Wall Street Stabilizes as Cooling Inflation Offsets Growing AI Skepticism

U.S. equity markets showed signs of stabilization during midday trading on Friday, February 13th, 2026, as investors weighed an encouraging inflation report against persistent anxieties regarding the sustainability of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. After a volatile week marked by sharp tech sell-offs, the major indexes are struggling for direction, reflecting a cautious "wait-and-see" approach ahead of the long holiday weekend.Midday Market Performance and MomentumAs of midday, the S&P 500 (/stock/G ...