China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady for 14th Month as Economic Recovery Remains Uneven 
Ukraine’s drone strikes are having an impact on Russia — but Russian leaders remain committed to war 
Singapore Central Bank’s Exchange Rate Policy Explained: Why MAS Uses the S$NEER Instead of Interest Rates 
ECB Expected to Hold Rates as Middle East Tensions Keep September Hike in Focus 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
Brazil Cuts Selic Rate to 14% as Inflation Eases but Risks Persist 
Japan Economy Minister Downplays Inflation Risks Despite BOJ Warning 
Gold Slips Below $4050 as Bond Yields Surge to 4.7% on Fed Inflation Concerns – Sell Rallies at $4060 Targeting $3940 
RBA Signals More Rate Hikes Possible as Australia Battles Stubborn Inflation 
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.
