Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance Amid Lunar New Year
Trading activity across Asia was characterized by a mixed performance on Monday, February 16, 2026, with several key markets observing closures or shortened trading hours in anticipation of Lunar New Year celebrations. The holiday, commencing Tuesday, significantly impacted liquidity and contributed to fluctuating market sentiment. Trader Fred Demarco, seen working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on February 13, 2026, reflects the ongoing global financial activity (AP Photo/Richard Drew).
Japan's Economic Growth Disappoints, Nikkei Declines
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index experienced a slight dip, closing down 0.2% at 56,806.41. This downturn followed the release of government data indicating a slower-than-expected economic expansion during the October-December quarter. The annualized growth rate registered at a modest 0.2%. Analysts suggest this sluggish performance may intensify pressure on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to implement stimulus measures, potentially involving increased government spending and tax reductions.
Thin Trading Volumes and Regional Variations
Reduced trading volumes were a common theme across the region, as stock exchanges in China, South Korea, and Taiwan remained closed for the Lunar New Year. Despite the widespread closures, some markets demonstrated positive movement. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index managed a 0.5% gain in its abbreviated session, reaching 26,705.94. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced by 0.2% to 8,940.60, and India's Sensex saw a 0.3% increase.
U.S. Futures Rise as Markets Await Presidents' Day
U.S. stock market futures indicated a slight upward trend, with the S&P 500 future rising 0.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average future also up 0.2%. This comes after U.S. markets calmed on Friday following an earlier decline fueled by concerns surrounding the potential disruption of artificial intelligence across various industries, particularly impacting software companies. A recent inflation report, suggesting easing price pressures, further contributed to the positive outlook, potentially paving the way for another Federal Reserve interest rate reduction.
Precious Metals and Energy Markets See Shifts
Precious metals experienced a downward trend on Monday. Gold prices fell by 0.6% to $5,015.40 per ounce, while silver declined 1.9% to $76.50 an ounce. In the energy sector, U.S. benchmark crude oil edged up 1 cent to $62.90 per barrel, and Brent crude, the international standard, rose 2 cents to $67.77 per barrel. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen, trading at 153.19 yen compared to 152.64 yen, while the euro was valued at $1.1864, down from $1.1872.
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