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. 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.
