U.S. stock markets opened with mixed to softer sentiment early Thursday as investors digested recent earnings and the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes released Wednesday. Futures on the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq were slightly down as weakness in some big-cap tech names offset gains elsewhere. Oil prices climbed, while Treasury yields ticked higher as markets weighed economic signals.
• S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures slipped modestly following a three-day winning streak.
• Gold and Bitcoin remained relatively steady amid broader risk-off sentiment.
• Jobless claims came in lower than expected, signaling ongoing strength in the labor market.
🏛️ Fed Minutes Reaction (From Yesterday)
The January Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes revealed a divided Fed, with many policymakers favoring a pause on future rate cuts while a smaller faction kept open the possibility of tightening if inflation re-accelerates. This split stance added to market caution, particularly around interest-rate-sensitive sectors like tech and consumer discretionary. Yields climbed slightly in response to the minutes, reinforcing the idea that the Fed may remain data-dependent rather than easing rates again soon.
📈 Earnings Movers – Feb. 19, 2026
🔹 Carvana (CVNA)
- Shares down sharply after reporting Q4 profit metrics that fell short of expectations, with adjusted EBITDA missing consensus and higher costs pressuring margins.
- Carvana’s stock was among the weaker premarket performers after earnings.
🔹 DoorDash (DASH)
- Stronger guidance lifted shares, with DoorDash forecasting higher gross order value for Q1 despite reporting mixed Q4 results. Investors focused on growth prospects rather than the earnings miss.
- The stock rallied significantly in premarket and extended trading.
🔹 Figma (FIG)
- Solid earnings and guidance propelled Figma higher, with the company beating expectations and estimating continued strong sales growth for 2026.
🔹 eBay (EBAY)
- eBay reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, plus strategic moves like a dividend hike and stock buyback, lifting shares.
- The marketplace also agreed to acquire Depop from Etsy, which boosted sentiment.
🔹 Etsy (ETSY)
- Etsy surged as news of the Depop sale and solid Q4 results invigorated investors, with the stock seeing double-digit gains premarket.
🔹 Lemonade (LMND)
- Lemonade results also impressed, with shares up strongly on earnings that beat estimates — aiding a broader consumer-tech rebound. (From today’s stock movers reports)
🔹 Deere & Company (DE)
- Deere posted better-than-expected results and raised its outlook, helping the heavy-equipment maker’s stock climb in premarket trade.
🔹 Walmart (WMT)
- Walmart beat Q4 earnings and revenue slightly, but its full-year outlook was softer than analysts hoped, weighing on the stock.
- The retailer also raised its dividend, though caution around consumer spending kept investor interest measured.
📌 What Investors Are Watching Next
- Economic data releases Friday including GDP and core inflation figures will influence rate expectations.
- Walmart’s earnings call comments are expected to shed light on consumer demand trends.
- Ongoing geopolitical factors and commodities prices could continue to affect market rotation and sector leadership.


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