Business Market overview

Asian Markets Mixed Amid AI Worries, Iran-US Talks

Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Feb 18, 2026 · Last updated Feb 18, 2026

Sentiment

Attention

Articles

Market Impact

Direct

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Market Impact

Asian stocks showed mixed performance with some indices rising despite artificial intelligence concerns. Oil prices were under pressure due to progress in Iran-United States nuclear talks, while the New Zealand===New Zealand dollar sank after its central bank's accommodative policy stance. Gold and silver also weakened.

Financial Services Technology Energy

Event Summary

Asian markets displayed a mixed performance with some indices like Nikkei 225 and S&P/ASX 200 rising, while Wall Street indices also saw slight gains despite ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence over-investment and its potential impact on labor markets. Oil prices for Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate were under pressure after Iran and the United States reported progress in nuclear negotiations, easing geopolitical tensions and reducing the risk of supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. The New Zealand===New Zealand dollar depreciated significantly after the New Zealand===Reserve Bank of New Zealand indicated a need for accommodative monetary policy. Gold and silver prices also dipped due to a stronger United States===United States dollar and reduced safe-haven demand. Japan faces a projected surge in bond issuance due to rising debt-financing costs. Investors are also awaiting minutes from the United States===Federal Reserve's January meeting for clues on future interest rate paths.

Key Actions

70 Iran reached understanding on nuclear dispute United States

60 New Zealand===Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept interest rates on hold and flagged accommodative policy

60 New Zealand===New Zealand dollar slid against United States===United States dollar United States===United States dollar

60 Brent Crude slid to two-week lows

60 West Texas Intermediate slid to two-week lows

50 Japan projected surge in annual bond issuance

50 Gold weakened

Entities Involved

cnt

Iran

Iran touted progress in nuclear negotiations with the United States, easing worries about a military conflict near the Strait of Hormuz and impacting oil prices.

Importance 70 Sentiment 10

cnt

United States

The United States engaged in nuclear negotiations with Iran, leading to an understanding on 'guiding principles' and influencing global oil markets.

Importance 70 Sentiment 10

cmdt

Brent Crude

Brent Crude futures were little changed after sliding to more than two-week lows, influenced by progress in nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Importance 60 Sentiment -10

cmdt

West Texas Intermediate

West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures were little changed after sliding to more than two-week lows, impacted by the easing of geopolitical tensions.

Importance 60 Sentiment -10

curr

New Zealand===New Zealand dollar

The New Zealand===New Zealand dollar slid 0.6% after the New Zealand===Reserve Bank of New Zealand indicated that monetary policy needs to remain accommodative.

Importance 60 Sentiment -20

cbnk

New Zealand===Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The New Zealand===Reserve Bank of New Zealand stated that monetary policy needs to remain accommodative, causing the New Zealand===New Zealand dollar to sink.

Importance 60 Sentiment -10

index

Nikkei 225

The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.93%, poised to snap a three-day skid, indicating a positive sentiment in the Japanese market.

Importance 50 Sentiment 20

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Relationships

United States related ↔ United States===Federal Reserve

Iran related ↔ United States

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