Global News | U.S. stock market's three major indices close higher, Berkshire Hathaway reduces holdings in Apple by over 10 million shares

【U.S. Stock Indices】

On Wednesday, February 18, Eastern Time, the three major U.S. stock indices closed higher across the board, with the S&P 500 up 0.56% at 6,881.31; the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.26% at 49,662.66; and the Nasdaq Composite up 0.78% at 22,753.63.

【U.S. Bonds】

On February 18, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield was 4.09%, and the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury, most sensitive to Federal Reserve policy rates, was 3.47%.

【Popular U.S. Stocks】

Among popular U.S. stocks, Nvidia rose 1.63%, Apple increased 0.18%, Google C gained 0.37%, Google A rose 0.43%, Microsoft increased 0.69%, Amazon gained 1.81%, TSMC fell 0.55%, Meta rose 0.62%, Tesla increased 0.14%, Everbright Semiconductor dropped 1.46%, and Intel declined 1.56%.

【Global Indices】

【China Indices】

On February 18, the Nasdaq China Golden Dragon Index declined 0.04%.

【Chinese Concept Stocks】

In popular Chinese concept stocks, Tencent Holdings (HK) rose 0.19%, Alibaba increased 0.23%, Pinduoduo gained 1.07%, NetEase rose 0.16%, Baidu increased 0.39%, Ctrip rose 0.91%, Li Auto declined 0.44%, Xpeng Motors fell 0.11%, and NIO decreased 0.10%.

【Forex and Commodities】

【Global News】

Alphabet CEO Pichai: Announces Partnership Between Indian Government and Google DeepMind

Alphabet CEO Pichai announced a partnership between the Indian government and Google DeepMind.

Elon Musk’s Mother Posts Chinese New Year Greetings: Happy New Year! Wishing You Prosperity

On February 17, Elon Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, posted on social media, sending Chinese New Year greetings in Chinese. “Happy New Year!” Maye Musk wrote in Chinese in her post, “Wishing you prosperity.” She also extended her wishes in English: “Wishing health, wealth, and happiness in the Year of the Horse.” (Global Times)

Berkshire Hathaway Significantly Reduces Apple Holdings by Over 10 Million Shares

On February 17, local time, Berkshire Hathaway filed its 13F with the SEC, showing that the company reduced its Apple holdings for the third consecutive quarter. The filing disclosed that Berkshire Hathaway sold approximately 10.295 million shares of Apple in Q4 2025, a 4.32% decrease from Q3, with the holding percentage dropping to 22.60%. As of the end of Q4 2025, Apple remained Berkshire Hathaway’s largest holding. (Jiemian News)

Microsoft to Invest $50 Billion in AI in the Global South by the End of This Decade

Microsoft announced at the India AI Impact Summit that it plans to invest $50 billion by the end of this decade to promote AI technology in countries of the Global South. The five major initiatives for AI influence include building infrastructure for AI adoption, empowering schools and nonprofits through technology and skills training, enhancing multilingual and multicultural AI capabilities, promoting local AI innovations to meet community needs, and assessing AI adoption to guide future policies and investments.

European Central Bank President Lagarde Expected to Resign Before End of 8-Year Term

European Central Bank President Lagarde is expected to resign before the end of her 8-year term. (Cailian Press)

Google Developer Conference Scheduled for May 19-20

On February 17, Google’s parent company Alphabet announced that the 2026 Google I/O Developer Conference will be held on May 19-20, 2026.

India’s Yotta Data Signs $1 Billion Partnership with Nvidia

India’s Yotta Data has signed a partnership agreement worth over $1 billion with Nvidia for a four-year period.

Users Report Issues with YouTube, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Cloudflare

Users have reported issues with the usage of YouTube, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Cloudflare.

Tesla Avoids 30-Day Sales Ban in California; Autopilot Marketing Complies

The California Department of Motor Vehicles stated that Tesla has taken compliance measures regarding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving marketing practices, so it will not face a 30-day sales ban in the state. The agency said Tuesday in a statement that Tesla has implemented “corrective actions” to avoid suspension of sales. After an administrative law judge ruled in December that Tesla’s marketing exaggerated the capabilities of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, the company was given 90 days to achieve compliance.

Tesla: First Cybertruck Rolls Off at Texas Gigafactory

Tesla announced that the first Cybertruck has officially rolled off the production line at its Texas Gigafactory.