U.S. financial markets pulled back as selling pressure across technology shares intensified, sparked by a sharp decline in Amazon following its earnings release.

The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of 2026, in line with expectations, as policymakers signaled confidence that inflation is gradually converging toward the 2% target. The main refinancing rate stayed at 2.15%, while the deposit rate remained at 2.0% and the marginal lending facility at 2.4%, confirming a pause after last year’s easing cycle.

The Bank of England held its Bank Rate at 3.75% at its February meeting, but the decision exposed deep divisions within the Monetary Policy Committee. The vote was narrowly split 5–4, with four policymakers supporting an immediate 25 basis point cut, underlining the increasingly delicate balance between easing inflation pressures and a fragile economic backdrop.