Major Averages Rise Following Fed Meeting Minutes
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 18 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MSFT?
The major averages finished broadly higher following the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting, with earlier gains supported by optimism around corporate earnings, particularly in technology and select cyclical segments.According to the Fed minutes, several participants indicated that they would have "supported a two-sided description of the Committee's future interest rate decisions," reflecting the possibility of "upward adjustments" in the federal funds rate. Additionally, Fed members said that cutting rates further could be "misinterpreted" as implying diminished policymaker commitment to the 2% inflation objective.Looking to commodities, gold was sharply higher, rebounding from yesterday's losses as the "safe haven" asset continues to have a tumultuous year. Oil was also sharply higher as well.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Berkshire Hathawayin New York Timesand cut its stake in AmazonPalo Alto Networksreportedand cut its FY26 earnings outlookModernasaid the FDA willof its seasonal influenza vaccine submissionMSG Sportsisthat would separate its New York Knicks business from its New York Rangers businessmeeting show that participants see the possibility of a rate increase2. WALL STREET CALLS:Palantirto Outperform from Neutral at MizuhoBioAge Labsto Buy from Hold at JefferiesWorkdayto Market Perform at CitizensGenuine Partsto Hold from Buy at TruistWilliams TradingCrocsto Sell on eroding U.S. demand3. AROUND THE WEB:Microsoftpresident Brad Smith told CNBC that U.S. tech firms should "worry a little bit" about the subsidies their Chinese competitors receive from their government in the AI raceActivist investor Starboard Value is asking Riot Platformsto speed up its transition from Bitcoin miner to a data center company that could house hyperscaler tenants, Bloomberg saysJPMorgan Chaseintends to open over 160 branches in 30 states in 2026 as the company further invests in its brick-and-mortar network, FT reportsMicrosoftis on pace to invest $50B by the end of the decade to help AI expand to countries across the 'Global South,' specifically emerging or lower-income countries in the southern hemisphere, Reuters saysAT&Tis being sued by NYC pension funds for blocking a shareholder vote on workforce diversity disclosures, Reuters says4. MOVERS:Sabreincreases afterand naming Shawn Williams as Chief Commercial OfficerImmunitygains after the European Commissionfor AnktivaMister Car Washand Caesarshigher afterAxcelisfalls afterand providing guidance for Q1HF Sinclairlower afterand announcing the departure of CEO Tim Go5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Insuletand provided guidance for FY26LCI Industries, with CEO Jason Lippert commenting, "We delivered a very strong 2025"Clean Harbors, with EPS and revenue beating consensusWingstopand provided guidance for FY26, with CEO Michael Skipworth commenting, "Our team continues to demonstrate operational excellence as we opened 493 net new restaurants and expanded into six new international markets"JLL, with EPS and revenue beating consensusINDEXES:The Dow rose 129.47, or 0.26%, to 49,662.66, the Nasdaq gained 175.25, or 0.78%, to 22,753.64, and the S&P 500 advanced 38.09, or 0.56%, to 6,881.31.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MSFT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MSFT
Wall Street analysts forecast MSFT stock price to rise
34 Analyst Rating
32 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 409.410
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
Current: 409.410
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
About MSFT
Microsoft Corporation is a technology company that develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions. Its Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in its portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services, spanning a variety of devices and platforms. It comprises Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services; Microsoft 365 Consumer products and cloud services; LinkedIn, and Dynamics products and cloud services. The Intelligent Cloud segment consists of its public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services. It comprises server products and cloud services, including Azure, and enterprise and partner services, including Enterprise Support Services. Its More Personal Computing segment primarily comprises Windows and Devices, including Windows OEM licensing; Gaming, including Xbox hardware and Xbox content; Search and news advertising, comprising Bing and Copilot, Microsoft News, and Microsoft Edge.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Microsoft Raises Office Suite Prices Amid AI Integration
- Price Increase: Microsoft is raising the monthly fee for its enterprise Microsoft 365 E7 to $99, a 65% increase from the $60 E5 subscription, aiming to attract more enterprise users to its Copilot AI add-on, thereby boosting overall revenue.
- New Product Bundle: The E7 suite includes $30 for Copilot, $12 for Entra identity tools, and $15 for Agent 365, providing a comprehensive AI management solution that enhances companies' competitiveness in digital transformation.
- Increased Market Adoption: Microsoft’s commercial CEO Judson Althoff stated that the launch of E7 is expected to drive broader adoption of Copilot, which has yet to become common among commercial productivity users, indicating a growing demand for AI tools in the market.
- Competitive Pressure: This pricing and product update comes amid investor concerns about AI models from Anthropic potentially threatening established software companies, with Microsoft’s strategic adjustments aimed at solidifying its market position and addressing competitive challenges.
See More
OpenAI Plans to Acquire Security Startup Promptfoo
- Acquisition Announcement: OpenAI has revealed plans to acquire Promptfoo, a startup focused on helping enterprises identify and rectify vulnerabilities in AI systems, indicating a strategic move into the AI security sector.
