Japan Signals Surprise Yen Intervention Strategy as BOJ Hawkish Stance Puts FX Traders on Alert 
Gold Surges Past $4150 on Dovish Fed Signals and Weak Jobs Data; Bullish Outlook Prevails 
BOJ May Raise Japan Growth Forecast While Keeping Focus on Inflation Risks 
Japan Producer Inflation Hits 7.1% in June, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged for 13th Straight Month as Policymakers Prioritize Credit Demand Recovery 
Fed Reaffirms 2% Inflation Goal, Vows Forceful Action to Anchor Price Expectations 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Morgan Stanley Names Marks & Spencer Top European Retail Pick, Sees Strong Upside 
Supreme Court Backs Lisa Cook, Defends Federal Reserve Independence Against Trump Firing Attempt 
RBNZ Raises Interest Rates to 2.50%, Signals More Tightening as Inflation Risks Persist 
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.
