Daily Market Report – February 16, 2026

On Monday, February 16, 2026, the international market activity remained unusually calm – not due to a lack of topics, but because of a lack of liquidity. The US stock and bond markets were closed as Presidents’ Day was observed nationwide in the United States. On this day, trading at the NYSE and Nasdaq, as well as in the US bond market, traditionally comes to a halt; the holiday officially commemorates the birthday of George Washington.

In the absence of Wall Street, the markets were more influenced by macro and geopolitical signals. The dollar moved within narrow ranges as investors awaited new hints from the US Federal Reserve; at the same time, energy prices and geopolitical risks – particularly surrounding potential talks between the US and Iran – came into focus. Thin trading amplified the fluctuations: without US capital flows, smaller orders were sufficient to noticeably move commodities, currencies, and European stocks.

European stocks thus became the day’s trendsetter. Particularly export-oriented values reacted sensitively to currency movements and energy prices, while investors adjusted positions ahead of important economic data for the week. Overall, trading was characterized by position adjustments – a typical "intermediate day," where global market participants cautiously take on risks without the American benchmark exchange.

In Germany, Hochtief XETR:HOT rose by over 5%, supported by the persistently strong demand for infrastructure projects and the positive perception of its US subsidiary Turner in the North American construction business. The highly valued company reports on February 19, 2026.