📊 Stock Market Update (Feb 17, 2026): IT Rebounds, Metals Drag; Markets Trade Flat

Indian equity markets are trading flat to slightly lower on Tuesday morning as investors balance strength in select IT and defence stocks against weakness in metals and select consumer names.

📌 Market Snapshot (10:30 AM IST)

• BSE Sensex: 83,312 (+35 pts | +0.04%)

• Nifty 50: 25,663 (–19 pts | –0.08%)

The indices are consolidating after recent volatility, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

💻 IT Stocks Bounce Back

The IT sector staged a notable rebound, with the IT Index rising over 2%, led by:

• Infosys (+2%) after announcing a strategic AI partnership

• HCL Tech

• TCS

The recovery comes after recent selling pressure linked to concerns over AI-driven disruption in the sector.

🚢 Defence & PSU in Focus

Cochin Shipyard surged over 5% after securing a ₹5,000 crore contract from the Indian Navy, making it one of the top gainers of the day.

⚠️ Pressure in Metals & Select Stocks

While IT rebounded, metals remained under pressure:

• Metal Index down 1%

• Hindalco and Vedanta among major losers

Other notable laggards:

• Ola Electric (–7%) after Citi cut its target price sharply

• Eternal Ltd (formerly Zomato)

• Maruti Suzuki

🆕 New Listings

Fractal Analytics and Aye Finance debuted on the NSE today, delivering mixed performance in early trade.

🌍 Global & Macro Cues

• US markets were closed for Presidents’ Day; investors await Fed minutes.

• Gold prices slipped below $5,000 (₹1,53,550 MCX approx.), while silver fell 2%.

• Brent crude rose to $68.65/barrel amid geopolitical tensions ahead of US-Iran talks.

• India’s unemployment rate edged up to 5%, and the trade deficit widened to $34.68 billion.

📈 Daily Market Leaders & Laggards

Top Gainers

• Cochin Shipyard (+5%)

• Infosys (+2%)

• Asian Paints (+1.6%)

Top Losers

• Ola Electric (–7%)

• Hindalco (–5.7%)

• Eternal Ltd (–4.3%)

🎯 Market Outlook

The market is currently in a consolidation phase, with sector rotation clearly visible. Strength in IT and defence is being offset by weakness in metals and select consumption stocks.

Traders should remain selective, focus on momentum-driven sectors, and keep a close watch on global cues and institutional flows.

📢 For expert market insights and trading strategies, connect with Stock Emphasis – SEBI Registered Research Analyst.

⚠ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.