US Stock Market Today S&P 500 Futures Rise As Global Inflation Signals Soften
The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Wednesday, Feb, 18 2026
US stock futures are pointing higher this morning, with contracts tied to the S&P 500 up about 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures up just over 0.5%. The backdrop is a global slide in government bond yields after softer inflation in the UK, where price growth eased to 3.0%, and in Canada at 2.3%, which investors read as central banks being closer to cutting interest rates. At the same time, US bond yields sit near 4.06% ahead of Federal Reserve meeting minutes, with hiring data still firm. The big question is whether easing inflation abroad and steady US growth help interest rate sensitive areas like housing and small caps more than they pressure income focused bond and cash style investments.
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Top Movers
- Fiserv (FISV) jumped 6.89% after reports that activist Jana Partners built a stake and engaged management.
- Lumentum Holdings (LITE) gained 6.70% after Mizuho raised its price target while reiterating an Outperform rating.
- Southwest Airlines (LUV) climbed 6.16% following an upgrade to Buy at UBS with a higher price target.
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Top Losers
- Genuine Parts (GPC) dropped 14.56% after Truist downgraded the stock on concerns around the auto business.
- Somnigroup International (SGI) fell 8.60%.
- Leidos Holdings (LDOS) declined 8.38% after earnings and 2026 revenue guidance of US$17.5b to US$17.9b.
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On The Radar
Earnings from major retailers, industrials and energy names, along with Fed minutes, will shape today’s pre market focus.
- Walmart (WMT) reports Q4 2026 results on Thursday, providing an update on consumer demand and pricing power.
- Analog Devices (ADI) posts Q1 2026 numbers today, focusing on chip demand trends across autos, industry and communications.
- Occidental Petroleum (OXY) reports Q4 2025 after market today, with emphasis on capital allocation and exposure to energy prices.
- Deere (DE) shares Q1 2026 results on Thursday, updating perspectives on equipment demand in agriculture and construction.
- PPL (PPL) reports Q4 2025 on Friday, with attention on regulated returns and capital spending plans.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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