XAU/USD – Daily Chart
btc-usd
Forex Signals Feb 18: FOMC on Top of DoorDash, Lloyds, Moody’s and ADI Earnings Preview
Today's deadlines include the RBNZ meeting, the FED's FOMC minutes, and the earnings reports from DoorDash, Lloyd's, Moody's ADI, Booking...
•
Last updated: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Quick overview
- Earnings reports from DoorDash, Lloyd's, Moody's ADI, and Booking are anticipated today, alongside the FED's FOMC minutes and RBNZ meeting.
- Markets showed caution as commodities and equities reacted to geopolitical developments, particularly progress in Iran's nuclear deal negotiations.
- Equities displayed mixed results, with the S&P 500 rebounding slightly, led by Apple, while after-hours trading saw Palo Alto Networks experience volatility post-earnings.
- Investor focus remains on central bank signals, with the RBNZ expected to maintain its cash rate and the Fed's minutes indicating a solid economic assessment.
Live BTC/USD Chart
BTC/USD
0.0000
MARKETS TREND
Today’s deadlines include the RBNZ meeting, the FED’s FOMC minutes, and the earnings reports from DoorDash, Lloyd’s, Moody’s ADI, and Booking.
Market Moves on Iran Optimism
Markets experienced a cautious session on Tuesday as commodities and equities reacted to geopolitical developments and upcoming central bank decisions. Gold, silver, and crude oil all tumbled initially after Iran signaled progress in nuclear deal negotiations with the United States. Oil dropped roughly $1 per barrel while gold fell about $60, though gold later recovered partially, whereas oil remained under pressure throughout the day.
Mixed Equities Markets
Equities showed a mixed picture. The S&P 500 staged a modest rebound led by Apple, which helped offset an early 50-point decline. Airlines and banks also recovered in relatively narrow trading ranges compared with the heightened volatility of last week. In after-hours activity, Palo Alto Networks initially surged on earnings but later fell 7%, reflecting the recurring pattern of post-earnings swings that have persisted over the past several weeks.
Overall, Tuesday’s trading reflected a cautious market balancing short-term geopolitical optimism with the need to monitor central bank signals. Commodities responded sharply to headlines from Iran, but investor attention remains focused on monetary policy guidance from both the RBNZ and the Fed, highlighting the delicate interplay between global events and central bank decisions.
Key Market Events to Watch Today:
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Outlook
Investors are now turning attention to central banks. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will hold its first policy meeting of the year under new Governor Breman, who took office in December. The market widely expects the RBNZ to maintain the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent, following three consecutive cuts that have cumulatively reduced rates by 325 basis points since August 2024. Forward guidance suggests a pause through 2026, with future moves contingent on medium-term inflation and economic developments.
Federal Reserve (FOMC) Minutes
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve left rates unchanged at 3.50–3.75 percent in its January meeting, with dissenting votes in favor of a 25-basis-point reduction. The FOMC minutes upgraded the economic assessment, describing activity as “expanding at a solid pace,” noting that job gains have “remained low” and unemployment has “shown some signs of stabilisation.”
🔌 Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)
- Report: Q1 2026 Earnings
- Timing: Before Market Open (BMO)
- EPS Expected: $2.30
- Market Cap: ~$165.06 billion
Why it matters:
- Key signal for semiconductor demand across industrial and automotive markets.
- Commentary on supply chains and inventory normalization will be critical.
- Outlook may provide clues about the broader chip cycle recovery.
🏦 Lloyds Banking Group plc (LYG)
- Report: Q4 2025 Earnings
- Timing: Before Market Open (BMO)
- EPS Expected: $0.11
- Market Cap: ~$101.07 billion
- Why it matters:
- Barometer for UK banking conditions and mortgage activity.
- Net interest margins and credit quality trends will be in focus.
- Forward guidance could signal how rate dynamics are impacting profitability.
📊 Moody’s Corporation (MCO)
- Report: Q4 2025 Earnings
- Timing: Before Market Open (BMO)
- EPS Expected: $3.44
- Market Cap: ~$76.49 billion
Why it matters:
- Indicator of global debt issuance and capital markets activity.
- Demand for ratings and analytics products reflects corporate financing trends.
