Newswire: Feb 15, 2026 7:12 PM EST

Highlights:

• India Credit Market — A merger of Indian power-sector lenders involving roughly $61 billion in debt is raising hopes for improved financing across energy and other growth sectors in the world's fastest-growing major economy. Bloomberg Markets

• Oil — Crude was little changed to start the week as traders weighed geopolitical risk ahead of US-Iran talks set to resume Tuesday. Bloomberg Markets

• Gold — The metal edged lower as traders locked in profits after mild US inflation data had pushed prices back above $5,000 an ounce. Bloomberg Markets

• OpenAI — OpenAI hired Peter Steinberger, creator of the open-source AI agent program OpenClaw, to strengthen its product lineup. Bloomberg Technology

• Macquarie / Qube Holdings — A Macquarie Asset Management-led consortium agreed to acquire Australian ports and rail operator Qube Holdings for approximately A$11.7 billion (~$8.3 billion). Bloomberg Markets

• Japan Corporate Governance — A founding family is fighting to retain control of a 157-year-old Japanese drugstore chain, a battle with broader implications for Tokyo's financial markets and shareholder activism. Bloomberg Markets

• Memory Chip Crisis — Tech leaders including Elon Musk and Tim Cook are warning that surging AI-driven demand for memory chips is creating a global shortage that is hitting profits and inflating costs across industries. Bloomberg Technology

• UK AI Regulation — PM Keir Starmer announced plans to require AI chatbots to comply with online safety laws designed to protect children from harmful content. Bloomberg Technology

• Asian Equities — Asian stocks opened modestly higher after recent selling pressure eased and softer US CPI data bolstered expectations for Fed rate cuts this year. Bloomberg Markets

• Australian Banks — Better-than-expected earnings drove Australian bank stocks to their best weekly performance since 2022. Bloomberg Markets