Economics 17 February 2026 - 20 February 2026

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 futures slide after GDP slows and PCE inflation runs hot
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Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 futures slide after GDP slows and PCE inflation runs hot

U.S. GDP grew at a 1.4% annual rate in Q4 2025, sharply down from 4.4% the previous quarter, after a government shutdown cut output. S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow futures all fell before the opening bell. December core PCE inflation rose 0.4% on the month and 3.0% year-over-year, above forecasts. Blue Owl shares dropped 5.9% after its new capital-return plan.
February 20, 2026
Dow Jones closes down 274 points as Blue Owl redemption halt hits private credit; PCE inflation up next
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Dow Jones closes down 274 points as Blue Owl redemption halt hits private credit; PCE inflation up next

The Dow fell 273.79 points to 49,388.87, led by a selloff in private-capital stocks after Blue Owl Capital moved to sell $1.4 billion in assets and freeze redemptions at a fund. Oil prices hit six-month highs as Brent settled at $71.66 a barrel. U.S. jobless claims dropped by 23,000 to 206,000 last week. Walmart reported a 4.6% rise in U.S. same-store sales and announced a $30 billion buyback.
February 19, 2026
US economic calendar today: S&P 500 slips as jobless claims fall, Blue Owl shakes private credit
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US economic calendar today: S&P 500 slips as jobless claims fall, Blue Owl shakes private credit

The S&P 500 fell 0.4% in afternoon trading, led lower by financials and chip stocks. Blue Owl Capital’s asset sale and fund freeze triggered a drop in private-equity shares. Weekly jobless claims dropped to 206,000, while the Philly Fed’s factory index stayed positive but showed weaker employment. The U.S. trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion in December, well above forecasts.
February 19, 2026
Oil prices jump to six-month high as Iran tensions flare and U.S. stocks slide
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Oil prices jump to six-month high as Iran tensions flare and U.S. stocks slide

Brent crude rose 1.8% to $71.60 a barrel and U.S. WTI climbed 1.9% to $66.41, both hitting six-month highs Thursday amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and a surprise U.S. inventory draw. Iran briefly closed the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday, raising supply concerns. U.S. crude stocks fell by 9 million barrels last week, defying analyst forecasts. President Trump pressed Iran for a nuclear deal as Washington increased its military presence.
February 19, 2026
Dow Jones today: DJIA slides as financials wobble and a key inflation report nears
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Dow Jones today: DJIA slides as financials wobble and a key inflation report nears

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 236 points to 49,426 by late morning Thursday, led lower by financials and chip stocks after Blue Owl Capital froze redemptions at a fund. Deere shares surged over 12% on a raised profit outlook. Weekly jobless claims fell to 206,000, while the U.S. trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion. Federal Reserve minutes showed officials split on future rate moves.
February 19, 2026
Gold price jumps 2% back toward $5,000 as geopolitics, Fed minutes jolt bullion
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Gold price jumps 2% back toward $5,000 as geopolitics, Fed minutes jolt bullion

Gold prices jumped 2.4% to $4,992.11 an ounce Wednesday after peace talks between Ukraine and Russia stalled and U.S.-Iran negotiations showed little progress. The rebound followed a sharp drop Tuesday, when spot gold hit a one-week low. U.S. April futures settled at $5,009.50. Investors await Friday’s U.S. PCE inflation data for clues on Federal Reserve policy.
February 18, 2026
Oil prices jump over 3% as Strait of Hormuz jitters flare again; Brent nears $70
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Oil prices jump over 3% as Strait of Hormuz jitters flare again; Brent nears $70

Brent crude jumped 3.5% to $69.80 a barrel and WTI rose 3.8% to $64.72 Wednesday as U.S.-Iran tensions and a brief Strait of Hormuz closure stoked supply fears. Iran said it shut parts of the strait for military drills during nuclear talks with the U.S., but did not confirm a full reopening. Joint Iran-Russia naval exercises are set for Thursday. OPEC+ is considering resuming output hikes in April, sources said.
February 18, 2026
Gold price tumbles below $5,000 as U.S.-Iran talks ease safe-haven demand; Fed minutes, PCE in focus
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Gold price tumbles below $5,000 as U.S.-Iran talks ease safe-haven demand; Fed minutes, PCE in focus

Gold dropped over 2% Tuesday, falling below $5,000 an ounce as the dollar strengthened and progress in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks eased safe-haven demand. Spot gold was last down 2.2% at $4,884.46, while U.S. April futures settled at $4,905.90. Gold-linked shares and Canada’s TSX gold index also fell sharply. Traders await the Fed’s January minutes Wednesday and U.S. inflation data Friday.
February 17, 2026
Dow Jones ends barely higher after AI jitters; Fed minutes and PCE inflation next
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Dow Jones ends barely higher after AI jitters; Fed minutes and PCE inflation next

The Dow closed up 42.99 points at 49,543.92 after volatile trading Tuesday, with banks steadying blue chips and tech rebounding late. Consumer staples fell after General Mills cut its sales and profit outlook, citing weaker demand. Investors are watching for Fed minutes Wednesday and the PCE inflation report Friday. Fed officials signaled uncertainty over the timing of rate cuts.
February 17, 2026
Gasoline prices today: UGA ETF ticks up even as RBOB slips on U.S.-Iran talk hopes
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Gasoline prices today: UGA ETF ticks up even as RBOB slips on U.S.-Iran talk hopes

NYMEX March RBOB gasoline slipped 0.1% to $1.9080 per gallon Tuesday, while U.S. average pump prices held at $2.917, AAA reported. Refiners Valero, Marathon, and Phillips 66 dropped 1%-2% as crude oil hit a two-week low on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. California faces higher costs as it imports more gasoline amid refinery closures. A drone attack set fire to Russia’s Ilsky refinery, Russian officials said.
February 17, 2026
Bank of America stock price holds near $52 as BAC heads into Tuesday reopen with Fed minutes, inflation data ahead
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Bank of America stock price holds near $52 as BAC heads into Tuesday reopen with Fed minutes, inflation data ahead

Bank of America closed at $52.55, down one cent, in Friday’s session before U.S. markets paused for Presidents Day. Trading resumes Tuesday, with investors awaiting Fed minutes Wednesday and GDP and inflation data Friday. Market watchers expect these releases to influence rate-cut bets and bank share moves. U.S. stock and bond markets were shut Monday.
February 17, 2026
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