Weekly Market Commentary – February 23, 2026

The trading week saw major U.S. stock indexes navigate volatility with a modestly positive finish, as the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posted weekly gains following a Supreme Court decision that struck down expansive tariff policies, bolstering sentiment despite ongoing geopolitical and policy uncertainties. The Nasdaq led with notable strength, while tech stocks rallied mid-week on AI optimism before broader market caution resurfaced.

Across asset classes, investors responded to mixed economic signals and heightened geopolitical risks by rotating into defensive positions; commodities like oil showed strength, Treasury yields remained steady, and safe-haven assets maintained interest amid trade tension headlines and incoming macro data. Global markets were mixed, underscoring continued sensitivity to policy developments and economic indicators as traders look ahead to key earnings and inflation reports.