ExchangeDEX+

Buy Crypto Markets Spot FuturesGOLD Earn Event Center

Asia-Pacific markets are mostly higher in thin holiday trade, with parts of the region still closed for Lunar New Year. South Korea is leading the move — the KOSPIAsia-Pacific markets are mostly higher in thin holiday trade, with parts of the region still closed for Lunar New Year. South Korea is leading the move — the KOSPI

Morning Update - Thursday, 19 February 2026

Author: Medium

Source: Medium

2026/02/19 15:26

2 min read

Asia-Pacific markets are mostly higher in thin holiday trade, with parts of the region still closed for Lunar New Year. South Korea is leading the move — the KOSPI is up about 3% and setting a fresh record high, while Japan’s Nikkei is higher by around 0.7%. Australia also joined the risk-on tone, with the ASX 200 up about 0.9% and hitting a new intraday record. 📈

🇦🇺 Australia’s labour data kept the Aussie dollar supported: employment rose by 17.8k in January, the unemployment rate held at 4.1%, and hours worked increased by 0.6%. The details suggest demand remains resilient, which keeps the RBA rate outlook firmly in focus. 💵

🇺🇸 Wall Street closed higher overnight, led by tech: the S&P 500 finished at 6,881.31 (+0.56%), the Nasdaq at 22,753.64 (+0.78%), and the Dow at 49,662.66 (+0.26%). Markets are still digesting the Fed’s latest messaging, with traders sensitive to any “higher for longer” implications. 🏛️

🛢️ Geopolitics remain the key wildcard. Oil is holding near recent highs on US-Iran tension headlines, with Brent around $70.5 and WTI around $65.4. Gold is steady near $5,000/oz as safe-haven demand stays in the background. 🟡

📅 Today’s focus (US): Trade Balance (Dec), Weekly Jobless Claims, and crude oil inventories later in the day.

Trade smart and stay tuned with NordFX! 🚀

🌏 Morning Update - Thursday, 19 February 2026 was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.