Mainstreet Synergy Group – Global Market & Economic Weekly Report

Week Ending: Friday, February 20, 2026

Key developments this week:

• Geopolitical tensions influenced markets as rising U.S.–Iran pressure created volatility in risk assets and drove oil prices to multi-month highs.

• Agricultural sector strains were underscored by the USDA defending a $12 billion subsidy package against challenging farm economics.

• European food inflation risks grew due to extreme Mediterranean weather damaging crops, hinting at broader supply chain pressures.

• Orange SA warns of reduced telecom investment in Europe, instead targeting growth in the Middle East and Africa, highlighting shifting corporate strategies.

  
  

Regional economic themes:

• Europe: Eurozone manufacturing PMI returned to expansion, led by Germany, though France’s output remains under pressure.

• Middle East: Saudi investment in AI initiatives underscores regional diversification away from hydrocarbon reliance.

• Asia: Asian markets were quiet ahead of Lunar New Year, with Japan’s Nikkei reacting to domestic policy signals and yen weakness.

  
  

📈 Equity & Market Index Data

📍U.S. Exchanges

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 49,626.00

• S&P 500: 6,909.51

• NASDAQ: 22,886.10

  
  

📍Canada

• S&P/TSX Composite: 33,817.50

• S&P/TSX 60: 2,162.87

  
  

📍Europe

• ATX (Austria): 5,807.44

• BFX (Belgium): 5,654.68

• CAC 40 (France): 8,515.49

• DAX (Germany): 25,260.70

• AEX (Netherlands): 1,017.66

• OSE (Norway): 1,017.37

• OMXSPI (Sweden): 1,102.78

• Swiss Market Index: 13,859.80

• FTSE 100 (UK): 10,686.90

• IBOVESPA (Brazil): 190,534.00

  
  

📍Asia-Pacific

• Shanghai Composite (China): 4,082.07

• Hang Seng (Hong Kong): 26,413.30

• Nikkei 225 (Japan): 56,825.70

• Taiwan Weighted Index: 33,605.71

• ASX 200 (Australia): 9,303.20

• New Zealand Index: 14,479.30

  
  

🌐 Notable Cryptocurrency News & Market Movement

• Bitcoin (BTC): 68,286.28

• Ethereum (ETH): 1,985.55

• XRP: 1.43

  
  

Crypto markets this week showed typical risk-on/off behavior amid geopolitical events and macro trading flows.

🛢️ Commodity Market Overview

Energy & Metals

• Oil (Crude): 66.31 — enjoyed a six-month high this week as geopolitical disruption fears intensified.

• Gold: 5,130.00 — modest gains as safe-haven demand rose with global tensions.

  
  

Agricultural Commodities

• Live Cattle: Price rose modestly to ~242 weekly average.

• Wheat: Climbed to ~580.25, a strong weekly gain.

• Corn & Soybeans: Mixed performance with corn holding steady and soybeans seeing moderate weakness.

• Fertilizer prices surged ~2.4%, signaling input cost pressures for global crop production.

  
  

📉 Bond Market & Interest Rate Indicators

• U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield/Price: 4.086

• U.S. 30-Year Treasury Yield/Price: 4.725

  
  

Treasury markets generally held firm, with yields influenced by risk sentiment and central bank guidance.

🔍 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

This week’s markets were shaped by geopolitical tension in the Middle East, agricultural economic pressures, and economic data mixed across regions. Investors remain focused on how trade dynamics, energy pricing, and monetary policy watch points will evolve into Q2.

Emerging themes to watch for next week:

• Continued impact from US–Iran tensions on risk assets, commodities, and safe havens

• Agricultural supply chains reacting to input cost shifts and extreme weather

• Central bank communications shaping bond and equity sensitivity

  
  

⚠️ Disclosure

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Market conditions are subject to change, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.