Rupee remains slightly weak, and global cues are shaping sentiment through the session

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The Indian stock market is trading in a cautious mood on 18 February 2026 as investors react to global signals and fresh domestic news. The market is open, and movement is visible across sectors since the morning session. Benchmark indices are slightly under pressure, though there is no panic selling seen at this time.

Sensex and Nifty Performance


The Nifty 50 is trading around the 25,700 to 25,760 range in the early hours. It is marginally negative compared to the previous close and shows a mild downward bias. The BSE Sensex is also reflecting a similar trend, hovering near the low 83,000 levels. After a flat start, both indices slipped a bit as selling pressure emerged in technology shares.

Overall volatility is present but not extreme. Traders are active; however, long-term investors are waiting for more clarity before taking big positions. The market is not falling sharply, but upside momentum is also limited right now.

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Sector Action – IT Weak, Metals Strong


Information technology stocks are dragging the market lower. There is profit booking happening in major IT counters as concerns rise about the pace of AI-related spending and global demand. Infosys is down by a few percentage points during early trade despite the positive long-term outlook given by analysts. Some other large IT companies are also trading in the red zone.

On the other side, metal stocks are performing better. Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and SAIL are trading higher as optimism builds around possible tariff changes and better commodity demand. The metal index is one of the top-gaining sectors today. Public sector banks are also showing strength as credit growth numbers remain healthy.

Mid-cap and small-cap stocks are mixed. Some selective buying is seen, but broad participation is not very strong. The market mood is selective rather than aggressive.

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Currency and Global Influence


The Indian rupee is slightly weaker in early trade. It is under pressure due to foreign portfolio outflows and higher dollar demand from importers. However, intervention from the Reserve Bank of India is preventing a sharp fall in currency. Traders are closely watching the US Federal Reserve minutes and US bond yields, as any shift in the global interest rate outlook can impact foreign investment into India.

Global cues are mixed. Asian markets are not giving strong direction, and this is adding to a cautious tone in domestic equities. Movement in crude oil and precious metals is also influencing sentiment across financial markets.

Investment Flows and Gold Trend


January has seen record inflows into gold and silver ETFs, and interest in precious metals continues even now. Investors are looking at gold as a hedge amid geopolitical uncertainties and sudden risk-off moments. At the same time, domestic mutual fund inflows into equities have moderated compared to previous months.

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Fund managers are adjusting portfolios towards defensive sectors and companies that show a stable earnings outlook. Instead of broad buying, there is more stock-specific action happening. This indicates a consolidation phase after the recent earnings season.

Corporate Developments and Outlook


Corporate updates and management commentary are shaping intraday movement. Earnings announcements from large companies are closely tracked by traders. There is a focus on guidance for the next financial year, cost control measures, and demand visibility.

Market breadth remains mixed during the morning session. Some stocks are gaining sharply while others are declining, so it is not a one-sided trend. Short-term traders are taking advantage of volatility, whereas long-horizon investors are more careful.

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As trading continues on 18 February 2026, the Indian stock market reflects balanced but slightly cautious sentiment. The IT sector weakness is offset partly by the strength in metals and banking names. Currency movement, foreign flows, and global interest rate expectations are key drivers at the present time. 

Direction for the rest of the day depends on fresh news flow and how global markets behave later in the session. The market is stable for now, but the mood can change quickly if a new trigger comes.