The Dividend Cafe Wednesday - February 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
A market update covers stocks edging higher while Treasury yields tick up. A closer look at Fed minutes signaling a hawkish bend and stronger-than-expected industrial production. Discussion of durable goods as a barometer for business capex and why housing remains stuck despite small gains. Clear explainer on how tariffs and imports show up in GDP accounting.
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Markets Up, Yields Tick Higher
- U.S. stocks broadly rose while interest rates ticked higher, showing mixed risk appetite.
- The Nasdaq led gains, S&P lifted moderately, and the 10-year yield rose three basis points.
Fed Minutes Lean Slightly Hawkish
- January FOMC minutes showed a subtly more hawkish tone as inflation is slower to reach 2%.
- That hawkish language can influence market expectations about future policy moves.
Production Surprise Supports Growth
- Industrial production beat expectations with a 0.7% monthly gain versus 0.4% expected.
- Better production data supports near-term economic resilience and helped market sentiment.