Istanbul, Feb 21, 2026, 11:56 TRT — Market closed.
Borsa Istanbul’s benchmark BIST 100 index ended Friday 0.94% higher at 13,934.06, trimming part of a sharp Thursday slide. The index had hit a 52-week high of 14,532.67 on Wednesday but still fell about 1.7% over the week. (Investing)
The late-week snapback steadied nerves, but it did not end the argument that has been running through Turkish markets for months: rates versus prices. Traders have been quick to chase rallies and just as quick to grab gains when the lira slips or inflation chatter flares.
That inflation chatter is getting louder again as Ramadan approaches and the government leans on food prices. Trade Minister Omer Bolat said inspectors were “on the ground” against hoarding and “exorbitant pricing practices,” as authorities widen checks and tighten controls. (Financial Times)
Friday’s gains were led by leasing and factoring, plus technology and IT, Investing.com reported. Destek Finans Faktoring jumped 9.16%, while USD/TRY was up 0.20% at 43.84 at the stock close. (Investing)
A day earlier, losses in holdings and investment firms, insurers and banks pulled the market down 3.20%, according to the same data provider. It said decliners swamped advancers, and USD/TRY was up 0.07% at 43.77. (Investing)
On the corporate side, Borsa Istanbul rang the opening bell for tourism company Ata Turizm on Thursday after its initial public offering (IPO). Exchange CEO Korkmaz Ergun said the firm would “use the proceeds from its IPO for operational investments” and aim for “a more robust financial structure.” (Borsa İstanbul)
Inflation remains the macro hinge. The central bank raised its end-2026 inflation forecast range to 15%-21% earlier this month, while annual inflation slowed to 30.65% in January and the policy rate stood at 37% after January’s cut, Reuters reported. (Reuters)
But Friday’s recovery does not settle the week ahead. A sharper slide in the lira or another jump in food costs could squeeze margins and force traders to price a slower pace of rate cuts, with banks often taking the first hit.
The next read on prices comes with Turkey’s February inflation data due on March 3, the Treasury and Finance Ministry said. Investors then turn to the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on March 12. (Gov)