- Outlook may reveal confidence levels across credit markets.
🚚 DoorDash, Inc. (DASH)
- Report: Q4 2025 Earnings
- Timing: After Market Close (AMC)
- EPS Expected: $0.58
- Market Cap: ~$69.11 billion
Why it matters:
- Insight into consumer behavior in food delivery and convenience spending.
- Focus on order growth, profitability, and expansion initiatives.
- Commentary on competition and margin sustainability will be key.
Booking Holdings Q4 2025 Earnings Preview
- Booking Holdings Inc. is set to release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, with analysts estimating an EPS of $48.67. The company, with a market capitalization of $134.18 billion, remains a dominant player in the online travel and booking sector, providing services ranging from accommodation reservations to travel management solutions.
Key Points to Watch
- Revenue and Profitability Trends: Investors will be watching for any indications of growth moderation or acceleration as global travel demand continues to evolve post-pandemic.
- Segment Performance: Performance across accommodation, flights, and other travel services will be critical, especially given the potential impact of fluctuating travel costs and macroeconomic pressures.
- Margins and Cost Management: With rising operational costs and competitive pressures, margins and expense control will remain an important focus for analysts.
- Forward Guidance: Any updates regarding 2026 expectations, including investment plans or shifts in strategic focus, will be closely scrutinized.
Gold Resumes the Decline Again As Safe Havens Lose Status
Although demand for safe haven assets is still high, gold fell precipitously from record highs following the Fed’s most recent rate cut comments, as profit-taking was prompted by Powell’s cautious tone. In December, gold jumped above $4.3800 following the Federal Reserve’s announcement of a 25 basis point rate decrease. But the impetus soon waned, and prices dropped back to $4,004. The 20 daily SMA (gray) held as support last week and buyers returned and pushed XAU above the $5,000 mark for the first time during Asian hours and extended the rally in New York, printing a fresh record high near $5,111 before retreating below $5,000 late in the session. But buyers returned and XAU climbed to $5,598 but pulled back below $5,000 again.
USD/JPY Returns Back Down
Foreign exchange markets saw sharp swings. Early in the week, U.S. yield differentials and Japanese capital outflows pushed the dollar above ¥150, but disappointing U.S. jobs data triggered profit-taking, causing the USD/JPY to slide by four yen from its peak. However, the new BOJ governor the JPY has weakened and USD/JPY soared to 154 and we decided to close our buy signal for more than 80 pips as the pair found support at the 20 daily SMA (gray) and has rebounded more than 200 pips off that MA but reversed after the 25 bps rate cut from the FED. The price approached $160 but reversed after the BOJ meeting and fell 8 cents but found support at $152 at the 100 daily SMA (red) and rebounded above 156 but have reversed down again this week after the Japanese elections.
USD/JPY – Daily Chart
Cryptocurrency Update
Bitcoin Returns Under $70K
Cryptocurrencies remained highly active over the summer. Bitcoin (BTC) climbed to fresh highs of $123,000 and $124,000 in July and August, supported by institutional inflows and technical strength. However, remarks from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ruling out U.S. increases to BTC reserves triggered a steep pullback, sending the coin down to $80K before finding support at the 100 weekly SMA (green). A rebound followed, sending BTC near $100 is the first major text for Bitcoin buyers. However BTC returned lower and fell below $80K, breaking below the but the 100 weekly SMA (green) but the decline stopped at the $60K support where the 200 weekly SM A(purpe) stands and rebounded above $70K.
BTC/USD – Weekly Chart
Ethereum Slips Below $2,000
Ethereum (ETH) has been similarly strong, surging toward $4,800, its highest since 2021 and near its all-time peak of $4,860. Despite a dip last week, ETH found support at the 20-day SMA, with retail enthusiasm and renewed institutional participation driving fresh upside momentum. Last week we saw a dive below $2,000 but buyers returned n d pushed the price above $2K again.
ETH/USD – Weekly Chart
- Check out our free forex signals
- Follow the top economic events on FX Leaders economic calendar
- Trade better, discover more Forex Trading Strategies
- Open a FREE Trading Account
- Read our latest reviews on: Avatrade, Exness, HFM and XM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
See More
Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst.
Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.
Save