Bank of Korea Holds Interest Rate at 2.50% as Growth Outlook Improves Amid AI Chip Boom 
Japan's BOJ Independence Under Fire as PM Takaichi's Rate Stance Draws Political Heat 
RBA Rate Decision: Deputy Governor Signals Genuine Debate Ahead of March Meeting 
Bain Capital Secures RBI Approval to Acquire Up to 41.7% Stake in Manappuram Finance 
BOJ Rate Hike to 1% by June in Focus as Inflation and Weak Yen Pressure Mount 
Bank of Korea Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 2.50% Through 2026 Amid Currency and Housing Market Risks 
RBNZ Holds OCR at 2.25% as Inflation Set to Ease Toward 2% Target 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
Fed May Tighten Policy if Inflation Stalls Despite Weak Labor Market 
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.
