Daily Brief - February 17, 2026 (EOD)

 ## Market Recap Today, the major indices experienced a mixed session, with the **S&P 500** closing down 0.5%, the **Nasdaq** dropping 1.2%, while the **Dow Jones** managed a slight gain of 0.2%. The **Russell 2000** also saw a dip, finishing down 0.4%. Market sentiment remained cautious as investors grappled with ongoing concerns surrounding AI disruptions and upcoming economic reports, including inflation data. Trading volume was notably higher than average, reflecting heightened investor activity amid the uncertain market landscape. The breadth of the market showed weakness, with declining stocks outpacing advancers on both the NYSE and Nasdaq, indicating a risk-off approach from many participants. ## Top Stories That Moved Markets - **Infosys Limited (INFY)** discussed its strategies for navigating technology transitions and the implications of the AI era, which sparked investor interest but also raised concerns about the potential for disruption in traditional tech sectors. The stock remained relatively stable amid broader market anxieties. - In the U.S., **New York City Mayor Eric Adams** proposed a property tax hike as a last-resort option to address budgetary shortfalls, influencing local markets and investor sentiment in real estate sectors. - **Axalta (AXTA)** reported underwhelming earnings results, which led to a 5% drop in its stock, coupled with speculation about a potential merger that failed to excite investors. - **Hormel Foods (HRL)** announced the sale of its whole-bird turkey business to LSI, a move intended to streamline its operations. The stock reacted positively, gaining 3% on the news. ## Biggest Winners **$HRL** - +3% - Hormel's divestiture of its turkey business is seen as a strategic move to focus on more profitable segments. **$TPCS** - +4.5% - TechPrecision Corporation rallied after reporting strong Q3 results, exceeding earnings expectations. **$FEAM** - +2.8% - 5E Advanced Materials saw gains following a positive Q2 earnings report, reaffirming its growth strategy. **$GM** - +1.5% - General Motors benefited from news of strong sales in the electric vehicle sector, boosting investor confidence. **$WEN** - +1.2% - Wendy's showed resilience despite broader sector volatility, attributed to successful marketing strategies. ## Biggest Losers **$AXTA** - -5% - Axalta's earnings miss and lukewarm merger prospects led to a significant sell-off in its shares. **$PANW** - -3.5% - Palo Alto Networks fell after concerns about its guidance ahead of earnings, reflecting broader tech sector anxieties. **$CAG** - -2.3% - Conagra Brands' weak outlook and declining sales in its core segments worried investors, resulting in a drop in stock price. **$CAGNY** - -2.0% - Despite reporting earnings, the stock fell as investors reacted negatively to its cautious outlook amidst rising input costs. **$TPCS** - -1.8% - TechPrecision's earlier gains were erased as profit-taking set in following a strong earnings report. ## Sector Scorecard - **Leaders:** - Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors performed well, driven by defensive positioning as investors sought safety amid economic uncertainties. - **Laggards:** - Technology and Communications sectors lagged, largely due to ongoing concerns around AI disruptions and earnings guidance misses from key players. ## After-Hours Movers **$TPCS** - Jumped in after-hours trading following an announcement of a new partnership expected to enhance market penetration. ## Tomorrow Setup - Key economic reports are scheduled, including the January CPI data and FOMC minutes, which are likely to influence trading sentiment. - Watch for earnings from major players like **Walmart (WMT)** and **Cisco (CSCO)**, which may provide insights into consumer spending and tech sector health. - Investors should remain cautious about potential volatility as the market digests economic indicators and corporate earnings results.