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US Stock Market Sector Analysis – Tuesday, February 17, 2026 MIXED

The US stock market experienced modest gains today, with 9 sectors finishing higher and the S&P 500 index buoyed by strong performances in the airlines and infrastructure sectors. United (UAL) soared by 4.3%, while Vertiv (VRT) reported a blowout Q4, driving its shares up 3.8%. Apple (AAPL) also made headlines, rising 3.2% as the tech giant continues to show resilience amidst a mixed earnings landscape. However, the Magnificent 7 underperformed overall, with only Apple and NVIDIA (NVDA) showing gains today.

Sector Performance (Base=100)

Today's Market Events

Key Headlines

  • Explore the top gainers and losers within the S&P500 index in today's session. ChartMill
  • IYT: The Undervalued U.S. Transportation Industry Is Poised To Rebound In 2026 SeekingAlpha
  • Vertiv (VRT) Vertiv Holdings: Blowout Q4 Keeps The Bullish View Intact SeekingAlpha
  • Outdoor camera, surveillance maker Tactacam explores sale, sources say Yahoo
  • Walmart (WMT) Walmart Hits US$1 Trillion As Tech Shift Tests Valuation Yahoo
  • 3 cybersecurity stocks that will see 'major tailwind' from AI after getting hammered by software sell-off Yahoo
  • U.S. Stock Indexes Waver Before Pushing Higher Yahoo
  • Apple (AAPL) Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq end higher in volatile trading day as Apple jumps Yahoo

Earnings Releases

  • Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Reports After Close

AI and Technology Sector Analysis

The AI and technology investment theme remains under pressure as the Magnificent 7 struggles with broad market headwinds. While Apple (AAPL) rose to $263.88, other key players like Microsoft (MSFT) and Alphabet (GOOG) faced declines, reflecting investor skepticism. The chip supply chain, highlighted by Broadcom (AVGO) rising 2.3% to $332.54, shows some resilience, but overall infrastructure and enterprise software sectors are grappling with substantial downward trends.

US Stock Sector Overview

Sector 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA
Mag 7 (AI Spenders) +0.2% -3.6% -2.4% BELOW
Chip Supply Chain +0.5% -1.3% +1.5% BELOW
Infrastructure +0.4% +1.5% +13.1% BELOW
Enterprise Software -1.0% -2.9% -15.8% BELOW
Finance +1.4% -3.5% -0.7% BELOW
Healthcare -0.9% +3.5% -7.5% BELOW
Retail -2.2% +2.9% +6.8% ABOVE
IT Services -1.7% -10.1% -15.1% BELOW
Airlines +3.5% -3.4% +5.0% ABOVE
Hospitality & Travel +0.8% -1.6% -1.5% BELOW
Food & Restaurant +0.9% -0.5% +5.0% ABOVE
Logistics -1.5% -0.3% +16.5% ABOVE
Industrial -0.3% +1.4% +17.2% ABOVE
Cybersecurity -2.8% -0.7% -11.3% BELOW
Chip Equipment +0.7% +4.5% +8.7% ABOVE
Data Center REITs -0.5% +7.7% +17.0% ABOVE
Utilities -1.8% +2.3% +6.9% ABOVE
Energy -1.6% -1.9% +10.6% ABOVE
Defense & Aerospace -0.1% +1.0% +3.9% ABOVE
Telecom -0.0% +6.0% +22.4% ABOVE
Media & Entertainment +0.1% -5.2% -8.1% BELOW
Biotech +0.7% +4.3% +18.9% ABOVE
Materials -0.2% +0.1% +9.4% ABOVE

Sector Strength

Airlines +3.5% 20d: +5.0%
United (UAL) +4.3% (20d: +5.0%), Delta (DAL) +2.7% (20d: +5.0%)
Finance +1.4% 20d: -0.7%
JPMorgan (JPM) +1.5% (20d: +1.5%) [<50MA], Goldman Sachs (GS) +1.2% (20d: -2.9%) [<50MA]
Food & Restaurant +0.9% 20d: +5.0%
Starbucks (SBUX) +1.7% (20d: +1.8%), McDonald's (MCD) +0.0% (20d: +8.2%)
Hospitality & Travel +0.8% 20d: -1.5%
Marriott (MAR) +1.7% (20d: +14.7%), Booking (BKNG) -0.0% (20d: -17.6%) [<50MA]
Chip Equipment +0.7% 20d: +8.7%
Applied Materials (AMAT) +1.2% (20d: +12.9%), ASML +0.9% (20d: +7.2%), Lam Research (LRCX) +0.0% (20d: +5.9%)

