Global Markets Mixed Amidst Lunar New Year and AI Concerns

Global markets presented a mixed performance on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, influenced by the ongoing Lunar New Year holidays in key Asian markets and growing anxieties surrounding the potential impact of artificial intelligence on specific sectors. European markets showed modest gains, while Asian markets were largely subdued, and Wall Street futures indicated a negative open.

European Market Performance

European stock markets experienced a positive close, with Frankfurt leading the gains at +0.8%, followed by London at +0.79%, and Paris at +0.54%. Milan’s FTSE Mib rose by 0.76%, closing at 45,764 points. The spread between Italian and German 10-year bonds narrowed slightly to 61 basis points, with the Italian yield falling to 3.35% and the German Bund yield also decreasing to 2.74%.

Asian Market Overview

Asian markets displayed a more cautious tone. Tokyo closed down 0.42%, while Sydney saw a slight increase of 0.24%. Major markets including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore remained closed for the Lunar New Year celebrations. The absence of trading in these key markets contributed to lower overall volume and volatility.

Wall Street Outlook

U.S. Markets were anticipating a negative open, with futures trending downwards. Concerns about the repercussions of artificial intelligence on various sectors, particularly technology and semiconductors, weighed on investor sentiment. Shares of Intel, Micron, and AMD all experienced pre-market declines of over 1%.

Corporate News &amp. Developments

• Recordati: Reported revenues of €2.618 billion for 2025, an 11.8% increase, and a net profit of €443.6 million, up 6.5%.
• Saipem: Reached an agreement to acquire the Deep Value Driller mobile offshore drilling unit for $272.5 million, aligning with its strategy to strengthen its offshore drilling fleet.
• Kaleon: Saw consolidated revenues grow by 7% to €23.2 million in 2025, driven by increased ticket sales to attractions like Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
• Borgosesia: Shares surged 19% following a takeover bid from Alba at a price of €0.710 per share.
• Warner Bros. Discovery & Netflix: Warner Bros. Discovery is in negotiations with Paramount after rejecting a $30-per-share offer, with a seven-day deadline to submit a “better, final offer.” Netflix has a deal to acquire Warner’s film and television studios and the HBO Max streaming service for $72 billion ($27.75 per share) and retains the right to match any competing bid.
• CNH Industrial: Experienced significant declines on Wall Street following disappointing fourth-quarter and 2025 earnings, with profits down 49% and revenues down 9%.

Commodity Markets

Gold and silver experienced declines, with spot gold falling 1.64% to $4,910.32 per ounce and silver dropping 4.85% to $74.19 per ounce.

Looking Ahead

Market participants are now focused on upcoming economic data releases, including the Zew index on economic sentiment for Germany and U.S. Manufacturing data. The release of the Federal Reserve’s minutes from its latest meeting will be closely watched for insights into the central bank’s stance on potential interest rate cuts.