Monthly Archives: February 2026
As traders watch the FOMC minutes, EUR/USD weakens as mixed US data supports the dollar
Written on February 18, 2026 at 9:11 pm, by davin
EUR/USD slid to 1.1817 as rumors Lagarde may exit early rattled the euro. Strong US output and housing boosted the dollar, while traders await FOMC minutes that could upend rate-cut bets. – vtmarketsmy.com
Savage notes Australia’s leading index slowed sharply, stalling momentum, while commodities support the AUD and the RBA remains hawkish
Written on February 18, 2026 at 9:11 pm, by davin
Australia’s leading index has flatlined, signaling stalled growth. Weak sentiment and housing drag, while commodities support AUD. A hawkish RBA may hike anyway, fueling AUD/USD range-bound volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
In January, US industrial production rose 0.7% month on month, well above the 0.4% forecast
Written on February 18, 2026 at 9:11 pm, by davin
US industrial production jumped 0.7% in January, beating forecasts. That surprise strength challenges slowdown fears, cuts rate-cut odds, supports “higher for longer,” boosts USD, industrial stocks, and copper demand. – vtmarketsmy.com
In January, US capacity utilisation was 76.2%, below the 76.5% estimate
Written on February 18, 2026 at 9:10 pm, by davin
US factory capacity use slipped to 76.2% in January, missing forecasts and hitting a year low. Cooling inflation fuels rate-cut bets, pressuring the dollar and boosting defensive hedges. – vtmarketsmy.com
Nomura says the euro should outperform sterling as UK data shift rate expectations and politics raise underpriced risks
Written on February 18, 2026 at 8:11 pm, by davin
Nomura says UK wages and jobs are cooling, supporting BoE-ECB rate convergence. Sticky services inflation may delay near-term cuts. Narrowing spreads can lift EUR/GBP, amid by-election and EU-trade risks. – vtmarketsmy.com
Nasdaq-listed Xcel Energy completes wave (II) near $43.64 and turns higher as a strong wave (III) begins
Written on February 18, 2026 at 8:11 pm, by davin
Xcel Energy may be starting a new multi-quarter rally: Elliott Wave turns bullish above $43.64. With earnings beat, rising power demand, and low volatility, consider long-dated calls or conservative put spreads. – vtmarketsmy.com
TD Securities says softer Canadian core inflation makes it easier for the Bank of Canada to respond to growth headwinds
Written on February 18, 2026 at 8:11 pm, by davin
Canada’s inflation undershot forecasts: CPI hit 2.3% as core momentum cooled. With GDP soft and unemployment rising, markets expect BoC cuts, pushing Canadian rates and loonie lower. – vtmarketsmy.com
America’s Redbook Index year-on-year growth rose to 7.2% in February, up from 6.5% previously.
Written on February 18, 2026 at 8:10 pm, by davin
Redbook spending surged to 7.2%, echoing strong retail sales and sticky 3.3% inflation—cooling hopes for fast Fed cuts. Markets now price “higher for longer,” raising volatility and pressure on bonds, stocks. – vtmarketsmy.com
Gold holds steadier after declines as easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger US dollar curb gains
Written on February 18, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Gold rebounded to $4,952 after a $4,842 dip, but strong dollar and easing geopolitics capped gains. Watch $4,838 support and $5,011 resistance as Fed data nears, boosting volatility-driven option trades. – vtmarketsmy.com
US durable goods fell 1.4% to $319.6bn, beating forecasts after prior gains, Census Bureau says
Written on February 18, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Durable goods orders slid 1.4% in December, dragged down by transportation, while core orders rose 0.9%. With inflation at 3.1%, rate cuts look delayed—expect choppy, volatility-driven markets. – vtmarketsmy.com