- Market Impact: Promptfoo's open-source tools have been downloaded by over 125,000 developers and are currently utilized by more than 25% of Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the widespread acceptance and significance of its products in the market.
- Technology Integration: OpenAI plans to integrate several of Promptfoo's tools into its Frontier platform, enhancing the security and reliability of AI applications, thereby improving safety testing and oversight capabilities during AI development workflows.
- Founders' Background: Promptfoo's founders, Ian Webster and Michael D'Angelo, bring extensive industry experience, with Webster previously leading large language model engineering teams at Discord and D'Angelo serving as the former VP of engineering at Smile Identity, showcasing their technical expertise and industry insights.
See More
Equinix: Growth of AI-Driven REITs
- Significant Revenue Growth: Equinix's revenue reached $9.2 billion in 2025, a 5% increase, with projections to exceed $10 billion in 2026, indicating strong demand and sustained growth potential in the data center leasing market.
- Expanding Customer Base: With 280 data centers globally, Equinix serves over 10,500 companies, including 60% of the Fortune 500, highlighting its leadership position and market penetration in the industry.
- Cloud Service Connectivity Advantage: By partnering with major cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Equinix offers customers direct connections that ensure faster, low-latency private internet access, reducing security risks and enhancing customer loyalty.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: Equinix pays a quarterly dividend of $5.16, with its yield increasing from 1.81% to 2.45%, and has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years, demonstrating strong cash flow and commitment to shareholders.
See More
Equinix's Data Center Growth Potential is Huge
- Revenue Growth Momentum: Equinix operates 280 data centers serving over 10,500 companies, including 60% of the Fortune 500, with projected revenue exceeding $10 billion in 2026, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
- Stable Dividend Yield: Despite Equinix's share price of $937, its quarterly dividend of $5.16 per share yields 2% at current prices, and the company has consistently raised its dividend for 11 years, reflecting robust financial health and commitment to shareholders.
- AI-Driven Market Opportunities: With tech giants like Amazon and Google projecting AI spending to reach $200 billion in 2026, Equinix, as a data center REIT, can capitalize on this trend by attracting more businesses to rent its facilities, thus reducing their construction costs.
- Security and Connectivity Advantages: Equinix offers customers direct connections to major cloud services through its Fabric network, ensuring data transmission over private networks, which reduces security risks and enhances customer reliance on its services.
See More
Dublin Data Center First to Use Independent Microgrid in Europe
- Microgrid Innovation: The Dublin facility, a collaboration between AVK and Pure Data Centre Group, establishes Europe's first independent microgrid data center with an estimated total investment of €1 billion, aimed at addressing power connection delays and promoting sustainable development in data centers.
- Rising Energy Demand: The European Commission estimates that by 2040, at least €1.2 trillion will be needed to meet growing energy demands, with data centers consuming 22% of Ireland's power in 2024, highlighting their pressure on the national grid.
- Policy Changes Impact: The Irish government has eased the moratorium on new data center applications, mandating that new facilities provide dispatchable power or energy storage capacity, which promotes the adoption of microgrids and reflects a reassessment of the AI industry's potential.
- Market Growth Potential: The global microgrid market is projected to reach $29 billion by 2025, with Europe's market expected to grow nearly 10% annually, providing new investment opportunities for companies like AVK and driving technological advancements in the data center sector.
See More
Top AI Investment Opportunities: Microsoft, Nvidia, and Broadcom
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: Microsoft reported a 17% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal Q2 2026, with expectations of 16% and 15% growth in Q3 and Q4 respectively, indicating a solid business foundation despite its stock trading at historical lows, making it an attractive buy opportunity.
- Nvidia's Attractive Valuation: As a leading supplier in the AI buildout, Nvidia anticipates a 77% revenue growth in Q1, with a forward P/E ratio of 22, lower than many large tech peers, highlighting its investment potential as the AI market continues to expand.
- Broadcom's Strong Chip Demand: Broadcom's AI semiconductor revenue surged by 106% year-over-year in fiscal Q1 2026, and while its forward P/E is 32, its ASIC chips designed for AI workloads offer competitive cost efficiency, drawing investor interest.
- Market Trends and Investment Timing: With the rapid advancement of AI technology, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Broadcom are well-positioned, and investors should capitalize on this market trend, especially given the current relatively low stock prices that could yield significant long-term returns.
See More
Microsoft Raises Office Suite Prices Amid AI Integration
- Price Increase: Microsoft is raising the monthly fee for its enterprise Microsoft 365 E7 to $99, a 65% increase from the $60 E5 subscription, aiming to attract more enterprise users to its Copilot AI add-on, thereby boosting overall revenue.
- New Product Bundle: The E7 suite includes $30 for Copilot, $12 for Entra identity tools, and $15 for Agent 365, providing a comprehensive AI management solution that enhances companies' competitiveness in digital transformation.
