The Indian stock market is poised for a cautious start on Monday, February 16, 2026, with GIFT Nifty indicating a flat to negative opening. After a volatile week marked by sharp declines in major indices, traders are bracing for another day of consolidation. Market sentiment remains mixed, with global cues and domestic developments weighing heavily on investor confidence. Stocks like Ola Electric will be in focus after its recent quarterly performance update, while Adani group shares (including Adani Enterprises) may also remain under spotlight as investors track movement in heavyweight stocks amid overall weak sentiment.
Market Overview
Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty have been under pressure in recent sessions, reflecting uncertainty in both international and domestic markets. Analysts note that the Nifty has formed a bearish candle on the weekly chart, signaling consolidation within the previous week’s price range. Unless key resistance levels are reclaimed, upside momentum is likely to remain capped.
The cautious tone is further reinforced by weak global signals. Asian markets opened lower, tracking declines in U.S. equities where technology stocks faced renewed selling pressure. European markets also ended the previous week in the red, adding to the nervousness among Indian investors.
Stocks in Focus
Several companies are expected to remain in the spotlight today:
- Ola Electric Mobility: The EV maker continues to attract investor attention amid growing demand for electric vehicles and government incentives supporting clean energy. Market watchers are keen to see how Ola Electric’s expansion plans translate into financial performance.
- Adani Enterprises: The flagship company of the Adani Group remains a key driver of market sentiment. With diversified interests ranging from infrastructure to energy, Adani Enterprises’ stock movements often influence broader indices.
- Manappuram Finance: The non-banking financial company (NBFC) is in focus as investors track its lending performance and exposure to gold loans, which remain sensitive to commodity price fluctuations.
Other stocks likely to see action include Precision Wires India, Azad Engineering, Fortis Healthcare, Lodha Developers, Deep Industries, Ashoka Buildcon, Aurobindo Pharma, Natco Pharma, Fractal Analytics, Aye Finance, and Jubilant Pharmova.
Sectoral Trends
Sectoral performance is expected to remain uneven. Banking and financial stocks may witness consolidation as investors await fresh cues on interest rates and liquidity conditions. The IT sector, which faced heavy selling last week due to global tech routs, could continue to remain under pressure. Metals and pharmaceuticals are also likely to see stock-specific movements, driven by earnings announcements and global commodity trends.
Technical Outlook
From a technical perspective, the Nifty is hovering near crucial support levels. A break below these levels could trigger further downside, while a rebound would require strong buying interest to reclaim immediate resistance. Traders are advised to monitor intraday charts closely, as volatility is expected to remain high.
The India VIX, a measure of market volatility, surged by over 15% last week, reflecting heightened uncertainty. Analysts caution that elevated volatility could persist, making risk management essential for short-term traders.
Global Cues
Global markets continue to influence Indian equities. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, coupled with ongoing geopolitical tensions, has kept investors on edge. Asian peers such as Japan and South Korea opened lower today, while European markets are expected to remain subdued.
Oil prices have also added to the uncertainty, with Brent crude hovering near recent highs. Rising energy costs could impact inflation and corporate margins, further complicating the outlook for equities.
Investor Sentiment
Despite the cautious start, long-term investors remain optimistic about India’s growth story. Structural reforms, infrastructure spending, and digital transformation are expected to drive economic expansion. However, near-term sentiment is clouded by global headwinds and domestic consolidation.
Retail investors are advised to adopt a selective approach, focusing on fundamentally strong companies with resilient business models. Institutional investors, meanwhile, are likely to remain cautious until clearer signals emerge from global markets.