Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
With Iran and the US signing a peace deal, where does that leave Benjamin Netanyahu? 
Today’s space race could turn fatal if we don’t agree on new rules 
Indian Government Bonds Seen Opening Steady Ahead of RBI Policy Decision 
South Korea Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Indonesia Passes New Central Bank Law, Raising Investor Concerns Over Policy Independence 
RBA Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 4.35% as Markets Watch AUD/USD and ASX 200 
ECB Keeps July Rate Options Open Amid Iran War Energy Price Risks 
New Zealand Unemployment and Inflation Debate Intensifies Ahead of 2026 Election 
Scheduled for release today, February 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) from its January 27–28, 2026, conference offera thorough understanding of the Fed's discussions. Markets expect attention on the committee's 10-2 vote to keep the federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75%, two dissents for a 25bp cut, and fears about tariff-driven inflation.
Important Expectations
Investors want information on tariff effects, labor market easing, and the timeframe for possibly lowering interest rates; CME FedWatch indicates 90% chance of no change in March. If economic strength lasts, minutes could expose opinions on a "high-rate plateau" through late 2026, affecting company plans, including debt management.
Influence Market
The release is the highlight of the month, possibly influencing USD pairs and stocks; a hawkish posture might support the dollar; a dovish attitude might encourage cut bets for June or afterwards. For more context, match it with today's housing starts and robust product data.
