Macro Overview
Market performance on February 15, 2026, was characterized by a distinct “risk-on” rotation into smaller-cap and value-oriented equities, while large-cap growth faced continued pressure. The S&P 500 (IVV) remained largely flat at 0.06%, while the Small Cap Blend (IJR) surged 1.20% as investors pivoted toward cyclicals. International markets showed significant strength, particularly in Developed ex-U.S. (EFA), which rose 1.59%, fueled by a massive rally in South Korea. Fixed Income saw a broad relief rally with the Taxable Core (AGG) gaining 0.32% as yields softened, while Commodities (DJP) edged higher supported by a significant move in precious metals.
U.S. Size & Style
The daily narrative was dominated by a clear size premium, as smaller companies significantly outperformed their large-cap counterparts. Small Cap Growth (IJT) led the style boxes with a 1.28% gain, while Large Growth (IVW) was the sole detractor, falling 0.40%. This divergent action has left Large Growth with a weak RSI of 38.23, contrasting sharply with the relative strength of Mid Cap (IJH), which maintains a healthy RSI of 60.92 and remains within 1% of its 52-week high.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Growth (IJT) | 1.28% | 2.83% | 11.08% | 8.03% | 10.21% |
| Small Cap (IJR) | 1.20% | 3.50% | 12.49% | 8.96% | 13.45% |
| Small Value (IJS) | 1.15% | 4.20% | 13.95% | 9.82% | 16.57% |
| Mid Growth (IJK) | 1.09% | 1.92% | 10.60% | 7.69% | 12.34% |
| Mid Cap (IJH) | 0.99% | 2.71% | 11.28% | 7.94% | 13.00% |
| Mid Value (IJJ) | 0.82% | 3.56% | 11.96% | 8.06% | 13.28% |
| Large Value (IVE) | 0.60% | 1.62% | 5.37% | 3.88% | 13.73% |
| Large Cap (IVV) | 0.06% | -1.74% | 1.74% | -0.03% | 13.20% |
| Large Growth (IVW) | -0.40% | -4.69% | -1.43% | -3.45% | 12.31% |
U.S. Sectors & Industries
Defensive and cyclical sectors flexed their muscles today, with Utilities (XLU) leading the pack with a robust 2.76% gain. Energy (XLE) and Materials (XLB) followed closely, both posting nearly 1% gains. This move pushed Consumer Staples (XLP) and Utilities into extreme overbought territory, with RSIs of 80.97 and 78.36, respectively. In contrast, the Financial sector (XLF) lagged, finishing down 0.08% as breadths in growth-oriented sectors like Technology (XLK) remain under pressure, with only 42% of constituents above their 50-day moving average.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities (XLU) | 2.76% | 8.52% | 5.65% | 8.92% | 20.41% |
| Real Estate (XLRE) | 1.47% | 6.28% | 7.70% | 7.81% | 6.52% |
| Health Care (XLV) | 1.07% | 0.59% | 3.66% | 1.85% | 9.59% |
| Materials (XLB) | 0.91% | 9.40% | 22.37% | 17.55% | 20.59% |
| Industrials (XLI) | 0.82% | 6.19% | 14.97% | 12.28% | 28.03% |
| Energy (XLE) | 0.69% | 15.64% | 21.15% | 21.56% | 25.22% |
| Consumer Staples (XLP) | 0.34% | 10.36% | 16.70% | 15.23% | 12.94% |
| Technology (XLK) | 0.25% | -4.72% | -2.46% | -3.06% | 17.43% |
| Consumer Discretionary (XLY) | 0.04% | -6.46% | 0.35% | -2.70% | 3.19% |
| Communication Services (XLC) | -0.05% | -1.98% | 2.70% | -2.67% | 10.79% |
| Financial (XLF) | -0.08% | -4.76% | -2.17% | -5.70% | 1.28% |
Global Thematic
Gold and Silver miners dominated thematic performance today as precious metals caught a massive bid. Gold Miners (GDX) surged 5.76%, while Silver Miners (SIL) jumped 5.15%. On the downside, the Sports Betting segment (BETZ) was the day’s biggest laggard, shedding 2.32%. Despite today’s gains in Disruptive Tech themes like Cybersecurity (HACK), larger growth laggards like the Magnificent Seven (MAGS) remain under pressure, falling 0.94%.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change |
|---|---|
| Daily Leaders | |
| First Trust SkyBridge Crypto (CRPT) | 7.63% |
| Sprott Gold Miners (SGDM) | 6.53% |
| Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners (GBUG) | 6.26% |
| VanEck Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) | 5.81% |
| VanEck Gold Miners (GDX) | 5.76% |
| Daily Laggards | |
| Roundhill Sports Betting (BETZ) | -2.32% |
| Putnam BDC Income (PBDC) | -1.98% |
| VanEck BDC Income (BIZD) | -1.40% |
| VanEck Video Gaming and eSports (ESPO) | -1.36% |
| ALPS Medical Breakthroughs (SBIO) | -1.13% |
Developed ex-U.S. & Emerging Markets
The international landscape was highlighted by an extraordinary rally in South Korea (EWY), which soared 7.43% today, pushing its RSI to 75.66. Japan (EWJ) also showed significant technical strength, gaining 4.98% and trading at its 52-week high. Emerging Markets (EEM) posted a more modest 0.43% gain, as weakness in China (MCHI), down 0.38%, offset strong performance in Mexico (EWW) and South Africa (EZA).
