Summary of U.S. Stock Investment News for February 18, 2026

Part 1: Top 10 Most Important and Trending News Summaries (Focusing on hot stock announcements, major events, or key stock points, ranked by importance)

The three major U.S. stock indices closed slightly higher, with the Dow up 0.07% to 49,533.19, the S&P 500 up 0.10% to 6,843.22, and the Nasdaq up 0.14% to 22,578.38, rebounding after sharp early-session volatility, with tech stocks recovering from lows.
The market plunged sharply in early trading, with the Nasdaq down over 1% at one point, software stocks under pressure, but tech stocks rebounded overall, supported by financial stocks.
AI concerns continue to simmer, with investors cautious about AI spending and disruptive impacts, leading to volatility in growth stocks, but some tech stocks like Amazon halted their losing streak.
Software stocks performed weakly, limiting the S&P 500's gains, as investors rotated out of the software sector.
Danaher's $99 billion acquisition of Masimo boosted Masimo's stock price, influenced by a related legal victory over the Apple Watch.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery stocks rebounded, boosted by news that Netflix granted a 7-day exemption to restart deal talks with Skydance.
Gold prices fell below the $5,000 mark, affected by progress in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and reduced safe-haven demand.
Crude oil prices edged lower, as U.S.-Iran talks eased geopolitical risks and supply concerns.
Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in Apple, shifting to buying New York Times stock, one of Buffett's final moves as CEO.
Investors are focused on the upcoming release of the Fed meeting minutes, with futures showing slight volatility, and the market expecting dovish signals.

Part 2: Indicators and Related Data for Over 10 International Macroeconomic Trends (Based on the latest available data, primarily focusing on the U.S., mainly January data)

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI): 49,533.19, up 32.26 points (+0.07%).
S&P 500 Index (SPX): 6,843.22, up 7.05 points (+0.10%).
Nasdaq Composite Index (IXIC): 22,578.38, up 31.71 points (+0.14%).
Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index: 2,646.59, down less than 0.1%.
Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (January, slightly down from the previous 4.4%).
Non-Farm Payrolls Added: 130K (January, far exceeding expectations of about 50-70K).
CPI Year-over-Year: 2.4% (January, down from 2.7%).
Core CPI Year-over-Year: 2.5% (January, the lowest level since).
Average Hourly Earnings Month-over-Month: +0.4%.
10-Year Treasury Yield: Recently fluctuating around 4%.
U.S. Dollar Index: Strengthening, suppressing commodity prices.
VIX Fear Index: Volatile, around 20.
Gold Price: Fell below $5,000/oz.
Crude Oil Price: Slightly lower, affected by eased geopolitical tensions.

Part 3: Summary of Research Reports and Views from Well-Known Investment Banks (Macro or stock-specific, with links)

Goldman Sachs: Expects global economic growth of 2.8% in 2026 (above consensus of 2.5%), 2.6% for the U.S., benefiting from tariff relief, tax cuts, and loose financial conditions, bullish on stocks but wary of high-valuation volatility.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon: The U.S. economy in 2026 is "pretty good," with fiscal stimulus, AI investment, and the business environment as the main tailwinds.
Morgan Stanley: The bull market still has room to run, with the Fed leaning dovish and the AI rally continuing, stocks could rise for a fourth year, focus on consumer spending, midterm election volatility, and emerging market opportunities.
J.P. Morgan: Expects double-digit gains for global stocks in 2026, bullish on both developed and emerging markets, benefiting from earnings growth, low interest rates, AI spending, and fiscal support, with a 35% probability of recession but an overall positive outlook.

Part 4: Investment Recommendations Based on the Above Analysis

Short-term (Today/This Week): Market volatility is intense, with early-session lows presenting rebound opportunities. Consider buying the dip in rebounding tech stocks (e.g., Amazon halting its decline, some AI-related) or financial stocks (providing support). Avoid chasing software/growth stocks (under clear pressure). Watch the Fed minutes; if dovish, consider short-term long positions on the Nasdaq. If AI concerns intensify, be wary of further rotation into defensive sectors. Overall, be cautious intraday, capturing structural rebounds amid volatility.

Long-term: Overall optimistic about U.S. stocks in 2026, with the AI theme, fiscal stimulus, and Fed policy support likely to extend the bull market. Prioritize high-quality AI/tech leaders, financials, and stocks with stable earnings. Cooling inflation and robust employment provide room for rate cuts. Recommend adding to core U.S. stock positions on dips, diversifying risk, and watching for opportunities in emerging markets and global growth. Stay patient; volatility will increase in a high-valuation environment, but the structural bull market remains.

The stock market carries risks; invest with caution.