Market View: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The US dollar is holding its ground prior to the release of the FOMC minutes; gold surged 1.2% intraday; EURUSD hasn’t found much traction, drifting in a narrow range; Bitcoin’s technical patterns suggest a potential continuation of downside.
- The greenback stayed firm this morning. Macro data and peace talks developments are in focus, keeping markets in a wait-and-see mode.
- Gold recovered after a recent slide. Despite making it up by 1.2% early morning, the price tests the $4,950 resistance. The metal is stabilizing after yesterday’s dip, but lacks clear directional conviction. XAUUSD is caught in a tug-of-war between safe-haven demand and the USD’s broad strength.
- EURUSD trades within the 1.18200–1.18500 range with neither bulls nor bears finding strong conviction ahead of the Fed insights. If FOMC Minutes weaken the USD expectations, the pair might regain momentum.
- Bitcoin’s trajectory hasn’t changed since yesterday, remaining range-bound within the $67,000–$69,000 area. The asset is still under selling pressure, and its direction will depend on the Fed news and broader risk sentiment.
Today’s focus
| US FOMC Meeting Minutes due at 23:00 MetaTrader time |
FX snapshot
XAUUSD
Gold rebounded upon the technical recovery. It is still below the $5,000 as the geopolitical headlines give no fuel for bolstering safe-haven interest. The stronger US dollar also caps the upside.
EURUSD
EURUSD hovers around the current range, staying in a holding pattern.
BTC
Since Bitcoin retreated from the recent highs around $70,000, it hasn’t tried to climb back within a few days. In the meantime, crypto risk sentiment stays weak
| Pair | Key support | Key resistance | Bias |
| XAUUSD | 4,850 | 4,950 | Consolidating |
| EURUSD | 1.18200 | 1.18500 | Consolidating |
| BTC | 66,000 | 69,000 | Consolidating |
Market sentiment
The market is digesting geopolitical developments, staying in a cautious holding pattern ahead of the Fed news. The release will offer deeper insight into the Fed’s thoughts on interest rates, inflation, and the dollar’s track. The market awaits the Fed’s clarity before taking directional moves.
