On February 20, 2026, Nvidia was reported to be close to finalizing a $30 billion investment in OpenAI, far below the $100 billion commitment it had made a year earlier. The funding is part of a $100 billion round that could push OpenAI's valuation to $830 billion and make it one of the most highly valued private firms globally. The reduced commitment has unsettled markets, especially as OpenAI is expected to channel much of the new capital back into Nvidia hardware, raising questions over circular financing and long-term sustainability.

On February 19, 2026, major U.S. stock indexes slipped, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq all edging lower after Federal Reserve minutes signaled rate cuts are not imminent. Investors also reacted to Walmart's earnings beat but cautious profit outlook, while stronger oil prices and upcoming PCE and GDP data kept market sentiment restrained.

On February 18, 2026, a coalition of major investors called for Starbucks shareholders to remove directors Jorgen Vig Knudstorp and Beth Ford at the March 25 annual meeting, citing failures in overseeing labor relations. The campaign follows a historic nationwide strike by over 3,800 baristas and heightened tensions with Starbucks Workers United over pay, scheduling, and staffing. Starbucks maintains that its baristas earn an average of $30 per hour including benefits and says labor oversight has been reassigned among existing board committees.

On February 18, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway released its final 13F report of the Warren Buffett era, covering holdings as of December 31, 2025, when he retired as CEO at age 95. The filing shows a new position of more than five million New York Times shares, a larger Chevron stake, and notable reductions in Amazon and a smaller trim in Apple and Bank of America. Core holdings such as Alphabet, American Express, and Coca-Cola were left unchanged as Greg Abel assumes leadership of the $1 trillion conglomerate.

On February 18, 2026, minutes from the Federal Reserve's January FOMC meeting showed broad support for keeping the federal funds rate in the 3.50%–3.75% range, with only a few officials favoring a cut. Policymakers cited persistent inflation, steady economic growth and stabilizing job gains for the pause, while markets now expect a 25 basis point reduction in June.

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.