Market View: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The US dollar is firm this morning as the market awaits the release of the FOMC minutes tomorrow; gold is down by 2%; EURUSD remains under pressure as the dollar strengthened; Bitcoin consolidates, still keeping an "uncertain" structure.

• Investors expect potentially hawkish wording hidden in the Fed Minutes release. In spite of the demand for the greenback, positioning remains cautious within the asset.
• Gold slightly slipped from the $5,000 elevated level. Due to the day-off at the American markets, the metal lacks a catalyst for a sharp move.
• There are no major macro releases today; thus, speculative moves are possible within EURUSD, but are unlikely to extend.
• Bitcoin shows cautious optimism. The pair trades within the $65,000–$70,000 range, showing continued consolidation. 

Today’s focus

FX snapshot

XAUUSD

Gold struggled with resistance below $5,000 but declined toward $4,860. A stronger dollar limits the upside potential by far. A slightly improved risk appetite also reduces demand for safe havens. However, in the meantime, XAUUSD rebounds, aiming at $4,950.

EURUSD

EURUSD has been declining for two consecutive days. The pair defends the 1.18300 support. A break lower could accelerate selling with 1.18100 support in focus.

BTC

Bitcoin remains uncertain with the limited investors’ reaction even to positive news. The risk appetite is not strong enough yet to drive a confident breakout.

Market sentiment

The market is in a “wait-and-see” mode this morning. Today’s ADP data could bring some impetus in, but clearer guidance from the Federal Reserve would give anticipated decisive moves.