The Colombian dollar closed higher at $3,657.14 in Next Day mode, driven by the US Presidents' Day holiday. Meanwhile, oil prices showed minimal variations, with Brent falling 0.3% to US$67.52 per barrel and WTI to US$62.72. Trading activity was moderate due to closures for holidays in several global markets.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Colombian dollar recorded a higher close in Next Day mode, due to the US holiday for Presidents' Day. The currency ended at $3,657.14, an increase of $4.25 from the Representative Market Rate (TRM) of $3,652.89 for that day. During the session, it hit a low of $3,645.01 and a high of $3,669, with 135 transactions totaling US$61.8 million.
Mauricio Acevedo, strategist for currencies and derivatives at Corficolombiana, explained: "This 23% increase in the minimum has affected inflation, which will lead the Bank of the Republic to continue raising its rates to contain consumption, and if rates are higher, more portfolio resources will come to invest, so the structural decline may continue downward".
In the international context, markets in mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan remained closed for Lunar New Year, moderating activity. Attention focused on the path of US interest rates after slower-than-expected inflation data, with operators estimating a Fed cut in July and possible change in June.
Andrea Gabellone, global equity director at KBC Securities, stated: “The outlook for equities is positive after the CPI”. He added that there could be “more dispersion in the future, as confidence around key sectors exposed to AI remains very critical”.
Regarding oil, prices varied little as investors assessed talks between the US and Iran to reduce tensions, amid potential supply increases from OPEC+. The previous week, Brent fell 0.5% and WTI 1%, after comments from President Donald Trump on a possible deal with Tehran. A second round of talks is set for Tuesday in Geneva on Iran's nuclear program.
An Iranian diplomat indicated that Iran seeks economic benefits such as investments in energy and mining, and aircraft purchases. The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier and is preparing military options if negotiations fail, according to officials. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned of retaliation against US bases.
SEB analysts noted: "An increase in Iranian tension could take Brent to US$80 per barrel. If tension decreases, it would fall back to US$60 per barrel". OPEC+ leans toward resuming production increases from April, after a three-month pause.