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developed Markets | |||||
| South Korea (EWY) | 7.43% | 24.58% | 45.66% | 37.80% | 143.16% |
| Japan (EWJ) | 4.98% | 11.13% | 17.34% | 16.24% | 41.77% |
| Australia (EWA) | 3.29% | 10.41% | 14.34% | 11.34% | 17.35% |
| Canada (EWC) | 1.65% | 1.90% | 11.91% | 4.15% | 34.18% |
| Developed ex-U.S. (EFA) | 1.59% | 5.46% | 11.10% | 8.55% | 31.98% |
| Switzerland (EWL) | 1.11% | 6.02% | 10.27% | 6.39% | 26.47% |
| Germany (EWG) | 1.01% | 0.92% | 6.59% | 3.46% | 22.76% |
| U.K. (EWU) | 0.75% | 5.05% | 11.91% | 7.44% | 34.11% |
| France (EWQ) | 0.65% | 1.61% | 4.21% | 3.80% | 20.36% |
| Netherlands (EWN) | 0.20% | 1.43% | 9.22% | 8.10% | 33.06% |
| Hong Kong (EWH) | -2.03% | 3.35% | 4.42% | 8.94% | 45.04% |
| Emerging Markets | |||||
| South Africa (EZA) | 1.58% | 3.05% | 17.15% | 9.48% | 74.47% |
| Mexico (EWW) | 1.39% | 12.59% | 22.60% | 16.88% | 60.56% |
| Taiwan (EWT) | 0.68% | 10.51% | 19.42% | 14.99% | 44.54% |
| Thailand (THD) | 0.43% | 19.90% | 20.59% | 17.81% | 27.66% |
| Emerging (EEM) | 0.43% | 6.28% | 12.87% | 11.72% | 42.03% |
| Malaysia (EWM) | 0.03% | 5.95% | 13.93% | 8.63% | 26.68% |
| China (MCHI) | -0.38% | -4.99% | -5.22% | 0.47% | 18.97% |
| India (INDA) | -0.41% | -0.28% | -2.42% | -2.15% | 4.96% |
| Indonesia (EIDO) | -0.67% | -6.62% | -1.85% | -4.97% | 4.69% |
| Brazil (EWZ) | -1.12% | 16.64% | 19.55% | 19.80% | 57.68% |
Fixed Income
Fixed income markets saw a broad rally today as credit and duration sensitive assets moved higher. Long-duration Treasuries (SPTL) led the government segment with a 0.48% gain, while Preferred Stocks (PFF) and Convertibles (CWB) significantly outperformed the broader aggregate with gains exceeding 0.60%. Credit remained resilient with High Yield (HYG) adding 0.07%, while Emerging Market Debt (EMLC) was the only notable laggard, slipping 0.08%.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multisector | |||||
| Taxable Long Term (BLV) | 0.44% | 1.98% | 1.95% | 2.64% | 7.51% |
| Taxable Core (AGG) | 0.32% | 1.12% | 1.87% | 1.44% | 7.89% |
| Taxable Core Enhanced (IUSB) | 0.30% | 1.09% | 1.87% | 1.41% | 8.03% |
| Taxable Multisector (PYLD) | 0.15% | 0.86% | 2.44% | 1.32% | 9.53% |
| Taxable Short-Term (BSV) | 0.15% | 0.67% | 1.39% | 0.71% | 6.33% |
| Government | |||||
| Government Long (SPTL) | 0.48% | 2.31% | 1.64% | 2.89% | 6.57% |
| Government Intermediate (SPTI) | 0.28% | 1.06% | 1.52% | 1.09% | 7.95% |
| Government Short (SPTS) | 0.14% | 0.62% | 1.27% | 0.59% | 5.40% |
| Inflation Protected (TIP) | 0.13% | 1.01% | 1.07% | 1.35% | 6.35% |
| Taxable Ultrashort (BIL) | 0.04% | 0.32% | 0.96% | 0.44% | 4.10% |
| Specialty | |||||
| Preferred Stock (PFF) | 0.67% | 0.71% | 4.15% | 2.93% | 6.47% |
| Convertible (CWB) | 0.64% | 1.35% | 6.62% | 6.05% | 18.69% |
| Mortgage Backed (MBS) | 0.43% | 1.25% | 2.55% | 1.75% | 9.41% |
| Corporate (SPIB) | 0.21% | 0.86% | 1.87% | 1.04% | 8.21% |
| Bank Loans (BKLN) | 0.10% | -1.49% | 0.08% | -1.21% | 5.07% |
| Taxable High Yield (HYG) | 0.07% | 0.26% | 2.26% | 0.77% | 7.54% |
| International & EM | |||||
| Emerging USD (EMB) | 0.17% | 1.75% | 2.69% | 1.62% | 13.02% |
| International (IGOV) | 0.14% | 3.37% | 2.98% | 3.07% | 11.32% |
| International USD (BNDX) | 0.02% | 0.79% | 0.85% | 1.25% | 3.45% |
| Emerging (EMLC) | -0.08% | 2.51% | 4.91% | 3.03% | 18.50% |
| Municipals | |||||
