Markets no longer view the December rate cut as a sure bet, with Fed officials casting doubts

Key Points

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell wasn’t kidding a couple weeks ago when he said a December rate cut wasn’t in the bag.
Whereas traders as recently as a few days ago were pricing in at least a 2-to-1 probability of a quarter percentage point cut, that’s now flipped to a coin toss.
As markets grew much less confident about a December cut, stocks slumped Thursday while Treasury yields moved higher.

Source

Finance

Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Palo Alto Networks, Toll Brothers, Caesars Entertainment & more

February 17, 2026

Check out the companies making headlines in after-hours trading. Palo Alto Networks — Shares of the cybersecurity company tumbled almost 6% after Palo Alto issued a weak earnings forecast for the current quarter. The company sees adjusted earnings for the fiscal third quarter ranging from 78 cents to 80 cents per share, while the LSEG […]

Finance

Berkshire Hathaway trims Apple stake, buys NYTimes stock in Buffett’s last moves as CEO

February 17, 2026

Key Points The Omaha-based conglomerate disclosed that it pared its position in the iPhone maker by 4.3% to $61.96 billion, per data from InsiderScore. Even with the cut, Apple remains by far Berkshire’s largest equity holding. Source

Finance

Stocks making the biggest moves midday: General Mills, Southwest, Genuine Parts, Norwegian Cruise Line & more

February 17, 2026

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading. General Mills — Shares tumbled 7% after the Lucky Charms and Progresso parent lowered its 2026 outlook. General Mills said organic net sales would slide between 1.5% and 2%, while operating profit and adjusted earnings per share would tumble between 16% and 20%. Southwest Airlines — […]