Stock Market Today, Feb. 19: Rising Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Markets

MrDecoder · 2026-02-20T07:27:40+00:00

The stock market declined, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones falling due to geopolitical tensions and weak guidance from Walmart. Investors are cautious ahead of PCE inflation data, and concerns persist over tech stocks' concentration.

MrDecoder

2026-02-20 07:27:40

Abstract generation in progress

The S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.28%) fell 0.28% to 6,861.89, breaking a three-day winning streak. Geopolitical tensions and weaker confidence weighed on the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.31%), which slipped 0.31% to 22,682.73, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.54%), which dropped 0.54% to 49,395.16.

Market movers

Walmart (WMT 1.41%) fell after issuing weaker-than-expected guidance. This put pressure on Dow futures and retail peers. DoorDash (DASH +1.65%) and Medical Properties Trust (MPT +12.10%) gained on upbeat outlooks and revenue. Corcept Therapeutics (CORT 14.14%) dropped double digits after losing a key patent appeal.

What this means for investors

Stocks retreated today as geopolitical tensions ratcheted higher and traders re-evaluated any hopes of imminent Fed rate cuts. The expectation of further PCE inflation data tomorrow added to the cautious mood.

Crude oil prices spiked amid heightened US-Iranian uncertainty. Gold prices also edged upwards as investors looked to safe-haven assets. Energy stocks also gained, with ExxonMobil (XOM +0.19%) and Chevron (CVX +0.56%) both in the green.

Tech concentration concerns persist, as the Nasdaq remains dominated by a narrow group of leaders. Megatech stocks saw mixed trading, with Nvidia (NVDA 0.04%) pulling back slightly after yesterday’s gains. Software stocks, such as Salesforce (CRM 1.30%) and ServiceNow (NOW 0.48%) continued to falter on lingering AI disruption fears.

Some commentators compare today’s bull market to the situation in the late 1990s, fuelling fears of a stock market crash. For investors, it’s important to manage risk and watch upcoming data for further warning signals.

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