to **4.03%**, hitting its lowest level since December. This movement follows recent U.S. inflation data showing a modest **0.2%** rise in the Consumer Price Index for January. In India, the **benchmark 10-year bond yield** settled near **6.66%**. Markets are increasingly transitioning into a liquidity-driven phase, supported by a daily system liquidity surplus that averaged **2.62 trillion rupees** so far in February. Regional Highlights: India Domestic indices opened under pressure on Tuesday. The **Sensex** declined **245 points** to **83,031**, while the **Nifty 50** tested the **25,576** level. Selling pressure is most evident in the metal and auto sectors, while IT stocks are showing resilience. Institutional activity shows a divergence in sentiment. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth **₹972 crore** on Monday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) acted as a primary support pillar, purchasing shares worth **₹1,667 crore**. Wholesale price inflation in India rose to **1.81%** in January, marking the third consecutive month of upward momentum driven by food and manufacturing costs. The trade deficit also widened to a three-month high of **$34.68 billion**.