Indian equity benchmarks opened lower on February 18, 2026, primarily due to selling pressure in IT services shares amid ongoing sector headwinds. This mirrors the broader market caution seen in early trade.
Opening Benchmarks and Key Indices
The BSE Sensex fell 247.92 points or 0.30% to 83,203.04, while the NSE Nifty declined 70.25 points or 0.27% to 25,655.15 in initial trading. Midcap and smallcap indices remained relatively flat, reflecting mixed global cues.
IT Sector Weakness Drives Losses
Major IT firms dragged the indices: Infosys shed up to 3%, Tech Mahindra dropped 2.51%, HCL Tech lost 2.12%, and TCS declined 1.72%. Analysts attribute this to high valuations and uncertain earnings outlook in the sector.
Notable Gainers and Broader Market Trends
Among gainers, ITC, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finserv, BEL, and SBI posted advances. Sectors like banking, autos, and pharma showed resilience, with experts recommending rotation into these areas for better visibility. Volatility persists, but selective buying opportunities emerge in non-IT spaces.