Sector Warnings

Cybersecurity -2.8% 20d: -11.3% CRITICAL
CrowdStrike (CRWD) -3.6% (20d: -6.4%) [<50MA], Zscaler (ZS) -2.9% (20d: -16.3%) [<50MA], Palo Alto Networks (PANW) -2.1% (20d: -11.2%) [<50MA]
Retail -2.2% 20d: +6.8%
Walmart (WMT) -3.8% (20d: +8.5%), Costco (COST) -0.6% (20d: +5.1%)
Utilities -1.8% 20d: +6.9%
Southern Co (SO) -3.1% (20d: +3.6%), Duke Energy (DUK) -1.2% (20d: +6.0%), NextEra Energy (NEE) -1.2% (20d: +11.0%)
IT Services -1.7% 20d: -15.1% CRITICAL
Accenture (ACN) -1.9% (20d: -19.4%) [<50MA], IBM -1.6% (20d: -10.8%) [<50MA]
Energy -1.6% 20d: +10.6%
Chevron (CVX) -1.7% (20d: +9.2%), Exxon Mobil (XOM) -1.5% (20d: +12.1%)

Sector Deep Dive

The airlines sector made a notable recovery today, led by United (UAL), which surged 4.3% to $114.02. This follows a significant 3.4% decline over the past five days, suggesting a potential bottoming out as investors speculate on a rebound in travel demand. Delta (DAL) also contributed positively, gaining 2.7% to $70.85, as the sector continues to adjust to changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions.

In the cybersecurity space, the outlook appears increasingly challenging. Zscaler (ZS) and CrowdStrike (CRWD) both fell sharply, down 2.9% to $172.59 and 3.6% to $414.29, respectively. This sector is now down 11.3% over the past 20 days, with companies facing significant headwinds from increasing competition and market saturation. Analysts are keeping a close eye on these stocks as they navigate this difficult landscape.

The infrastructure sector showed strength today, with Vertiv (VRT) leading the charge after a strong earnings report, climbing 3.8% to $243.53. This sector has seen a 1.5% increase over the last five days, supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure projects across the country. The positive sentiment surrounding infrastructure spending may provide a buffer against broader market volatility.

Market Breadth Analysis

US stock market breadth analysis shows 13 of 23 sectors trading above their 50-day moving average, while 10 are below. The majority of sectors holding above the 50-day MA indicates healthy medium-term momentum. With 15 sectors positive over 20 days, buying pressure remains broad-based.

Interactive Charts

S&P 500 & NASDAQ 100

20-Day Sector Performance

1-Day vs 5-Day Sector Change

Active Alerts

HIGH Enterprise Software down -15.8% over 20 days
HIGH IT Services down -15.1% over 20 days
HIGH Cybersecurity down -11.3% over 20 days
HIGH 5 sectors declining >5% over 20 days: Enterprise Software, Healthcare, IT Services, Cybersecurity, Media & Entertainment
MEDIUM MSFT down -17.6% from 20-day high
MEDIUM AMZN down -17.8% from 20-day high

