Daily Brief - February 17, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Pre-Market Overview U.S. stock futures are trading lower ahead of the market open, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors. The overall mood is influenced by concerns regarding inflation and the potential rise in interest rates, particularly as the U.S. 10-year yield remains volatile. Overnight trading in Asia was mixed, with Japan's **Nikkei 225** down 0.47% amid economic concerns, while China’s markets were closed for holidays. European markets are also expected to open lower, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Key overnight developments include a cautious outlook from BMO's Davis, who indicated he does not expect the U.S. 10-year yield to maintain its current levels, suggesting further fluctuations ahead. Additionally, geopolitical tensions are rising as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are set to commence in Geneva today, which could impact oil prices and market sentiment throughout the session. ## Top Stories Moving Markets **BMO’s Davis Doesn’t See US 10-Year Yield Staying at 4%** BMO's outlook on the U.S. 10-year yield suggests it may experience further volatility. This could affect fixed-income investments and lead to shifts in equity markets as investors reassess risk. - Impacted Tickers: **$TLT** (iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF), **$SHY** (iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF). **Coca-Cola Europacific FY25 Presentation** Coca-Cola Europacific reported a revenue increase of 2.8% and a 7.1% rise in operating profit. This positive performance may bolster investor confidence in consumer stocks amid broader economic uncertainty. - Impacted Tickers: **$KO** (Coca-Cola). **AMC Kicks Off Loan Sale as Part of $2.5 Billion Refinancing Push** AMC Entertainment is initiating a significant refinancing effort to alleviate its debt burden. The outcome of this sale will be critical for the company's financial health and ability to navigate current market conditions. - Impacted Tickers: **$AMC** (AMC Entertainment Holdings). **Warner Bros. Reopens Deal Talks After Paramount Raises Bid** Warner Bros. Discovery has restarted negotiations with Paramount over a potential acquisition, which may impact stock prices in the media sector and influence investor sentiment toward related companies. - Impacted Tickers: **$WBD** (Warner Bros. Discovery), **$PARA** (Paramount Global). **Integra LifeSciences Appoints New CTO and Key Executives** Integra LifeSciences has announced new leadership additions, which may signal a strategic shift aimed at innovation and growth. This could positively impact investor perceptions of the company’s future prospects. - Impacted Tickers: **$IART** (Integra LifeSciences). ## Stocks to Watch Today **$KO** - Coca-Cola Europacific's positive earnings report may drive investor interest today. **$AMC** - Watch for developments regarding AMC's refinancing efforts. **$WBD** - Warner Bros. Discovery's negotiations with Paramount could influence stock performance in the media sector. **$IART** - New executive appointments could enhance growth prospects for Integra LifeSciences. **$TLT** - Market sentiment around treasury yields may impact trading in this bond ETF. **$PARA** - Paramount's negotiations with Warner Bros. may create volatility in this stock. **$SHY** - Will likely react to changes in treasury yield expectations. **$DHR** - Danaher is in focus as it approaches a major acquisition deal for Masimo. ## Sector Setup **Technology:** Mixed outlook as concerns over AI stocks persist; expect volatility in tech names. **Consumer Discretionary:** Likely to benefit from positive earnings reports, particularly in soft drink stocks such as Coca-Cola. **Media:** Expect fluctuations due to ongoing negotiations between Warner Bros. and Paramount, impacting shares in this sector. **Financials:** Caution is advised as refinancing efforts by companies like AMC may raise concerns over debt sustainability. ## Economic Calendar & Fed No major releases scheduled for today. Market participants are keenly awaiting insights from the upcoming Fed events and economic data releases in the following weeks. ## Crypto & Commodities Oil prices remain stable at around $63 per barrel as traders focus on the U.S.-Iran talks. Bitcoin is trading near $68,000, with market sentiment impacted by broader economic conditions and volatility in tech stocks. ## Trading Game Plan - Monitor the performance of consumer stocks like **$KO** and **$AMC** for potential buying opportunities based on earnings results. - Be cautious in technology stocks, especially those related to AI, given the recent selloff and uncertainties. - Look for volatility in media stocks, particularly **$WBD** and **$PARA**, as acquisition talks progress. - Keep an eye on treasury yields and related ETFs like **$TLT** and **$SHY** as market conditions evolve.