02-18-2026 | Profit warnings, rate cut signals, fragile peace talks and a major AI deal shape markets.

COMPANIES. Palo Alto trims profit forecast. Palo Alto Networks CUT its full year profit outlook after reporting quarterly results. Revenue rose, but costs tied to acquisitions and ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE investments pressured margins. Shares FELL in extended trading after the announcement. The shift signals tighter profitability in cybersecurity despite solid demand. ECONOMY. Fed signals possible rate cuts. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said the Federal Reserve could deliver SEVERAL rate cuts in twenty twenty six if inflation moves back toward the two percent target. The central bank has kept rates on hold in recent meetings. Markets adjusted expectations for the timing of easing as investors recalibrated bets. INTERNATIONAL. Ukraine talks end in Geneva. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia stopped after a short session in Geneva. Delegations described the talks as difficult. Oil reacted immediately. Brent traded near sixty eight dollars and United States crude around sixty three dollars per barrel, reflecting renewed geopolitical tension. INNOVATION. Nvidia signs multiyear AI chip deal. Nvidia agreed to supply Meta with MILLIONS of AI chips under a multiyear contract covering Blackwell and future Rubin systems. The agreement secures large scale demand and reinforces Nvidia’s dominance in AI infrastructure.