- Increased Market Adoption: Microsoft’s commercial CEO Judson Althoff stated that the launch of E7 is expected to drive broader adoption of Copilot, which has yet to become common among commercial productivity users, indicating a growing demand for AI tools in the market.
- Competitive Pressure: This pricing and product update comes amid investor concerns about AI models from Anthropic potentially threatening established software companies, with Microsoft’s strategic adjustments aimed at solidifying its market position and addressing competitive challenges.
See More
OpenAI Plans to Acquire Security Startup Promptfoo
- Acquisition Announcement: OpenAI has revealed plans to acquire Promptfoo, a startup focused on helping enterprises identify and rectify vulnerabilities in AI systems, indicating a strategic move into the AI security sector.
- Market Impact: Promptfoo's open-source tools have been downloaded by over 125,000 developers and are currently utilized by more than 25% of Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the widespread acceptance and significance of its products in the market.
- Technology Integration: OpenAI plans to integrate several of Promptfoo's tools into its Frontier platform, enhancing the security and reliability of AI applications, thereby improving safety testing and oversight capabilities during AI development workflows.
- Founders' Background: Promptfoo's founders, Ian Webster and Michael D'Angelo, bring extensive industry experience, with Webster previously leading large language model engineering teams at Discord and D'Angelo serving as the former VP of engineering at Smile Identity, showcasing their technical expertise and industry insights.
See More
Equinix: Growth of AI-Driven REITs
- Significant Revenue Growth: Equinix's revenue reached $9.2 billion in 2025, a 5% increase, with projections to exceed $10 billion in 2026, indicating strong demand and sustained growth potential in the data center leasing market.
- Expanding Customer Base: With 280 data centers globally, Equinix serves over 10,500 companies, including 60% of the Fortune 500, highlighting its leadership position and market penetration in the industry.
- Cloud Service Connectivity Advantage: By partnering with major cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Equinix offers customers direct connections that ensure faster, low-latency private internet access, reducing security risks and enhancing customer loyalty.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: Equinix pays a quarterly dividend of $5.16, with its yield increasing from 1.81% to 2.45%, and has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years, demonstrating strong cash flow and commitment to shareholders.
See More
Equinix's Data Center Growth Potential is Huge
- Revenue Growth Momentum: Equinix operates 280 data centers serving over 10,500 companies, including 60% of the Fortune 500, with projected revenue exceeding $10 billion in 2026, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
- Stable Dividend Yield: Despite Equinix's share price of $937, its quarterly dividend of $5.16 per share yields 2% at current prices, and the company has consistently raised its dividend for 11 years, reflecting robust financial health and commitment to shareholders.
- AI-Driven Market Opportunities: With tech giants like Amazon and Google projecting AI spending to reach $200 billion in 2026, Equinix, as a data center REIT, can capitalize on this trend by attracting more businesses to rent its facilities, thus reducing their construction costs.
- Security and Connectivity Advantages: Equinix offers customers direct connections to major cloud services through its Fabric network, ensuring data transmission over private networks, which reduces security risks and enhances customer reliance on its services.
See More
Dublin Data Center First to Use Independent Microgrid in Europe
- Microgrid Innovation: The Dublin facility, a collaboration between AVK and Pure Data Centre Group, establishes Europe's first independent microgrid data center with an estimated total investment of €1 billion, aimed at addressing power connection delays and promoting sustainable development in data centers.
- Rising Energy Demand: The European Commission estimates that by 2040, at least €1.2 trillion will be needed to meet growing energy demands, with data centers consuming 22% of Ireland's power in 2024, highlighting their pressure on the national grid.
- Policy Changes Impact: The Irish government has eased the moratorium on new data center applications, mandating that new facilities provide dispatchable power or energy storage capacity, which promotes the adoption of microgrids and reflects a reassessment of the AI industry's potential.
- Market Growth Potential: The global microgrid market is projected to reach $29 billion by 2025, with Europe's market expected to grow nearly 10% annually, providing new investment opportunities for companies like AVK and driving technological advancements in the data center sector.
See More
Top AI Investment Opportunities: Microsoft, Nvidia, and Broadcom
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: Microsoft reported a 17% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal Q2 2026, with expectations of 16% and 15% growth in Q3 and Q4 respectively, indicating a solid business foundation despite its stock trading at historical lows, making it an attractive buy opportunity.
- Nvidia's Attractive Valuation: As a leading supplier in the AI buildout, Nvidia anticipates a 77% revenue growth in Q1, with a forward P/E ratio of 22, lower than many large tech peers, highlighting its investment potential as the AI market continues to expand.
- Broadcom's Strong Chip Demand: Broadcom's AI semiconductor revenue surged by 106% year-over-year in fiscal Q1 2026, and while its forward P/E is 32, its ASIC chips designed for AI workloads offer competitive cost efficiency, drawing investor interest.
- Market Trends and Investment Timing: With the rapid advancement of AI technology, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Broadcom are well-positioned, and investors should capitalize on this market trend, especially given the current relatively low stock prices that could yield significant long-term returns.
See More
