Morning Chatter

KBVS MORNING CHATTER
Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Headline News :
•    BRMS – Clarifies sealed illegal mining site is non-operational
•    ACES – Further expansion in 2026
•    MAPA – Adding a new brand, while strengthening the existing ones
•    PRDA - Strengthening digital ecosystem with new Health Shop marketplace
•    DSSA – To conduct a 1:25 stock split

Market Commentary :
U.S. stocks managed to eke out slight gains on Tuesday (Dow +0.07%, S&P +0.1%, Nasdaq +0.14%), as technology shares rebounded from earlier lows and financial stocks also provided support. In rates and FX, the U.S. 10 year Treasury yield gains +1.9 bps (+0.47%) to 4.06%, while the USD Index was at 97.13 (+0.22%).
Commodities were weaker: Coal +0.79% to USD121.1/ton as markets monitored production curtailment policies and global supply dynamics; CPO -0.79% to MYR4,014/ton amid potential demand weakness from China; Brent oil -2.89% to USD67.59/bbl eased, on hopes tensions between the United States and Iran were easing after Iran's foreign minister said the countries had reached an understanding on the main "guiding principles" of their nuclear talks.; Gold -2.24% to USD4,880/oz as as signs of progress in U.S.-Iran talks dampened safe-haven demand, while a stronger dollar added to the selling pressure. 
Asian markets lowered on Tuesday (Nikkei -0.42% Hang Seng closed, Shanghai closed), with thin volumes ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Investor focus shifted to Geneva, where US–Iran nuclear talks are set to formally begin. The JCI were also lowered by -0.64% to 8,212 . 
Asian markets opened stronger on Wednesday (Kospi closed, Nikkei +1.01%). We expect the JCI to close firmer today as US–Iran nuclear talks formally kick off, easing near term geopolitical risk. Key data to watch: Feb 18 Japan Balance of Trade and US Durable Goods Orders, followed by heavier catalysts on Feb 19 with the FOMC Minutes and Bank Indonesia rate decision.

Regards,
KBVS Research Team
 

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