Market Lens section
Market report
Structured market-report coverage from the Market Lens desk.
Sponsor
Analysis | Feb 22, 2026
Inflation vs Equity Returns: Historical Patterns
Across 125 years of global data, equities have delivered positive real returns in most environments, yet high inflation consistently compresses them. Developed markets show sharper negative responses to expected inflation, while emerging markets display more resilience to surprises. Case studies from US stagflation, Japanese deflation, and Brazilian hyperinflation illustrate the problem-context-action-outcome arc. Investors gain practical context for today’s policy shifts without relying on forecasts.
Markets | Feb 22, 2026
Market Heatmap Explained: What It Is & How to Use It
A market heatmap transforms raw stock data into an intuitive visual grid using colors for performance and sizes for market weight. Investors turn to it for instant insight into sector strength and where money is concentrating. This guide explains the mechanics and practical applications for clearer, faster market reads.
Global Markets | Feb 21, 2026
Frontier vs Emerging Markets: Sri Lanka's Position
Global index providers classify Sri Lanka as a frontier market due to its smaller scale and accessibility profile. Emerging markets provide greater liquidity and stability, while frontier markets like Sri Lanka promise higher growth potential alongside elevated risks. This distinction shapes investor expectations for volatility, capital flows, and long-term portfolio outcomes.
Technology | Feb 21, 2026
Space Data Centers: AI Compute Goes Orbital
Space data centers promise unlimited solar power and vacuum cooling to fuel exploding AI demand, but massive launch costs and technical barriers keep them years away. Elon Musk targets cost leadership in two to three years via million-satellite constellations, yet AWS leadership calls the concept "pretty far" from viable. Legacy cloud giants continue pouring billions into terrestrial infrastructure while early prototypes from Google and startups test the waters.
Sponsored
Global Trade | Feb 21, 2026
Trump's New 10% Global Tariff: Key Details
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs. In response, Trump signed an executive order for a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24. The move aims to address the U.S. balance-of-payments deficit while existing targeted tariffs remain in place, with potential for further increases via investigations.
CSE | Feb 21, 2026
Colombo Stock Exchange: Consolidation Near 24,000 in Past Week
The Colombo Stock Exchange showed resilience over the week ending 20 February 2026, with the ASPI briefly surpassing the 24,000 psychological level before closing near 23,780. Daily turnover averaged above Rs. 4.5 billion on healthy domestic participation. The market posted modest weekly gains despite late-session profit-taking, underscoring steady investor confidence tied to Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic stabilisation.
Finance | Feb 21, 2026
Sri Lanka Vehicle Tax Revision: Impact on New Vehicle Prices
Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget revises vehicle taxation with the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) now collected at importation. Importers warn this will push up new vehicle prices starting 1 April. The change broadens the tax base while maintaining existing excise and duty structures for the post-import-ban market.
Auto | Feb 20, 2026
Nissan Financial Struggles: Re:Nissan Turnaround Case Study
Nissan posted a modest third-quarter operating profit in February 2026 while slashing its full-year operating-loss forecast by more than 75 percent. The Re:Nissan restructuring—20,000 job cuts and seven plant closures—is delivering faster-than-expected savings. Yet a projected 650 billion yen net loss for fiscal 2025 underscores the heavy one-time costs and external pressures still weighing on the Japanese automaker. This case study traces the crisis, the bold response, and the narrow path to recovery.
Finance | Feb 20, 2026
Sri Lanka Investments: Beginner Guide
Sri Lanka’s financial system shows continued stabilisation. The Central Bank held its policy rate at 7.75% in January while Treasury bill yields settled at 7.66% for three months after extra supply was absorbed. Unit trust assets reached Rs 610 billion in January, driven by equity funds that doubled in size. This guide explains eight widely used instruments in straightforward terms, drawing on current market conditions shaped by the IMF-supported recovery and steady foreign inflows.
Finance | Feb 20, 2026
Coinbase Fintech Surge Lifts Nasdaq
Bernstein raised its rating on Coinbase Global to Outperform with a $320 price target. The upgrade highlights the company’s successful shift toward diversified revenue streams beyond volatile trading fees. Shares rose more than 4 percent on the Nasdaq in the latest session. The development provides fresh perspective on how crypto-native platforms are maturing into core financial infrastructure providers.