Indian stock markets opened on a weak note on Friday, February 13, 2026, with both benchmark indices under pressure. The Sensex and Nifty slipped in early trade, tracking global weakness and heavy selling in information technology stocks.
The day’s trading is important for investors because the market is at a sensitive level after recent volatility. With global cues turning negative and IT stocks facing sharp declines, traders are watching key index levels and major stock movers closely.
Market Snapshot: Sensex and Nifty Under Pressure
In early trade on February 13, the benchmarks showed clear weakness. The BSE Sensex fell over 600–800 points in early deals, while the NSE Nifty slipped below the 25,600 mark during the session.
At one point, the Nifty was around 25,545, down about 1%, and the Sensex dropped to around 82,859, also down close to 1%.
The broader market showed deeper losses, with mid-cap and small-cap indices falling more sharply than the benchmarks.
Main Reason: IT Stocks Lead the Fall
The biggest pressure on the market came from the information technology sector. IT shares dropped sharply as investors reacted to global tech weakness and concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on outsourcing businesses.
The Nifty IT index fell more than 4% in a single session and has been the worst-performing sector this year. Reports indicate the IT index has dropped over 16% since the start of 2026, adding to losses seen in the previous year.
Investors are worried that rapid AI adoption could slow new deals and reduce demand for traditional IT services.
Top Losers to Watch Today
Several large-cap IT stocks were among the biggest losers in early trade. Infosys saw a sharp fall, with the stock down nearly 5–6% in recent sessions and trading far below its 52-week high.
Other major IT names, including TCS, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, also slipped between 4% and 5%. Because these stocks have a high weight in both the Sensex and Nifty, their fall had a direct impact on the indices.
Sector Watch: All Major Sectors in the Red
Market data showed that most sectoral indices were trading lower. The IT sector was the biggest drag, followed by realty, media, and metal stocks.
The metal index fell sharply after weak corporate earnings in the sector, adding to overall market pressure. Realty stocks also continued their recent decline, extending losses for a third straight session.
Global Cues Add to Market Weakness
Global market trends also weighed on sentiment. Asian markets traded lower after losses on Wall Street, where technology stocks fell sharply.
The Nasdaq dropped about 2%, and Asian indices were also in the red, reflecting risk-off sentiment among global investors. These global cues often influence Indian markets, especially sectors like IT that depend heavily on overseas demand.
Key Levels to Watch for Nifty Today
Market analysts are closely watching key support and resistance zones. Immediate support for the Nifty is seen between 25,650 and 25,700, while resistance is expected near the 25,900 to 25,950 zone.
A break below support levels could trigger further selling, while a move above resistance may bring short-term recovery.
Top Gainers and Defensive Stocks
Even in a weak market, some defensive or banking stocks have shown relative strength in recent sessions. Stocks like State Bank of India have seen gains in earlier trading days, while select financial and consumption stocks have provided some support to the indices.
Defensive sectors such as FMCG and select banking stocks are expected to remain in focus as investors look for safer options.
Broader Market: Mid-Caps and Small-Caps Underperform
The broader market showed sharper declines than the main indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 fell around 1.38%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 dropped about 1.62% in early trade.
Such declines indicate weaker overall market sentiment and higher risk aversion among investors.
Weekly Trend: Markets Headed for Losses
With the current fall, both benchmark indices are on track for a negative weekly close. Reports suggest that the Sensex and Nifty are down about 0.5% for the week, reversing earlier gains.
The continued selling in IT stocks has been a major reason for this decline.
What Traders Should Watch Through the Day
Market participants are focusing on several key factors. Global market trends, especially the performance of US technology stocks, will remain important. Continued weakness in IT shares could keep the indices under pressure.
Investors are also watching corporate earnings updates, sector-specific news, and foreign investor activity, which often influence short-term market direction.
Short-Term Outlook for the Market
Analysts expect the market to remain volatile in the near term. Some reports suggest the Nifty may see consolidation if it stays below the 26,000 level.
The direction of IT stocks and global cues will likely decide whether the market stabilises or extends losses.
What It Means for Investors
The current market trend highlights the importance of sector-wise movement. Heavy dependence on IT stocks means that global tech sentiment can quickly affect Indian indices. When large IT companies fall, the overall market often follows.
At the same time, defensive sectors and strong domestic-focused companies may provide some stability during volatile periods.
Bottom Line
Indian stock markets are under pressure on February 13, 2026, with the Sensex and Nifty falling sharply in early trade. The decline is mainly driven by a steep sell-off in IT stocks, weak global cues, and cautious investor sentiment.
Key levels around 25,600 on the Nifty and 83,000 on the Sensex are being closely watched. The performance of IT stocks and global markets will likely decide the direction for the rest of the trading session.
Financial Disclaimer: Markets and investment-related products are subject to risks and fluctuations. Readers should conduct their own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Last Updated on: Friday, February 13, 2026 1:39 pm by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Friday, February 13, 2026 1:39 pm | News Categories: Business