Gold edges down as dollar firms; inflation data in focus

Gold edges down as dollar firms; inflation data in focus

Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 09:57 AM [BENGALURU] Gold prices edged lower on Thursday (Feb 19) after a more than 2 per cent gain in the previous session, as the US dollar firmed ahead of a key inflation report due later this week that could provide more cues on the US interest rate trajectory.…

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Booking beats estimates on outlook, plans a 25-for-1 split

Booking beats estimates on outlook, plans a 25-for-1 split

Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 08:42 AM — Updated Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 09:36 AM [NEW YORK] Booking Holdings reported better-than-expected first-quarter gross bookings, indicating continued strength across the travel industry. Gross bookings are expected to rise 15 per cent at the midpoint, the Priceline owner said in a statement, topping the 13…

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Telstra dials up buyback as interim profit tops estimates, narrows annual outlook

Telstra dials up buyback as interim profit tops estimates, narrows annual outlook

Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 07:22 AM AUSTRALIA’S Telstra Group’s half-year profit beat estimates on Thursday, supported by its mobile business segment and cost control, while tightening its earnings forecast for fiscal 2026 and increasing its share buyback. After lifting prices across most mobile plans in July last year, Telstra has pursued earnings growth by refocusing on core…

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Meta’s Zuckerberg denies at LA trial that Instagram targets kids

Meta’s Zuckerberg denies at LA trial that Instagram targets kids

Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 06:54 AM [LOS ANGELES] Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday repeatedly said during a landmark trial over youth social media addiction that the Facebook and Instagram operator does not allow kids under 13 on its platforms, despite being confronted with evidence suggesting they were a key demographic. Mark Lanier,…

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US banks build tokenised deposit network to guard their turf

US banks build tokenised deposit network to guard their turf

The full service is expected to be available for customers of the banks involved in the fourth quarter Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 06:47 AM [NEW YORK] US banks, including Huntington Bancshares, First Horizon and M&T Bank, are working to build a tokenised deposit network as financial firms fight to stay relevant amid the…

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US stocks: Wall Street ends higher, lifted by Nvidia and other AI stocks

US stocks: Wall Street ends higher, lifted by Nvidia and other AI stocks

Published Thu, Feb 19, 2026 · 05:54 AM [NEW YORK] Wall Street ended higher on Wednesday, lifted by gains in Nvidia, Amazon and other technology-related heavyweights following recent jitters about artificial intelligence. Nvidia climbed 1.6 per cent after the world’s most valuable company said it had signed a multi-year deal to sell to Meta Platforms…

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Mark Zuckerberg testifies in L.A. trial over claims social media makes kids addicted

Mark Zuckerberg testifies in L.A. trial over claims social media makes kids addicted

Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg made an extended, pugnacious appearance in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, defending his company from the witness stand against a lawsuit that alleges social media harms children. The Meta boss appeared in a dark suit and gray tie, his signature chestnut curls slightly mussed, darting occasional nervous looks…

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