Markets Face Geopolitics Amid Nvidia-Led Optimism

U.S. markets open cautiously on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as premarket futures for the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow trade down roughly 0.33%, 0.36% and 0.36% respectively while Nvidia's partnership with Meta and Walmart's quarterly report influence sentiment. Rising Middle East tensions push WTI above $66 and initial jobless claims fell to 206,000, factors that could affect Fed policy and market direction.