· Sangyong · Market Analysis · 4 min read
Daily Market Report - February 17, 2026
Comprehensive analysis of Korean and US markets, including Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and the Magnificent 7 tech stocks.
Korean & US Markets - February 17, 2026
Executive Summary
Markets ended mixed on Tuesday as technology stocks showed divergent performance. US indices posted modest gains with the S&P 500 (+0.10%) and Nasdaq (+0.17%) edging higher, while Korean markets saw stronger momentum with KOSPI (+0.28%) and KOSDAQ (+1.77%).
Key Highlights:
- Apple surged 3.12% leading tech gains, while Nvidia declined 2.24% amid sector rotation
- Korean semiconductors mixed: Samsung Electronics up 1.46%, SK Hynix down 0.90%
- Korean won weakened to ₩1,444.41/USD, reflecting continued currency pressure
- Bond yields stable: US 10Y near 3.83%, 30Y at 4.69%
📊 Market Indices
US Markets
| Index | Level | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 6,843.22 | +7.05 | +0.10% |
| Dow Jones | 49,533.19 | +32.26 | +0.07% |
| Nasdaq | 22,585.26 | +38.59 | +0.17% |
Korean Markets
| Index | Level | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 5,507.01 | +15.26 | +0.28% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,106.08 | +19.91 | +1.77% |
Market Commentary:
- US indices showed resilience with modest gains across the board
- Technology sector leadership mixed, with mega-cap performance diverging
- Korean markets outperformed on strong KOSDAQ momentum, indicating risk appetite in growth stocks
🇰🇷 Korean Stock Performance
Major Korean Equities
| Company | Code | Price (₩) | Change | % Change | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics | 005930 | 181,200 | +2,600 | +1.46% | Flat/Mixed |
| SK Hynix | 000660 | 880,000 | -8,000 | -0.90% | Down |
| Hyundai Motor | 005380 | 499,000 | -7,000 | -1.38% | Down |
Analysis:
- Samsung Electronics showed strength, gaining 1.46% despite mixed semiconductor trends globally
- SK Hynix pulled back 0.90% after recent gains, likely profit-taking after strong performance
- Hyundai Motor declined 1.38% on auto sector weakness, potentially affected by global demand concerns
- Sector divergence: Technology showed mixed signals while automotive faced headwinds
🇺🇸 US Magnificent 7 Performance
Tech Giants Tracker
| Company | Symbol | Price ($) | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | AAPL | 263.75 | +7.97 | +3.12% |
| Amazon | AMZN | 201.09 | +2.30 | +1.38% |
| Nvidia | NVDA | 182.78 | -4.19 | -2.24% |
| Microsoft | MSFT | N/A | N/A | -1.15% |
| Meta | META | N/A | N/A | +0.00% |
| Alphabet | GOOGL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tesla | TSLA | N/A | N/A | -1.67% |
Top Performers:
- Apple (AAPL) +3.12% - Strong momentum on product cycle optimism
- Amazon (AMZN) +1.38% - E-commerce and cloud strength
Underperformers:
- Nvidia (NVDA) -2.24% - Profit-taking after extended rally
- Tesla (TSLA) -1.67% - Continued pressure amid competitive concerns
- Microsoft (MSFT) -1.15% - Modest weakness in broader tech rotation
Analysis: The Magnificent 7 showed significant divergence today, with Apple leading gains while Nvidia and Tesla faced selling pressure. This suggests selective buying rather than broad tech enthusiasm, potentially indicating a shift toward quality and profitability over pure growth momentum.
💱 Currency Markets
KRW/USD Exchange Rate
| Pair | Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| USD/KRW | 1,444.41 | Won weakening |
| KRW/USD | 0.000692 |
Analysis:
- The Korean won weakened to ₩1,444.41 per dollar, continuing its recent trend
- Currency pressure reflects capital outflow concerns and dollar strength
- Impact on exporters: Mixed - helps competitiveness but raises import costs
- Watch levels: Support at 1,450; resistance at 1,400
📈 Bond Yields & Fixed Income
US Treasury Yields
| Maturity | Yield | Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Year | 3.45% | -2 bps | Declining |
| 5-Year | 3.63% | -3 bps | Declining |
| 10-Year | ~3.83% | -3 bps | Stable |
| 30-Year | 4.69% | +73 bps | Rising |
Fixed Income Analysis:
- Yield curve remains inverted between 2Y and 10Y, a traditional recession indicator
- Long-end steepening: 30-year yields rose significantly, suggesting inflation concerns persist
- Short-term rates stable near 3.45-3.68%, reflecting Fed policy expectations
- Investment implications: Duration risk elevated at long end; consider laddered strategies
🎯 Market Outlook & Key Themes
Near-Term Catalysts
Federal Reserve Policy Path
- Markets pricing in rate stability through Q1 2026
- Focus shifting to potential cuts in H2 2026
- Inflation data remains critical
Technology Sector Divergence
- AI beneficiaries (NVDA, MSFT) facing consolidation
- Traditional tech (AAPL) showing renewed strength
- Rotation suggesting maturation of AI trade
Korean Market Dynamics
- KOSDAQ outperformance indicates risk-on sentiment domestically
- Currency weakness a double-edged sword for exporters
- Semiconductor cycle positioning remains key
Global Macro Environment
- Dollar strength pressuring emerging market currencies
- Bond market signaling economic uncertainty
- Equity resilience despite macro headwinds
Risk Factors to Monitor
- ⚠️ Inverted yield curve: Historical recession predictor
- ⚠️ Tech valuation concerns: Concentration risk in mega-caps
- ⚠️ Currency volatility: Won weakness could accelerate
- ⚠️ Geopolitical tensions: Trade policy uncertainty
- ⚠️ Economic data: Watch employment and inflation prints
📌 Investment Considerations
Opportunities
- Selective tech exposure: Focus on profitable, cash-generative names (AAPL, AMZN)
- Korean small-caps: KOSDAQ momentum suggests domestic growth optimism
- Quality bias: Favor balance sheet strength over pure growth
- Currency hedging: Consider KRW exposure management for Korean equity investors
Cautions
- High-beta tech: Nvidia and Tesla showing signs of fatigue
- Duration risk: Long-dated bonds vulnerable to inflation surprise
- Concentration: Over-reliance on Magnificent 7 for index performance
- Macro uncertainty: Inverted curve demands defensive positioning
📅 Looking Ahead
This Week:
- Monitor US economic data releases (jobless claims, PMI data)
- Watch for Fed speaker commentary on policy outlook
- Korean semiconductor earnings season begins
Next Week:
- February NFP report (critical for Fed policy path)
- Additional corporate earnings from tech sector
- Central bank meetings in Asia-Pacific
🔍 Bottom Line
Markets displayed cautious optimism with modest gains in major indices, but beneath the surface, significant rotation is underway. The divergence within the Magnificent 7, Korean market outperformance, and bond market signals all point to a transition phase in market leadership.
Key Takeaway: Investors should focus on quality, profitability, and selective positioning rather than chasing momentum. The inverted yield curve and currency pressures warrant defensive preparation even as equities show resilience.
Report Generated: February 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM EST
Data Sources: Yahoo Finance, Naver Finance, XE.com, MarketWatch
For questions or detailed analysis, contact: kabe502@gmail.com