Stock Market Today, Feb. 13: Inflation Data Steadies Market and Slows AI Disruption Losses
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Emma Newbery)February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The stock market showed signs of stabilization on February 13th, with cooler inflation data easing investor concerns and contributing to a mixed trading session. The S&P 500 inched up by 0.05% to close at 6,836.17, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.10%, reaching 49,500.93. However, the Nasdaq Composite dropped slightly by 0.22% to 22,546.67, ending a week that saw it decline by 2.10%. Despite the overall modest gains, investor sentiment remained cautious as markets prepare for a long weekend and a potential pause in trading due to Presidents’ Day.
The broader context of this market activity highlights the delicate balance investors are navigating amid economic uncertainties. The positive inflation data provided some relief, signaling that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to control rising prices may be working. This moderation in inflation has helped steady markets, which had been volatile in recent weeks due to fears of aggressive interest rate hikes and the potential for economic slowing. However, the Nasdaq’s decline reflects ongoing concerns about tech-heavy sectors, which remain sensitive to interest rate changes and global demand.
Two standout performers on the day were Applied Materials and Rivian Automotive. Applied Materials surged after reporting strong Q1 earnings and an optimistic outlook, driving its stock higher. Similarly, Rivian Automotive saw a significant jump of 26.64% following better-than-expected earnings, closing at $17.73. These individual successes, despite the broader market’s mixed performance, underscore the importance of positive corporate news in lifting investor sentiment.
For readers interested in finance, this story emphasizes the role of macroeconomic factors like inflation data and their impact on market stability. It also highlights how individual company performances can influence investor behavior, even amid larger market trends. As markets remain volatile, particularly in tech sectors, investors are likely to continue focusing on strong earnings and corporate outlooks as key drivers of stock performance. This dual narrative of macroeconomic stabilization and micro-level success underscores the interconnected dynamics of financial markets.
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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/13/2026