US Stocks End Week Mixed as Inflation Slows

Nasdaq Composite declines as investors grapple with AI's economic impact

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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U.S. stock markets closed with modest gains on Friday, February 13, 2026, following the release of a consumer price index (CPI) report that indicated a slightly slower-than-expected rise in inflation. However, the week overall proved to be a losing one for stocks, particularly in the technology sector, as investors continue to grapple with the potential economic impacts of artificial intelligence.

Why it matters

The slightly cooler-than-anticipated inflation data offered a degree of relief to markets, particularly as investors look ahead to the potential trajectory of Federal Reserve policy. However, concerns surrounding the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence continue to weigh on investor sentiment, contributing to upward pressure on unemployment and downward pressure on inflation.

The details

The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.10%, the S&P 500 saw a marginal increase of 0.05%, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a slight decline of 0.22%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the CPI rose 0.2% in January, translating to an annualized gain of 2.4%, slightly below expectations. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core CPI aligned with expectations, increasing 0.3% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year.

  • The U.S. stock markets closed on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the January CPI report on February 13, 2026.

The players

Phil Blancato

Chief market strategist at Osaic.

Keith Buchanan

Portfolio manager at Globalt Investments.

Kevin Warsh

The presumptive incoming Federal Reserve Chair.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The incoming Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, will face the challenge of navigating a complex economic landscape characterized by moderating inflation, technological disruption, and potential labor market imbalances.

The takeaway

The market's reaction underscores a growing awareness of the multifaceted challenges facing the global economy, with the interplay between technological innovation, monetary policy, and labor market dynamics likely to continue shaping investor sentiment and market performance in the near term.