Foreign flows remain cautious, while domestic institutions provide steady support

Advertisment

The Indian stock market is trading carefully today. Investors are reacting to mixed news from India and global markets. The BSE Sensex is trading in the low 83,000 range, while the Nifty 50 is moving around the mid-25,600 level. The overall mood is calm but cautious. 

Some sectors are seeing huge buying interest, while others are facing profit booking after the recent rally. Market breadth is balanced, showing that indices are taking a pause.

Volatility is slightly higher than earlier this month. Traders are watching the 25,400 level on the Nifty as an important support. On the upside, 25,800 is seen as a key resistance. The indices are moving in a narrow range during the session.

Advertisment

Foreign and Domestic Activity

Foreign portfolio investors are still selling in mid-February. Exchange data shows that overseas investors are reducing their holdings, mainly in financial and energy stocks. This selling is adding some pressure to the market.

At the same time, domestic institutional investors are supporting the market. Mutual funds and insurance companies are buying selected large-cap and defensive stocks. Their buying is helping the indices remain stable despite foreign outflows.

This balance between foreign selling and domestic buying is keeping the market range-bound. Heavyweight stocks are playing an important role in holding the indices steady.

Advertisment

Sector Performance

Information technology stocks are performing well today. Positive news about partnerships and growth in artificial intelligence services is improving sentiment. The sector is recovering after facing weakness in recent weeks.

Banking stocks are mixed. Large private banks are stable due to steady earnings and controlled bad loans. However, some mid-sized financial stocks are seeing mild profit booking.

Energy and metal stocks are under pressure due to changes in global commodity prices and a stronger US dollar.
Brokerage and exchange-related stocks are falling after the Reserve Bank of India introduced stricter rules on lending to capital market intermediaries. The new rules require higher collateral and tighter credit conditions. While the move strengthens financial safety, it raises short-term concerns about liquidity.

Advertisment

Corporate Earnings

Company results remain an important factor for the market. A large diversified company reports only small growth in quarterly profit. Investors are closely watching updates on telecom, retail, and clean energy businesses.

Most earnings results across sectors are close to expectations. However, companies are giving careful guidance due to global uncertainty and currency changes.

Global Factors

Global markets are also influencing Indian stocks. Developments in the United States related to interest rates have affected foreign investment flows. A strong dollar is putting pressure on commodity-related sectors. Oil prices are being tracked as they affect inflation and import costs.

Advertisment

Asian markets are trading mixed today, which adds to the cautious mood in India.

Technical Outlook

Technically, the market trend remains positive as long as the Nifty stays above key support levels. Indicators suggest consolidation instead of a major fall. Traders are waiting for a strong move above resistance to start fresh buying.

Overall, the Indian stock market on February 17, 2026, is steady but cautious. Institutional flows, regulatory updates, company earnings, and global news are guiding the direction as trading continues.

Advertisment