Key Events Around the Globe: Feb 18

New York Manufacturing Index Edges Down But Remains Positive In February

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a report on Tuesday showing a modest increase in regional manufacturing activity in the month of February. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index edged down to 7.1 in February from 7.7 in January, but a positive reading still indicates growth. Economists had expected the index to dip to 6.0. The slight decrease by the heading index partly reflected a downturn by shipments, as the shipments index plunged to a negative 1.0 in February from a positive 16.3 in January.

Japan Exports Surge in Jan, Trade Balance Shrinks Less Than Expected

Japan clocked a smaller-than-expected trade deficit in January, aided by an outsized jump in exports as strong demand in Asia helped offset a drop in shipments to the United States. Japan clocked a trade deficit of 1.15 trillion yen ($7.5 billion), smaller than expectations for a deficit of 2.14 trillion yen, government customs data showed on Wednesday. Exports surged 16.8% year on-year, much higher than expectations for a 12% increase.

Fed’s Daly Says Businesses ’Cautiously Optimistic’

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly on Tuesday said that what had been widespread uncertainty last year about the strength of demand has given way to cautious optimism among thebusiness leaders she talks with.

“It’s somewhat of a surprise to many of them, given that consumers have drained down their savings,” especially among those with lower incomes, Daly told reporters after an event at San Jose State University. “But right now it’s good…it’s a buyers’ market in the labor market.”

Daly said that businesses are still uncertain about how long consumer demand will stay strong, and are therefore cautious about hiring, especially with artificial intelligence potentially changing the kinds of workers they may need to have on staff.

Source: HSL Prime Daily, 18 Feb 2026