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Market Prep: Relief Bounce and VIX

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Trading Mindset & Data
Feb 18, 2026
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Hello Traders,

Today, we got a relief bounce but VIX is at 22, the most important level nobody's talking about. This level represents a critical psychological barrier. Staying below it suggests that the broad market ‘cushion’ we’ve discussed is still functioning. However, a break above 22 would likely trigger institutional selling programs and confirm a transition into a more aggressive pullback regime. We are watching this pivot point with high vigilance.

IGV is currently clinging to its key support level as fears continue to weigh on investors. If breaks this floor, expect the volatility to spill over into financials, as banks and private credit markets are heavily exposed to software debt.

Rotation Trade

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