Stocks Gain as Tech Holds Up; Bonds Steady | The Close 2/17/2026

Group 1 - The discussion centers around the impact of AI on productivity and the economy, with uncertainty about the long-term effects [4][16][19] - Recent productivity growth has been noted, with a current annual percentage rate of 2.7%, but the exact contribution of AI remains unclear [2][6] - There is a distinction between one-time productivity adjustments and sustainable growth driven by technology, with the latter being essential for long-term economic improvement [5][6] Group 2 - The potential for AI to drive productivity gains without causing inflation is acknowledged, but inflation remains above target levels [8][9] - The Federal Reserve is grappling with the implications of AI on job growth and inflation, indicating a complex relationship between productivity and labor market dynamics [17][18] - The conversation reflects historical parallels to the 1990s, where productivity gains were linked to economic growth, but the current context is different [7][12] Group 3 - The construction of data centers and their impact on labor and material costs is a topic of investigation, highlighting the broader economic implications of AI investments [10][11] - The productivity gains observed may be altering the cost structures of firms, affecting profit margins and pricing power [11][19] - The ongoing transformation in the economy is compared to past technological advancements, suggesting a potential shift in economic paradigms [19][20]