Global Markets Rise as Japan Reports Weak Growth

European and US stock markets advanced Monday following subdued Asian equities ahead of Lunar New Year and Japan's weak economic data. Markets closed in Shanghai, Seoul, and Taipei for the holiday, while Hong Kong and Singapore operated half-day sessions. With US markets closed for Presidents' Day, attention shifts to company updates later in the week. Japan's economy expanded just 0.1% in Q4 2025, rattling stocks and the yen after recent highs. This could prompt Prime Minister Takaichi to suspend food sales tax and enact a supplementary budget. Key global indices: FTSE 100 up 0.2% (10,466.39), Nikkei 225 down 0.2% (56,806.41), Dow up 0.1% (49,500.93). US inflation data showed slight cooling, potentially leading to rate cuts. The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi drew tech leaders like Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai, amid growing concerns about AI's societal and environmental risks.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/16/european-stocks-dollar-up-in-subdued-start-to-week/