
Trade truce and Googles first trillion set the tone
Google breaking through the $1 trillion barrier of market capitalization and the newly approved trade deal between the US, Canada and Mexico helped the market rally.
Share this:
Google breaking through the $1 trillion barrier of market capitalization and the newly approved trade deal between the US, Canada and Mexico helped the market rally at the end of the week, a week which has already seen a big turnaround in sentiment following the signing of the first part of the Sino-US trade deal. The newly found trade truce means China is expected to buy $95 billion more worth of US commodities than in 2017 and an additional $100 billion worth of goods and services compared with 2017.
NMC hits back, IAG scraps non-European cap
Abu Dhabi-based NMC Health has hired a former head of the FBI as it continues to fight back allegations of over-payment for acquisitions and hiding the full scale of its debts. Shares rallied 7.29%, the highest level this week, but have still some way to go before clawing back the 48% loss following the report made by short seller Muddy Waters in December.
British Airways owner IAG also bounced in early trade after it decided to stop capping ownership from non-European investors.
Chinese economic data provided a rare upbeat signal as the country’s GDP showed less of a decline in growth than markets had expected. Although the trade war did affect some parts of China’s economy its GDP still grew at 6.1%.
The pound is back up at $1.31, the highest level in the week, as investors are positioning themselves against a potential Bank of England rate cut in January.
Google breaking through the $1 trillion barrier of market capitalization and the newly approved trade deal between the US, Canada and Mexico helped the market rally at the end of the week, a week which has already seen a big turnaround in sentiment following the signing of the first part of the Sino-US trade deal. The newly found trade truce means China is expected to buy $95 billion more worth of US commodities than in 2017 and an additional $100 billion worth of goods and services compared with 2017.
NMC hits back, IAG scraps non-European cap
Abu Dhabi-based NMC Health has hired a former head of the FBI as it continues to fight back allegations of over-payment for acquisitions and hiding the full scale of its debts. Shares rallied 7.29%, the highest level this week, but have still some way to go before clawing back the 48% loss following the report made by short seller Muddy Waters in December.
British Airways owner IAG also bounced in early trade after it decided to stop capping ownership from non-European investors.
Chinese economic data provided a rare upbeat signal as the country’s GDP showed less of a decline in growth than markets had expected. Although the trade war did affect some parts of China’s economy its GDP still grew at 6.1%.
The pound is back up at $1.31, the highest level in the week, as investors are positioning themselves against a potential Bank of England rate cut in January.
Open an account in minutes
Experience award-winning platforms with fast and secure execution, and enjoy tight spreads from 0.5 pts on FX and 0.3 pts on indices.
Economic calendar
Web Trader platform
Our sophisticated web-based platform is packed with features.

SK Hynix IPO: Everything You Need to Know About SK Hynix
Learn everything you need to know about the SK Hynix IPO, including its Nasdaq listing, valuation, financials, ownership, competitors and investment risks.

FTSE 100 and GBP/USD forecast: UK data gives BoE March cut a further boost
The FTSE 100 edged higher to close in on last week’s record, as the pound weakened following the release of UK wages and Jobs data that puts a March rate cut firmly on the table, barring any surprises in tomorrow’s inflation report. Unless we see a sharp turnaround in data, I would be expecting another rate cut in June, and possibly more in the summer if inflation risks ease. This should keep the longer term FTSE 100 forecast firmly supported and keep a lid on sterling.

FTSE 100 forecast - Indices weekend outlook | February 16, 2026
With the US out on Monday for Presidents’ Day and China celebrating Spring Festival all week, it makes sense to focus on European markets to start the week off. So the FTSE 100 forecast is in focus for this week’s weekend indices outlook. We have plenty of UK, European and US earnings to look forward to as the week progresses, while key data from the UK and US will make rate cut expectations a key talking point on both sides of the pond.
This report is intended for general circulation only. It should not be construed as a recommendation, or an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any financial products. The information provided does not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Before you act on any recommendation that may be contained in this report, independent advice ought to be sought from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment product, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd., may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities or affiliates within the StoneX group of companies or third parties pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed to a person in Singapore who is not an accredited investor, expert investor or an institutional investor (as defined in the Securities Futures Act), StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. accepts legal responsibility to such persons for the contents of the report only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. at 6826 9988 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.
In the case of all other recipients of this report, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations neither StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. nor its associated companies will be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information contained in this report and all such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed. No representation or warranty is made, express or implied, that the content of this report is complete or accurate.
StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. is not under any obligation to update this report.
Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk that may not be suitable for some investors. Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits. If in doubt, please seek independent expert advice. Visit www.forex.com/en-sg/terms-and-policies for the complete Risk Disclosure Statement.







