February 16th Market Update
Alright team, it’s time to trade the winter blues for some red, white, and blue! 🇺🇸 We’re heading into a week that kicks off with a holiday breath of fresh air before a midweek surge of major economic reports. Here’s your economic playbook for February 16th – February 20th, 2026:
🚨 Holiday Alert: Presidents' Day! 🚨
· Monday, Feb 16th: Presidents' Day (Washington's Birthday)🦅🇺🇸
o Market Status: Banks and the Bond Market are CLOSED.
o The Impact: No movement on mortgage rates today! It’s the perfect time to honor the leaders of the past while you lead your clients toward their future. Enjoy the long weekend—the action starts Tuesday!
The Midweek Data Surge (Tuesday - Friday)
· Tuesday, Feb 17th: Retail Sales & Random Acts of Kindness! 🛍️💖
o The Data: We get the January Retail Sales and the Empire State Manufacturing Index. If consumers spent heavily in January, it shows economic resilience, which can keep rates from dropping.
o The Fun: It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day! 🕊️ Send a handwritten "thank you" to a realtor or a surprise coffee to a processor. Kindness is the best referral generator!
· Wednesday, Feb 18th: FOMC Minutes & Wine! 🏛️🍷
o The Data: The Fed releases the Minutes from its last meeting. The market will be looking for "secret clues" about future rate cuts. Expect some volatility at 2:00 PM EST! 🎢
o The Fun: It’s National Drink Wine Day! 🍷 Whether the Fed news is good or bad, you’ve got a perfectly valid reason to pour a glass of Michigan Riesling at dinner.
· Thursday, Feb 19th: Housing & Jobless Claims! 🏗️🤔
o The Data: We see Philadelphia Fed Index and Pending Home Sales. Pending sales are your "crystal ball" for future closings. If they're up, the spring market is heating up early!
· Friday, Feb 20th: GDP & Consumer Sentiment! 📈😄
o The Data: We wrap the week with the 4th Quarter GDP (Revised) and U. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment. A strong GDP confirms the economy is a powerhouse, while sentiment tells us if buyers are feeling brave enough to pull the trigger.
What This Means for Your Mortgage Mission:
· The "Fed Clues" (Wednesday): The FOMC Minutes are the "star of the show." If the Fed sounds like they're leaning toward cuts, we could see a relief rally in bonds and lower rates. 📉
· The Housing Pulse (Thursday): Use the Pending Home Sales data to talk to your partners. If the numbers are strong, it's proof that the "wait and see" buyers are finally jumping back in! 🏃💨
A Fun Fact for the Week: George’s False Teeth!
Did you know George Washington’s famous false teeth weren't actually made of wood? 🦷 They were a high-tech (for the time) mix of ivory, brass, and even human teeth! Just like George, you have to use the best "tech" and tools available to give your clients a winning smile at the closing table. 🏛️✨