Monthly Archives: February 2026
Japan’s Q4 2025 GDP rose 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, missing the 0.4% forecast after a Q3 contraction, according to Cabinet Office data
Written on February 16, 2026 at 3:09 am, by davin
Japan barely grew 0.1% in Q4 2025, missing forecasts and dodging recession. With wages falling, BOJ likely stays dovish, boosting carry trades, lifting USD/JPY and Nikkei. – vtmarketsmy.com
After Japan’s weak Q4 GDP, USD/JPY rose above 153.00, lowering expectations of BoJ rate hikes
Written on February 16, 2026 at 2:09 am, by davin
USD/JPY rebounds above 153 as weak Japan GDP delays BOJ hikes, while Fed cut bets cap gains. Range likely 152–155; low volatility favors selling strangles—watch for surprise policy shifts. – vtmarketsmy.com
Britain’s annual Rightmove house price index fell to 0% in February, down from 0.5%
Written on February 16, 2026 at 2:09 am, by davin
UK house price growth hit 0% in February, signaling a stalled market. With approvals down and inflation sticky, consider bearish or hedging puts on housebuilders, financials, FTSE 250, and GBP. – vtmarketsmy.com
South Korea’s trade balance fell to $0B in January, down from a previous $8.74B surplus
Written on February 16, 2026 at 2:09 am, by davin
South Korea’s trade surplus vanished in January, dropping from $8.74bn to zero—raising red flags. Weak exports, pricier energy imports, and rising volatility could hit the won and KOSPI. – vtmarketsmy.com
In February, Rightmove’s UK monthly house price index fell from 2.8% to 0%
Written on February 16, 2026 at 2:08 am, by davin
UK house prices just hit the brakes: Rightmove shows February growth fell to 0% from 2.8%. Cooling demand could push BoE toward cuts, hit UK stocks, and weaken GBP. – vtmarketsmy.com
Japan’s fourth-quarter GDP rose 0.1%, missing the 0.4% forecast
Written on February 16, 2026 at 1:09 am, by davin
Japan’s GDP grew just 0.1%, missing forecasts and signaling slowdown. Expect a dovish BoJ, weaker yen—favor USD/JPY calls. A softer yen boosts exporters; consider long Nikkei futures. – vtmarketsmy.com
Japan’s year-on-year GDP deflator was steady at 3.4% in the fourth quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter.
Written on February 16, 2026 at 1:09 am, by davin
Japan’s GDP deflator stayed hot at 3.4% in Q4 2025—wake-up call for the BOJ. Expect hawkish shifts, higher yields, stronger yen, shakier Nikkei, and rising volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
Japan’s annualised GDP grew 0.2% in the fourth quarter, missing the 1.6% forecast
Written on February 16, 2026 at 1:09 am, by davin
Japan’s Q4 annualised GDP rose just 0.2%, missing 1.6% forecasts—sparking stagnation fears. BoJ rate hikes look unlikely, boosting yen weakness, carry trades, and exporters, prompting USD/JPY option plays. – vtmarketsmy.com
New Zealand’s BusinessNZ PSI fell to 50.9 in January from 51.5 previously
Written on February 16, 2026 at 12:09 am, by davin
New Zealand’s services growth is slipping: PSI fell to 50.9 in January. High rates are biting, reducing hike odds. Traders may short NZD, favor swaps, hedge NZX50, and short NZD/AUD. – vtmarketsmy.com
Risk appetite returned as S&P 500 premarket selling halted on Friday ahead of the CPI release
Written on February 16, 2026 at 12:09 am, by davin
Markets calmed after CPI met expectations, lifting stocks and easing Fed fears. But a hotter 2026 CPI revived volatility: VIX rising, tech weakening, dollar firming—favor SPY puts, call spreads, and gold puts. – vtmarketsmy.com
