Weekly Stock Market Update | Dow, S&P 500, NASDAQ News – February 15, 2026

The stock market experienced significant volatility this week due to various factors including reports on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook, artificial intelligence fears, mixed economic signals, and significant data releases. The S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq declined by 1.4% and 2% respectively for the week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average had a 1.2% weekly loss despite hitting a record high close on Tuesday.

Key gainers of the week were companies like Walmart and industrial giant Deere, with respective climbs of over 20% and 30% this year. On the downside, the biggest losers were software, financial, and AI-reliant companies. Software stocks were the first to fall, followed by financials and real estate players. Tech companies grappling with AI disruption, like AST SpaceMobile, also recorded significant losses, contributing to Nasdaq’s overall drop.

News on the Federal Reserve’s take on inflation and interest rates fueled speculations, with the market currently favoring two to three reductions in borrowing costs in 2022. The US Labor Department reported a significant increase in jobs in January, pushing unemployment rates lower, while inflation statistics showed a lower than expected increase in consumer prices. The announcement that AST SpaceMobile plans to raise money led to an 18.9% drop in its shares as this would result in shareholder dilution.

In the UK, GDP growth figures showed a sluggish 0.1% increase in Q4 2025, lower than the expected 0.2%. Week performances of Barclays and NatWest exceeded estimates, positively influencing the banking sector.

Looking forward, the market will likely continue to respond to shifts influenced by AI adaptations, Fed rate cuts, and economic data relating to inflation and employment rates.