GIFT Nifty Down 0.23% on Feb 16, 2026: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Indian equity markets are likely to open on a negative note on Monday, tracking weak signals from Asian peers and subdued global sentiment. 

Investors are expected to remain cautious after a sharp decline in domestic benchmarks in the previous session, while global macroeconomic developments continue to influence risk appetite.

The early indicator for the Nifty 50, GIFT Nifty, signalled downside pressure during early morning trade. GIFT Nifty futures were quoting at 25,459.50, down 59.30 points or 0.23%, suggesting a weak opening for domestic equities.

Indian Market Recap: Previous Session

Indian benchmark indices witnessed sharp selling pressure in the previous trading session on February 13.

The BSE Sensex closed at 82,626.76, falling 1,048.16 points or 1.25%, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled at 25,471.10, down 336.10 points or 1.30%.

Broad based selling across sectors weighed on market sentiment, reflecting profit booking and cautious investor positioning amid global uncertainties.

Global Market Cues

Major Asia Pacific markets traded mostly lower in early Monday trade, which could further pressure Indian equities at the open.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped about 0.1% after economic data showed the country’s GDP growth missed expectations in the fourth quarter. 

Japan’s economy expanded 0.2% year on year during the October December period, significantly below expectations of 1.6% growth, despite avoiding a technical recession.

Wall Street Recap

US equity markets ended on a mixed note overnight as investors assessed inflation data and macroeconomic signals. Markets struggled to build strong momentum despite US CPI data largely matching expectations.

• S&P 500: up 0.05%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: up 0.12%
• Nasdaq Composite: down 0.22%

The mixed performance on Wall Street reflects continued caution among global investors, limiting risk on sentiment across equities.

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Conclusion

Indian stock markets are expected to open lower today, as declining GIFT Nifty levels and weak Asian market cues overshadow mixed signals from Wall Street.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

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