LSEG Data & Analytics
February 17, 2026
The Day Ahead North America
Daily UpdateCommoditiesEquitiesFXConsumer DiscretionaryConsumer Staples
The report analyzes a market buoyed by lower-than-expected US inflation data, supporting bets for a June rate cut, while also tracking significant AI-driven volatility and corporate updates in the energy and tech sectors.
Key Takeaways
- 1.U.S. consumer inflation rose less than expected in January (0.2%), increasing the probability of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts beginning in June.
- 2.Markets are experiencing an 'AI scare trade' where fears of disruption are causing volatility in software and service-based sectors despite strong results from AI-infrastructure companies like Applied Materials.
- 3.The U.S. has eased energy sanctions on Venezuela, allowing major global oil companies like Chevron, BP, and Shell to operate and permitting new energy investments.
Table of Contents
- MARKET RECAP at 4 pm ET
- Coming Up - On Tuesday
- KEY ECONOMIC EVENTS
- Coming Up - Week Ahead
- Market Monitor
- Top News
- Insight and Analysis
- CANADA
- WEALTH NEWS
- ON THE RADAR
- KEY RESULTS
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Authors
Ashitha Salus
Securities
S&P 500MRNARIVNApplied Materials IncTC EnergyWalMartEnbridgePinterest
Themes
Artificial Intelligence DisruptionEnergy Sector RealignmentInflation Moderation and Rate Cut Expectations
Regions
North AmericaLatin AmericaAsia PacificUnited StatesCanadaVenezuela