US Markets Decline as Oil Prices Climb and Energy Orders Surge

Recent movements in financial and commodity markets have reflected a combination of falling US stock indexes, rising oil prices, and increased demand for energy equipment tied to data center expansion.

On February 19, 2026, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each declined by 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 267 points, representing a 0.5% decrease. The market downturn coincided with notable shifts in the energy sector, particularly in oil prices and industrial orders.

Oil prices experienced a substantial rise, with a nearly 5% increase on Thursday and values staying above $66 per barrel into Friday. This price level had not been observed since early August 2025, indicating a return to higher benchmarks in the energy market.

Brent crude futures surpassed $71 per barrel, reaching the highest point since late July 2025, while US light sweet crude increased by 1.4% to reach $66 per barrel. These changes in oil prices occurred alongside broader market adjustments and increased activity in the energy sector.

What the numbers show

• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each fell 0.3% on February 19, 2026
• Brent crude futures crossed $71 per barrel, a six-month high
• Siemens Energy reported a €136 billion order backlog

Siemens Energy reported a record order backlog of nearly €136 billion, with a substantial portion of its gas turbine orders linked to US data center projects. According to the company, 60% of its 14 gigawatts of gas turbine orders so far in the year were designated for these facilities.

The company stated that strong demand for gas turbines and related components for artificial intelligence-driven data centers prompted an upward revision of its midterm profit outlook. Siemens Energy is now targeting annual revenue growth in the low teens through 2028 and operating margins between 14% and 16%.

These developments highlight the intersection of market performance, commodity pricing, and industrial demand, with energy sector activity and data center expansion playing notable roles in current trends.

Market and industry data indicate that shifts in oil prices and increased orders for energy equipment are influencing both financial markets and the energy sector. The ongoing demand for infrastructure to support data centers continues to be a factor in company strategies and market outcomes.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.