🗞️ NordFX Morning Update – 17 February 2026 Markets return from the US long weekend in a cautious mood, with risk appetite slightly deteriorating. 📉 US index futures are under pressure. Nasdaq 100 futures are down around 0.8%, S&P 500 futures lose about 0.4%, while Dow futures are slightly more resilient. Tech and AI-linked stocks remain sensitive as investors reassess sector valuations and longer-term earnings impact. 🌏 Asia trades mixed in thin conditions due to Lunar New Year holidays in China. Japan’s Nikkei is down roughly 0.9% after soft GDP data, while Australia’s ASX 200 adds around 0.2%, supported by strength in the materials sector. 🛢️ Oil holds steady ahead of US-Iran talks in Geneva. Brent is slightly softer while WTI shows mild gains, with traders balancing geopolitical risks and potential supply implications. 💱 FX volatility remains limited. The dollar index is hovering near 97, EUR/USD trades around 1.184–1.185, and USD/JPY stays above 153. The Japanese yen is modestly firmer after a solid government bond auction. 🥇 Gold is under renewed pressure, slipping below key levels and trading around the $4,900–4,950 area, while silver extends losses. 📅 Today’s focus: 🇦🇺 02:30 – RBA Minutes 🇷🇴 15:00 – Interest Rate Decision 🇨🇦 15:30 – CPI m/m and y/y Canadian inflation data may be the main volatility trigger of the day. Stay focused and trade wisely with NordFX! 🚀