GIFT Nifty Up 0.07% on Feb 18, 2026: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Indian equity markets are expected to begin the trading session on a positive note, with early indicators suggesting modest optimism among investors. 

Supportive global signals and stability in overseas markets may help benchmark indices open in green territory, although sentiment could remain cautious amid ongoing global technology sector concerns.

The early trend indicator for domestic markets, GIFT Nifty, pointed to a firm opening during morning trade. Futures were seen quoting at 25,757, up 17.60 points or 0.07%, indicating a slightly higher start for frontline indices.

Indian Market Cues

Domestic markets may take direction from global risk sentiment and continued investor focus on earnings visibility and macroeconomic stability.

While no major local triggers dominated early trade, positive global momentum could provide near term support to benchmark indices at the open, as per news reports.

Global Market Cues

Equity markets across the Asia-Pacific region traded with gains in early sessions, offering supportive cues for Indian markets.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced about 0.98%, reflecting improved investor sentiment, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained roughly 0.28%.

Trading activity across parts of Asia remained limited as markets in mainland China, Hong Kong, and South Korea stayed closed due to Lunar New Year holidays, resulting in relatively lighter regional participation.

US Market and Futures Update

Overnight on Wall Street, major US indices ended marginally higher. Investors remained cautious as debates around artificial intelligence investments and their long-term economic returns continued to influence sentiment.

The S&P 500 closed about 0.1% higher, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.14%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also edged up by approximately 0.07%, indicating a steady but restrained risk appetite among global investors.

Commodities Watch

In commodities, Brent crude oil prices recorded marginal gains during the Asian trading session.

Oil markets had seen notable volatility earlier, with futures briefly slipping nearly 3% below the $67 per barrel level after signs of progress in US and Iran nuclear negotiations reduced geopolitical risk premiums in energy markets.

Read More: Gold and Silver ETFs Decline on Feb 17, as MCX Precious Metal Futures Weaken Amid Softer Global Signals.

Conclusion

Indian stock markets are likely to open slightly higher today, supported by positive indications from GIFT Nifty and gains across key Asia-Pacific markets. 

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