| Municipal Intermediate (MUB) | 0.16% | 0.88% | 1.80% | 1.34% | 4.91% |
| Municipal Long (MLN) | 0.14% | 0.93% | 1.11% | 1.04% | 3.26% |
| Municipal High Yield (HYD) | 0.08% | 0.27% | 1.87% | 0.60% | 3.17% |
| Municipal Short (SUB) | 0.04% | 0.45% | 1.46% | 0.86% | 3.99% |
Commodities
Precious metals were the clear standout in the commodity space today, as Palladium jumped 4.40% and Silver (SLV) gained 2.94%. This strength offset broad-based weakness in Energy (DBE), which fell 0.26% on the back of lower gasoline prices. Agricultural commodities (DBA) also faced headwinds, dropping 0.39% as Wheat (WEAT) led laggards with a 1.69% decline.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Commodities (DJP) | 0.12% | 3.06% | 8.76% | 8.24% | 16.35% |
| Agriculture | |||||
| Corn (CORN) | 0.17% | 3.82% | -3.39% | -0.45% | -12.71% |
| Soybeans (SOYB) | -0.09% | 7.97% | -1.14% | 7.23% | 6.84% |
| Sugar (CANE) | -0.11% | -6.81% | -2.59% | -7.43% | -24.94% |
| Agriculture (DBA) | -0.39% | 0.86% | 1.81% | 1.06% | -5.23% |
| Wheat (WEAT) | -1.69% | 4.30% | -2.19% | 5.06% | -17.73% |
| Energy | |||||
| Brent Crude Oil (BNO) | 0.03% | 4.76% | 10.81% | 12.61% | 3.47% |
| Natural Gas (UNG) | 0.08% | 9.89% | -16.00% | 1.47% | -35.04% |
| WTI Crude Oil (USO) | -0.21% | 3.73% | 9.12% | 10.21% | -0.22% |
| Energy (DBE) | -0.26% | 4.45% | 3.88% | 9.42% | 2.82% |
| Gasoline (UGA) | -0.59% | 3.01% | 0.01% | 9.69% | 3.52% |
| Industrial Metals | |||||
| Copper (CPER) | 0.14% | -3.61% | 13.76% | 1.72% | 17.90% |
| Industrial Metals (DBB) | -0.04% | -2.32% | 11.87% | 2.79% | 26.01% |
| Precious Metals | |||||
| Palladium (PALL) | 4.40% | -7.74% | 18.04% | 5.56% | 68.24% |
| Platinum (PPLT) | 3.00% | -11.66% | 30.21% | 0.30% | 104.35% |
| Silver (SLV) | 2.94% | -11.30% | 47.03% | 8.23% | 136.66% |
| Gold (GLD) | 2.49% | 9.72% | 20.83% | 16.73% | 71.14% |
| Precious Metals (DBP) | 2.49% | 3.64% | 24.78% | 13.81% | 77.10% |
Cryptocurrency
Digital assets experienced a significant bounce today following a period of sustained weakness. Solana (SOLZ) was the standout performer, surging over 10% after being deeply oversold. Ethereum (ETHA) and Bitcoin (IBIT) also reclaimed key levels with gains of 6.78% and 5.18%, respectively. Despite today’s relief, the asset class remains down significantly on a 1-month and 3-month basis, with technicals still suggesting a cautionary stance for long-term momentum.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XRP (XRP) | 4.69% | -33.78% | — | -22.81% | — |
| Bitcoin (IBIT) | 5.18% | -27.25% | -29.90% | -21.51% | -28.81% |
| Multi-Coin (NCIQ) | 5.44% | -29.30% | -31.78% | -23.10% | — |
| Ethereum (ETHA) | 6.78% | -36.25% | -35.51% | -31.16% | -23.15% |
| Solana (SOLZ) | 10.34% | -41.37% | -41.13% | -32.03% | — |
What to Watch Today
Market participants are closely monitoring the release of upcoming manufacturing and labor market data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s path for the remainder of the year. The current rotation out of mega-cap technology into cyclical and smaller-cap segments suggests a potential shift in economic expectations toward a broader-based expansion. Additionally, geopolitical developments in Asia remain a key focus given the explosive daily moves in South Korean and Japanese equities, as investors gauge the sustainability of recent policy-driven rallies.
