On February 17, 2026, the FTSE 100 inched higher while sterling retreated after fresh UK labor figures showed unemployment rising and wage growth slowing. Investors viewed the softer pay data as easing inflation pressure and reducing the need for further Bank of England tightening, lifting exporters and globally focused energy, mining, and pharmaceutical shares.

On February 17, 2026, Citi analysts stated that global oil prices could fall if former President Donald Trump successfully brokers new geopolitical peace deals, as a significant risk premium remains embedded in crude markets. They estimate that geopolitical tensions can add $5 to $10 per barrel, and credible ceasefires or settlements could rapidly unwind this premium even before supply changes, while OPEC+ policy, China's demand and US Strategic Petroleum Reserve decisions continue to shape the broader price outlook.

On February 15, 2026, the United States added Alibaba and BYD to a government watchlist, increasing oversight of the two major Chinese companies. The move heightens regulatory and geopolitical risk for investors, may affect future US-related partnerships, and fits into Washington's broader strategy of tightening controls on Chinese technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

On February 15, 2026, Iran indicated it may accept restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief, highlighting a potential shift in its stance toward the United States. Markets are watching whether renewed diplomacy could unlock frozen assets, boost Iranian oil exports and increase volatility in energy and regional assets.

On February 14, 2026, SpaceX was reported to be preparing a 2026 IPO that could use a dual-class share structure, aiming to maintain Elon Musk’s voting influence. Secondary-market trades last year put the firm around $800 billion, and market reports suggest a listing could approach $1.5 trillion as Starlink’s 9,400 satellites and 9 million users bolster growth.

On February 14, 2026, Tesla signaled plans to scale its U.S. solar manufacturing to as much as 100 gigawatts of annual capacity, a level that would surpass current domestic panel output. The initiative would deepen Tesla's shift beyond electric vehicles into energy generation and storage, while raising questions for investors about capital needs, execution risk, and pressure on its core automotive margins.

On February 11, 2026, U.S. stock futures advanced as traders evaluated a stronger-than-expected January jobs report, which had been delayed by a brief government shutdown. Nonfarm payrolls grew by 130,000, the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3%, and average hourly earnings reached $37.17 with a 0.4% monthly gain. The figures lifted S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, while higher Treasury yields reflected reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts.

On February 10, 2026, Spotify Technology S.A. reported fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, with earnings per share of €4.43 and revenue of €4.53 billion. The company's monthly active users rose to 751 million and premium subscribers reached 290 million, while its stock price jumped about 15% in early trading. Spotify guided for further user growth in the first quarter of 2026, projecting 759 million monthly active users, 293 million paid subscribers and revenue of €4.5 billion.

On February 10, 2026, Citi argued that several major software companies are well placed to perform across a range of artificial intelligence outcomes despite recent market volatility. The bank's analysts pointed to names such as Dynatrace, Microsoft, Cloudflare, Rubrik, and Palantir, emphasizing recurring revenue, scalable AI-ready platforms, and resilient earnings trends.