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16 February 2026
Monday
Global Markets Mixed Amid Policy Holds and Oil Price Declines.
The rupee opened marginally higher at 90.62 levels against last week closing of 90.65. Last week, local unit rebounded from a record low of 92, supported by the US–India trade agreement that reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18% (from 50%) and removed a 25% duty linked to Russian oil imports. This development improved export prospects for textiles, machinery, and raw materials, easing forex pressures.
Domestically, the Union Budget for FY2026–27 projected expenditure at ₹53.5 lakh crore, non-debt receipts at ₹36.5 lakh crore, GDP growth of 7.4%, inflation near 2%, and a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP. The RBI maintained its repo rate at 5.25%, while raising FY26 GDP forecasts to 7.4% and projecting inflation at 2.1%.
On the global front, dollar index rose 0.7% following resolution of a partial government shutdown. December JOLTS job openings fell to 6.5 million (-10% YoY), signaling labor market weakness. ISM PMIs indicated growth in both manufacturing and services, driven by inventory replenishment ahead of tariffs. Consumer sentiment improved to 57.3 but remained 11.4% lower than a year earlier, with inflation expectations easing to 3.5%. Euro consolidated above 1.18 after the ECB held its deposit rate at 2.00%. President Lagarde reaffirmed commitment to the 2% inflation target but cautioned against risks from euro appreciation. Sterling traded below 1.36 after the BoE kept rates at 3.75%, reflecting a dovish split. UK forecasts point to GDP growth slowing to 0.9% in 2026, inflation near 2%, and unemployment peaking at 5.3%. Japanese yen weakened amid expectations of BoJ policy tightening. Household spending fell 2.6% YoY, underscoring fragile demand, while fiscal concerns grew over Prime Minister Takaichi’s expansionary proposals, including suspension of the food tax.
Outlook:
Markets this week will focus on delayed US jobs and CPI data, Japan’s snap elections, UK Q4 GDP, and inflation releases from China and India.
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