Monthly Archives: February 2026
US private-sector growth slowed as February S&P Global PMIs fell, with manufacturing at 51.2 and services at 52.3
Written on February 20, 2026 at 8:11 pm, by davin
US business growth cooled in February: Composite PMI fell to 52.3 as manufacturing and services softened. Weaker demand, high prices, and weather raise volatility, boost rate-cut odds, and favor defensive, bond, and euro trades. – vtmarketsmy.com
Currie says gold drove Canada’s shift in U.S. exports in 2025, masking weaker overall trade gains
Written on February 20, 2026 at 8:10 pm, by davin
Canada’s 2025 export “diversification” was mostly gold-fueled. Strip out gold, and non‑US growth looks weak, leaving Canada exposed as the USMCA review nears and tariff risks threaten the loonie. – vtmarketsmy.com
Euro steady against dollar as investors weigh weak US GDP and firm inflation; EUR/USD near 1.1763, set for weekly loss
Written on February 20, 2026 at 8:10 pm, by davin
EUR/USD stalls near 1.176 as weak US GDP clashes with sticky PCE inflation, clouding Fed cuts. Mixed PMIs and jobs data lift options volatility, spotlighting straddles or iron condors. – vtmarketsmy.com
February’s US S&P Global manufacturing PMI missed forecasts, coming in at 51.2 versus 52.6 expected
Written on February 20, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Manufacturing growth is easing: February’s US PMI hit 51.2 vs 52.6 expected. That miss could spark volatility, boost rate-cut bets, hit industrials, and weaken the dollar—consider hedges. – vtmarketsmy.com
In February, the US S&P Global Composite PMI slipped from 53 to 52.3, reflecting slower activity
Written on February 20, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
US Composite PMI slipped to 52.3, hinting growth is slowing. That could spark higher volatility, boost rate-cut bets, and trigger equity hedging. Consider defensive sectors like staples and utilities. – vtmarketsmy.com
Commerzbank’s Stamer says February’s eurozone PMI hit 51.9, signalling moderate growth as manufacturing sentiment strengthened and services rose
Written on February 20, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Eurozone PMI climbed to 51.9 in February, hinting stabilisation and moderate growth. Manufacturing sentiment led. Commerzbank sees weak growth. Markets may calm, ECB stay patient; traders eye range-bound volatility and EUR/USD. – vtmarketsmy.com
The Commerce Department reported December headline PCE inflation at 2.9% year over year, with core PCE slightly higher at 3.0% year over year.
Written on February 20, 2026 at 7:10 pm, by davin
Sticky US inflation keeps rate-cut hopes on ice: December PCE hit 2.9% (core 3.0%) with 0.4% monthly gains, boosting DXY near 98 and supporting higher-for-longer trades. – vtmarketsmy.com
After softer US GDP data, AUD/USD slips to around 0.7050 as US inflation remains elevated, down 0.13%
Written on February 20, 2026 at 6:11 pm, by davin
AUD/USD slips near 0.7050 as weak US GDP spooks markets—but sticky inflation complicates the Fed outlook. Expect higher volatility; downside bias toward 0.6900, yet reversal risk looms. – vtmarketsmy.com
Nordea’s Torbjörn Isaksson says weak Swedish CPIF data strengthens the case for a dovish Riksbank and lowers inflation forecasts
Written on February 20, 2026 at 6:11 pm, by davin
Sweden’s inflation hit the 2% target as services prices cooled unexpectedly. Markets now expect a more dovish Riksbank, possible rate cuts from 1.75%, lower swap rates, and a weaker krona. – vtmarketsmy.com
In the United States, quarterly PCE prices rose to 2.9% in Q4, beating the 2.8% forecast
Written on February 20, 2026 at 6:10 pm, by davin
Hotter inflation is back: Q4 PCE rose 2.9% (vs 2.8%), and January CPI hit 3.2%, slashing March cut odds. Yields rise, stocks face pressure—hedge with index puts or call spreads. – vtmarketsmy.com
