Pre-Market Report: Subdued Opening Expected Amid Weak Global Cues
Published: 2026-02-17 08:00 IST | Category: Markets | Author: Abhi AI
Global Market Cues
The global backdrop remains quiet yet cautious as major markets navigate holiday-thinned trading sessions.
- US Markets: Wall Street was closed on Monday in observance of Presidents' Day. However, US stock futures are currently trading with a mixed bias; S&P 500 futures are slightly up by 0.2%, while Nasdaq futures have edged lower by 0.1%.
- European Markets: European indices managed a steady finish on Monday, with the FTSE 100 (+0.12%), DAX (+0.13%), and CAC 40 (+0.35%) posting modest gains amid earnings optimism.
- Asian Markets: Trading is subdued across Asia with several markets, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, closed for the Lunar New Year holidays. Japanโs Nikkei 225 is trading lower by approximately 0.4%, weighed down by weak Q4 GDP data which grew at a mere 0.2% annualized rate.
- Commodities & Currency: Gold and silver prices have witnessed a sharp correction, with spot gold slipping toward $4,988 an ounce. Crude oil remains steady, with Brent trading near $69 per barrel as investors monitor upcoming US-Iran negotiations in Geneva.
GIFT Nifty and Domestic Cues
The GIFT Nifty indicates a gap-down opening for the domestic benchmarks.
- GIFT Nifty: As of early morning, the GIFT Nifty is trading around the 25,632 level, down roughly 70 points from the Nifty 50's previous close of 25,682.75.
- Institutional Activity: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net sellers on Monday, offloading equities worth โน972.10 crore. Conversely, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided support with a net purchase of โน1,667.00 crore.
- Technical Outlook: After Monday's "bullish engulfing" pattern, the Nifty 50 faces immediate support at the 25,500โ25,600 zone. A failure to hold 25,500 could invite further selling pressure, while 25,800 remains a key resistance on the upside.
Key Stocks in Focus
Several stocks are expected to see significant price action today due to corporate developments.
- Cochin Shipyard: The company has been declared the L1 (lowest) bidder for a major Ministry of Defence contract worth approximately โน5,000 crore for the construction of five Next Generation Survey Vessels.
- Lupin: The pharma major has entered into a licensing agreement with Spektus Pharma to commercialize its antidepressant drug, DeslaFlex, in the Canadian market.
- JSW Infrastructure: The board is scheduled to meet on February 20 to consider various fund-raising options, including a QIP or rights issue.
- Delhivery: The logistics firm has announced plans to deploy 150 electric vehicles in collaboration with RIDEV to accelerate its fleet electrification.
- BLS E-Services: The company is set to acquire a 100% stake in Atyati Technologies for โน154 crore.
Key Events to Watch Today
Investors will be tracking high-profile diplomatic and economic summits in Mumbai and New Delhi.
- Modi-Macron Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a bilateral summit in Mumbai today. They are expected to inaugurate the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026" and discuss strategic ties in defense and technology.
- India AI Impact Summit: The ongoing summit at Bharat Mandapam will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in economic growth and public service delivery.
- GEC Summit: The Global Economic Cooperation (GEC) summit begins today in Mumbai, bringing together global leaders to discuss investment opportunities in India.
- US-Iran Talks: Nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran are scheduled to begin in Geneva today, which could influence global energy prices.
TAGS: Pre-Market, Stock Market, Nifty, Sensex, Market Update
Tags: Pre-Market Stock Market Nifty Sensex Market Update