On Wednesday, February 26, U.S. markets closed mixed amid tariff concerns, while strong earnings and a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal lifted European shares to record highs. Nvidia gained on strong results despite skepticism over AI investments. Meanwhile, the House passed Trump’s tax-cut plan, and U.S. home sales declined due to persistently high mortgage rates.

In economic data, U.S. mortgage applications fell by 1.2% for the week ending February 21, while crude oil inventories dropped 2.332 million barrels, contrary to expectations of a gain. In January, new home sales declined 10.5% to 657,000, and building permits fell 0.6% to 1.473 million, signaling weakness in the housing market.

S&P sectors were mixed, with tech gains offsetting losses in healthcare and consumer staples. Nvidia’s strong earnings capped a better-than-expected reporting season.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.43% to close at 43,433.12, while the S&P 500 inched up 0.01% to 5,956.06, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.26% to 19,075.26.

Asia Markets Today

Eurozone at 05:30 AM ET

• The European STOXX 50 was down 0.76%.
• Germany’s DAX declined 0.99%.
• France’s CAC slid 0.28%.
• U.K.’s FTSE 100 index traded higher by 0.17%
• European markets fell after Trump announced a 25% EU tariff.

Commodities at 05:30 AM ET

U.S. Futures at 05:30 AM ET

Dow futures were up 0.23%, S&P 500 futures gained 0.56%, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.54%.

Forex at 05:30 AM ET

The U.S. dollar index rose by 0.14% to 106.65, the USD/JPY rose by 0.58% to 149.87, and the USD/AUD rose by 0.17% to 1.5882.

The U.S. dollar firmed but remained near an 11-week low amid Trump’s tariff threats on Europe and delays for Mexico and Canada.

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