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U.S. equity markets closed higher Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the S&P 500 advancing 0.26% to 4892.35. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.23%, while the technology-heavy NASDAQ 100 lost 0.14%. Market breadth was positive with small-caps outperforming large-caps. The Russell 2000 rose 0.29%, suggesting improved risk appetite. In other asset classes, gold declined 0.40%. Treasury bonds fell as yields moved higher. In the headlines, investors focused on fed minutes signal renewed worries about inflation. --- *After-hours trading. Prices may differ from regular session close.*
“As sure as the spring will follow the winter, prosperity and economic growth will follow recession.”— Robert Foster Bennett
U.S. equity markets closed higher Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the S&P 500 advancing 0.26% to 4892.35. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.23%, while the technology-heavy NASDAQ 100 lost 0.14%. Market breadth was positive with small-caps outperforming large-caps. The Russell 2000 rose 0.29%, suggesting improved risk appetite. In other asset classes, gold declined 0.40%. Treasury bonds fell as yields moved higher. In the headlines, investors focused on fed minutes signal renewed worries about inflation. --- *After-hours trading. Prices may differ from regular session close.*
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