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Markets likely to make negative start amid mixed global cues
Feb-16-2026

Indian equity markets are likely to make negative start on Monday amid mixed global cues. Traders are likely to adopt wait-and-watch approach ahead of the release of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation data. Additionally, some cautiousness may come from foreign institutional investors, who were net sellers of shares worth Rs 7,395.41 crore on Friday. 

Some of the key factors to be watched:

India-UK free trade pact likely to be implemented in April: The report said that India-U.K. free trade agreement, signed in July last year, is likely to be implemented in April 2026. 

Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore fund for startups to mobilise venture capital: The Government has approved a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds to mobile venture capital and support deep tech, tech-driven innovative manufacturing startups, and early-growth stage enterprises.

India-UK ties built on trust, collaboration, and shared ambition: UK's Trade Commissioner for South Asia Harjinder Kang has said the UK and India share a dynamic and forward-looking partnership built on trust, collaboration, and shared ambition. 

FPI inflows rebound to Rs 19,675 crore in early February: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) staged a sharp turnaround in early February, pumping Rs 19,675 crore into Indian equities in the first fortnight, supported by the US-India trade deal and easing global macro concerns. 

Power stocks will be in focus: The power ministry said India's power generation capacity addition from all energy sources has crossed record the 50 GW-mark during April-January period in the ongoing fiscal year. 

On the global front: The US markets ended mostly in green on Friday after US inflation data supported the outlook for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this year. Asian markets are trading in red on Monday amid growing concerns about artificial-intelligence disruptions.

Back home, Indian equity benchmarks tumbled over a percent on Friday due to across-the-board selloff, especially in Metal, Basic Materials and Realty stocks, tracking sluggish global markets. Investors fretted over the impact of artificial intelligence on various sectors. Finally, the BSE Sensex fell 1048.16 points or 1.25% to 82,626.76 and the CNX Nifty was down by 336.10 points or 1.30% to 25,471.10.     

Some of the important factors in trade: 

New CPI series to improve quality of data used in formulating monetary, fiscal policies: After the government released the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with base 2024=100 instead of 2012=100, Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran has said the new series will improve the quality of data used in formulating monetary and fiscal policies.

India will get similar garment duty privileges as Bangladesh in US trade deal: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India will receive preferential duty access for garments made using American yarn and cotton under its trade agreement with the US, much like the benefits currently granted to Bangladesh. 

India-US joint statement remains basis for interim trade agreement: India said its joint statement with the US remains the basis for a proposed interim trade agreement, and that the amendments in a White House fact sheet reflect the shared understandings.

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