Stock Focus Report – Market Analysis for February 17, 2026

The major indexes shuffled higher Tuesday in what can only be described as a low-energy grind session. The S&P 500 added 0.10%, the Nasdaq climbed 0.17%, and the Dow Jones inched up 0.07% as investors sorted through a mixed bag of corporate developments and geopolitical noise.

Amazon (AMZN) continued its historic faceplant, potentially marking a tenth consecutive day of losses that have evaporated roughly $450 billion in market value. The selloff traces back to Amazon’s announcement of a $200 billion investment plan that apparently spooked investors more than it impressed them. When your shopping spree costs more than most countries’ GDP and your stock tanks for two weeks straight, you might want to reconsider the strategy.

Meanwhile, Apple (AAPL) provided some sunshine with an $8.10 pop, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) surged $2.63 as travel stocks caught a bid. The session’s modest gains masked some serious individual stock drama playing out beneath the surface.

Energy markets got everyone’s attention when Iran decided to partially close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for about 20% of global oil supply. The move coincides with ongoing nuclear talks with the U.S., giving oil-related tickers (BNO, DBO, GUSH) something to think about beyond the usual supply-demand calculus.

Exxon (XOM) announced plans to accelerate natural gas development in Guyana, with upstream chief Dan Ammann signaling the company’s determination to move quickly. It’s the kind of long-term infrastructure play that doesn’t move stocks overnight but shapes energy landscapes for decades.

The semiconductor space saw some reshuffling as SoftBank (SFTBY) revealed it completely dumped its Nvidia (NVDA) position during Q4 2025, according to its 13-F filing. Selling NVDA before 2026 might go down as one of those portfolio decisions people quietly try to forget about at cocktail parties.

Automotive news brought Ford (F) into focus with its $5 billion investment in new EVs using Tesla’s 48-volt electrical architecture, first introduced with the Cybertruck. Speaking of Tesla (TSLA), Germany’s IG Metall union filed criminal complaints against the Berlin factory manager for allegedly spreading false claims, adding another chapter to Tesla’s European adventures.

Treasury yields ticked modestly higher across the curve, with the 10-year adding 3 basis points to 4.05%, suggesting bond traders aren’t exactly panicking but aren’t getting complacent either. The dollar index firmed up slightly to 97.14, while Bitcoin slipped 1.10% to $67,670 as crypto continues its identity crisis between digital gold and speculative plaything.

The vibe today felt like investors showing up to work because they have to, not because they’re excited about it. Gains were real but uninspiring, the kind of session where you check your portfolio at lunch and think “okay, cool” before immediately forgetting about it.

Raspberry Pi (RPBPF) bucked the sleepy trend with a 40% moonshot after CEO Eben Upton bought shares and AI speculation kicked in, proving that nothing gets retail investors more excited than executive insider buying plus those two magic letters: A and I. Over in healthcare, Ocular Therapeutix (OCUL) popped after its eye drug outperformed Regeneron’s (REGN) Eylea in late-stage trials, while Bayer (BAYRY) prepared to write a $10.5 billion check to settle Roundup lawsuits and finally move on with its life.

Today’s session highlighted a market in no particular hurry to go anywhere, content to drift slightly higher while digesting an eclectic mix of corporate news. Amazon’s continued bloodletting stands out as the most remarkable development, a cautionary tale about how even mega-cap darlings can face sustained selling pressure when investors question the playbook.

The geopolitical dimension added some spice with Iran’s Strait of Hormuz theatrics, a reminder that oil markets remain vulnerable to Middle Eastern chess moves. Whether this escalates or fizzles depends entirely on how nuclear negotiations progress, but energy traders will be watching every headline.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on whether Amazon can finally stabilize or if this selloff has more room to run. The auto sector’s electric vehicle arms race continues heating up with Ford’s big bet on Tesla’s technology approach. And those Treasury yields creeping higher deserve attention; nothing kills a party quite like borrowing costs that won’t cooperate. For now, markets seem content to take things one sleepy session at a time.