Tues. AM Seeds of Wisdom News Update(s) 2-17-26

Listen to this Article:   Sovereign Stress Builds as Japan Stalls and U*****e Secures IMF Lifeline Fiscal expansion collides with monetary hesitation as markets price optimism into fragile conditions Overview • Japan’s economy expanded just 0.2% annualized in Q4 2025, far below forecasts, complicating the Bank of Japan’s rate path. • Asian markets traded cautiously as oil prices rose ahead of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. • The U.S. dollar steadied while investors awaited Federal Reserve minutes and U.S. GDP data. • U*****e expects IMF approval within weeks, constructing financial infrastructure to manage a $140 billion budget gap. Key Developments • Global Markets and Oil Risk Premium Asian equities…