Stock-Level Detail

Mag 7 (AI Spenders) Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
AAPL $263.88 +3.2% -3.6% +7.1% BELOW 0
AMZN $201.15 +1.2% -2.8% -12.9% BELOW 0
NVDA $184.97 +1.2% -1.9% +3.9% ABOVE 0
META $639.29 -0.1% -4.7% +5.8% BELOW 5
GOOG $302.82 -1.0% -5.0% -6.0% BELOW 5
MSFT $396.86 -1.1% -4.0% -12.7% BELOW 5
TSLA $410.63 -1.6% -3.4% -2.1% BELOW 1
Chip Supply Chain Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
AVGO $332.54 +2.3% -2.3% -0.0% BELOW 0
QCOM $142.63 +1.4% +1.8% -7.4% BELOW 0
ARM $126.89 +1.3% +0.7% +18.4% ABOVE 0
MRVL $79.01 +0.5% -3.7% -1.0% BELOW 0
TSM $364.20 -0.6% +0.6% +11.3% ABOVE 3
AMD $203.08 -2.0% -4.9% -12.4% BELOW 1
Infrastructure Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
VRT $243.53 +3.8% +22.0% +39.0% ABOVE 0
DELL $116.09 -1.2% -7.9% +4.5% BELOW 1
SMCI $30.11 -1.4% -9.7% -4.1% BELOW 1
Enterprise Software Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
PLTR $133.02 +1.2% -4.7% -21.1% BELOW 0
NOW $105.91 -1.1% -0.5% -15.5% BELOW 1
ADBE $260.45 -1.3% -1.6% -10.3% BELOW 1
CRM $184.29 -2.9% -4.7% -16.3% BELOW 1
Finance Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
JPM $307.13 +1.5% -3.5% +1.5% BELOW 0
GS $916.04 +1.2% -3.5% -2.9% BELOW 0
Healthcare Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
LLY $1036.05 -0.4% +1.2% -0.5% BELOW 1
UNH $289.09 -1.4% +5.8% -14.6% BELOW 1
Retail Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
COST $1012.05 -0.6% +4.2% +5.1% ABOVE 1
WMT $128.85 -3.8% +1.7% +8.5% ABOVE 1
IT Services Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
IBM $258.31 -1.6% -11.5% -10.8% BELOW 1
ACN $219.89 -1.9% -8.7% -19.4% BELOW 1
Airlines Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
UAL $114.02 +4.3% -2.0% +5.0% ABOVE 0
DAL $70.85 +2.7% -4.8% +5.0% ABOVE 0
Hospitality & Travel Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
MAR $359.94 +1.7% +0.2% +14.7% ABOVE 0
BKNG $4140.15 -0.0% -3.3% -17.6% BELOW 3
Food & Restaurant Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
SBUX $95.39 +1.7% -1.6% +1.8% ABOVE 0
MCD $327.62 +0.0% +0.5% +8.2% ABOVE 0
Logistics Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
FDX $375.30 +0.2% +2.0% +24.7% ABOVE 0
UPS $115.51 -3.1% -2.7% +8.4% ABOVE 1
Industrial Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
HON $242.65 +0.5% -0.3% +12.8% ABOVE 0
CAT $764.76 -1.2% +3.0% +21.6% ABOVE 1
Cybersecurity Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
PANW $163.50 -2.1% -1.2% -11.2% BELOW 1
ZS $172.59 -2.9% -1.0% -16.3% BELOW 1
CRWD $414.29 -3.6% +0.2% -6.4% BELOW 1
Chip Equipment Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
AMAT $359.13 +1.2% +9.1% +12.9% ABOVE 0
ASML $1419.78 +0.9% +0.4% +7.2% ABOVE 0
LRCX $235.58 +0.0% +4.0% +5.9% ABOVE 0
Data Center REITs Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
EQIX $951.97 -0.4% +11.1% +21.4% ABOVE 2
DLR $179.89 -0.6% +4.3% +12.7% ABOVE 1
Utilities Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
NEE $92.71 -1.2% +2.1% +11.0% ABOVE 1
DUK $126.71 -1.2% +3.4% +6.0% ABOVE 1
SO $92.00 -3.1% +1.4% +3.6% ABOVE 1
Energy Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
XOM $146.19 -1.5% -2.9% +12.1% ABOVE 3
CVX $180.55 -1.7% -0.9% +9.2% ABOVE 1
Defense & Aerospace Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
RTX $203.50 +1.7% +4.3% +3.6% ABOVE 0
LMT $649.58 -0.5% +3.2% +12.8% ABOVE 1
GD $342.52 -1.5% -4.5% -4.6% BELOW 1
Telecom Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
TMUS $219.61 +0.1% +10.1% +19.6% ABOVE 0
T $28.68 -0.0% +4.6% +22.3% ABOVE 2
VZ $48.93 -0.2% +3.2% +25.2% ABOVE 2
Media & Entertainment Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
NFLX $77.00 +0.2% -6.3% -11.8% BELOW 0
DIS $105.44 -0.0% -4.1% -4.4% BELOW 1
Biotech Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
AMGN $373.36 +1.1% +3.1% +12.8% ABOVE 0
GILD $155.27 +0.2% +5.5% +25.1% ABOVE 0
Materials Show individual tickers
Ticker Price 1D 5D 20D vs 50MA Down Days
LIN $482.22 +0.3% +4.7% +11.3% ABOVE 0
APD $277.69 -0.7% -4.5% +7.6% ABOVE 3

Key Stock Movers

Today's biggest movers by absolute percentage change: United (UAL) (Airlines) rose 4.3% to $114.02. Vertiv (VRT) (Infrastructure) rose 3.8% to $243.53. Walmart (WMT) (Retail) fell 3.8% to $128.85. CrowdStrike (CRWD) (Cybersecurity) fell 3.6% to $414.29. Apple (AAPL) (Mag 7 (AI Spenders)) rose 3.2% to $263.88. These individual stock movements were key drivers of their respective sector performance.

Risk and Opportunity Assessment

On the risk side, 4 high-severity alerts are currently active, signaling significant sector declines that warrant portfolio risk management attention. Consider reducing exposure to affected sectors and tightening stop-loss levels.

US Stock Market Outlook

Looking ahead, breadth metrics indicate that 13 sectors are above their 50-day moving averages, signaling potential strength in certain areas while 10 sectors remain below, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities. With high alert counts in enterprise software, IT services, and cybersecurity, caution is advised for investors. Positioning for potential rebounds in resilient sectors like airlines and infrastructure may offer the best opportunities in the near term.

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