Midday Market Rally: Strong Economic Data and Big Tech Partnerships Fuel Gains Ahead of FOMC Minutes

U.S. equity markets are showing robust momentum during midday trading this Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as investors shake off recent "AI fatigue" in favor of a renewed focus on economic resilience. A wave of better-than-expected economic reports released this morning has bolstered confidence in a "soft landing" scenario, even as the market braces for the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes later this afternoon.Major Indexes Show Broad GainsAs of midday, the major market indexes are ...