Federal Reserve Faces Subpoena Delay Amid Investigation Into Chair Jerome Powell 
Amazon’s Ring wanted to track your pets. It revealed the future of surveillance 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
RBA Signals Further Interest Rate Hikes if Inflation Persists, Says Governor Michele Bullock 
Make Japan strong again: Sanae Takaichi’s plan to transform her country’s military 
Heritage, desire and diplomacy: why China still values scotch whisky 
Scheduled for release today, February 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) from its January 27–28, 2026, conference offera thorough understanding of the Fed's discussions. Markets expect attention on the committee's 10-2 vote to keep the federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75%, two dissents for a 25bp cut, and fears about tariff-driven inflation.
Important Expectations
Investors want information on tariff effects, labor market easing, and the timeframe for possibly lowering interest rates; CME FedWatch indicates 90% chance of no change in March. If economic strength lasts, minutes could expose opinions on a "high-rate plateau" through late 2026, affecting company plans, including debt management.
Influence Market
The release is the highlight of the month, possibly influencing USD pairs and stocks; a hawkish posture might support the dollar; a dovish attitude might encourage cut bets for June or afterwards. For more context, match it with today's housing starts and robust product data.
