Stock Futures Flat After Market Gains, Boosted by Tech

Investors await key economic data, including Friday's PCE inflation report

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Stock futures traded near the flatline on Wednesday night after the major averages posted gains in the regular session, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all closing higher. The market was buoyed by strength in technology stocks, including Nvidia and Amazon, as well as gains in financials and energy names. Investors are now looking ahead to key economic data releases, including weekly jobless claims on Thursday and the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index on Friday, a key inflation gauge watched by the Federal Reserve.

Why it matters

The performance of the stock market, particularly the tech sector, is closely watched as an indicator of broader economic conditions. Investors are closely monitoring inflation data and the Federal Reserve's policy decisions, which have significant implications for the direction of the market.

The details

In the regular trading session, the S&P 500 closed higher by nearly 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.8% and the Dow gained 129 points, or about 0.3%. The gains were driven by the "Magnificent Seven" technology stocks, as well as strength in financials and energy names. Nvidia added 1.6%, and Amazon rose 1.8%. However, some analysts caution that the tech sector's regaining of sustainable leadership remains doubtful as the macroeconomic environment continues to favor cyclical stocks.

  • Stock futures traded near the flatline on Wednesday night.
  • The regular trading session took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Nvidia

An American multinational technology company that designs graphics processing units (GPUs) for the gaming and professional markets, as well as system on a chip units for the mobile computing and automotive market.

Amazon

An American multinational technology company that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Edward Jones

A financial services firm that provides various investment products and services to individual investors and businesses.

Angelo Kourkafas

The senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“A rebound in mega‑cap stocks, along with a pause in the rotation and broadening theme that has defined market performance this year, would not be surprising in the weeks ahead.”

— Angelo Kourkafas, Senior Global Investment Strategist

“Selling has been broad and indiscriminate, and in some cases, valuations may already reflect a substantial degree of disruption risk relative to current fundamentals.”

— Angelo Kourkafas, Senior Global Investment Strategist

“Iran did not address core U.S. demands in nuclear talks this week. He said that President Donald Trump maintains the right to use military force if diplomatic efforts do not stop Iran's nuclear program.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (CNBC)

What’s next

Investors will be watching for weekly jobless claims data due on Thursday, as well as the pending home sales report. The major event this week will be Friday's release of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, a key inflation gauge for the Federal Reserve.

The takeaway

The performance of the stock market, particularly the technology sector, remains a closely watched indicator of broader economic conditions. Investors are closely monitoring inflation data and the Federal Reserve's policy decisions, which have significant implications for the direction of the market in the weeks and months ahead.