NIFTY IND DIGITAL

Falling decisively below 20-SMA next week can drive Nifty sharply lower, Resistance for Nifty placed at 25,600–25,700 zone, India VIX spikes 13.37% to 13.29, signalling discomfort for bulls

* Falling decisively below 20-SMA next week can drive Nifty sharply lower
* Resistance for Nifty placed at 25,600–25,700 zone
* India VIX spikes 13.37% to 13.29, signalling discomfort for bulls

shorts/business/technical-view-nifty-may-slide-to-200-dma-next-week-if-bears-break-friday-s-low-vix-above-13-signals-risk-for-bulls-bank-nifty-holds-60-000-amid-decline

* Falling decisively below 20-SMA next week can drive Nifty sharply lower
* Resistance for Nifty placed at 25,600–25,700 zone
* India VIX spikes 13.37% to 13.29, signalling discomfort for bulls

The Nifty 50 witnessed its biggest single-day fall since Union Budget Day (February 1), nosediving more than 1 percent with across-the-board selling on February 13 after a gap-down opening, tracking weak global cues. Renewed AI-driven disruption fears and caution ahead of US inflation data weighed on sentiment.

Falling decisively below key moving averages (10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-day EMA) on a closing basis and testing the midline of the Bollinger Bands (20-day SMA) intraday in a single session, along with a sharp spike in the VIX, signalled that bears were back in control.

If the Nifty 50 decisively breaks the 20-SMA (25,468) in the following session, bears are expected to gain further strength and may drive the benchmark index down toward the 25,300–25,200 zone (200-DMA/200-EMA) next week. However, in case of a bounce back, resistance is placed at the 25,600–25,700 zone, according to experts.

The Nifty 50 opened sharply lower by more than 200 points at 25,571 and remained under pressure throughout the session. The index hit an intraday low of 25,444 in late trade before closing at 25,471 (the lowest closing level since February 2), down 336 points (1.30 percent).

The index formed a bearish candle with an upper shadow on the daily charts, signalling a bearish move. Momentum indicators such as the RSI (at 46) and the Stochastic RSI showed a bearish crossover, while the MACD inclined downward though it held above the reference line, and the histogram signalled fading momentum. All this indicates weakening momentum and increasing bearish bias.

On the downside, the index is attempting to fill last week’s gap. The crucial support at the 200-DMA, placed near 25,300, is likely to be tested in the near term, Nilesh Jain, VP and Head of Technical and Derivative Research at Centrum Finverse, said.

Overall, according to him, the market structure appears sideways to weak, and pullback rallies are expected to face selling pressure as long as the Nifty remains below the 25,800 mark.

For the week, the Nifty 50 declined 0.87 percent and formed a long bearish candle on the weekly charts, falling below short-term moving averages.

Weekly options data indicated that 25,500 is expected to be a crucial zone for further direction in the Nifty 50 in the upcoming sessions, with support at the 25,300–25,000 zone and resistance at 25,600–25,800. The maximum Put open interest was seen at the 25,000 strike, followed by the 25,500 and 25,300 strikes, with maximum Put writing at similar strikes.

On the Call side, the 26,000 strike holds the maximum Call open interest, followed by the 25,600 and 25,800 strikes, with maximum Call writing at the 25,600, 25,500, and 25,700 strikes.

Meanwhile, the India VIX, also known as the fear gauge, spiked 13.37 percent to 13.29 and moved convincingly above all key moving averages in a single session, signalling discomfort for bulls. Sustaining above the 13 zone could pose a major risk for bulls.

Bank Nifty

The Bank Nifty also traded sharply lower but defended the 60,000 level throughout the session, falling 553 points (0.91 percent) to close at 60,187. The index formed a bearish candle with minor upper and lower shadows on the daily charts after four days of consolidation, indicating minor weakness amid some volatility following the recent rally.

The index fell below the 10-day EMA but still held firm above other key moving averages (20-, 50-, and 100-day EMA) and the midline of the Bollinger Bands, which is a positive sign.

Overall, 59,700 is expected to be a crucial zone for the banking index, as only below this level can bears gain strength. Until then, it may remain range-bound with resistance near 61,000, experts said.

The RSI dropped to 53.83 and fell below the signal line, while the MACD maintained a bullish crossover though it inclined slightly downward, and the histogram signalled fading momentum. All this indicates mild cooling in momentum but not a confirmed trend reversal.

"The Bank Nifty continues to trade above its 20-day moving average placed near 59,700, which remains a crucial short-term support," Vatsal Bhuva, Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said.

According to him, the broader bullish structure remains intact as long as the index sustains above 59,700. Resistance is placed near 60,800–61,000.

For the week, the banking index was up 0.11 percent, outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Technical View: Nifty may slide to 200 DMA next week if bears break Friday’s low; VIX above 13 signals risk for bulls; Bank Nifty holds 60,000 amid decline

The Nifty 50 witnessed its biggest single-day fall since Union Budget Day (February 1), nosediving more than 1 percent with across-the-board selling on February 13 after a gap-down opening, tracking weak global cues. Renewed AI-driven disruption fears and caution ahead of US inflation data weighed on sentiment.

Falling decisively below key moving averages (10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-day EMA) on a closing basis and testing the midline of the Bollinger Bands (20-day SMA) intraday in a single session, along with a sharp spike in the VIX, signalled that bears were back in control.

If the Nifty 50 decisively breaks the 20-SMA (25,468) in the following session, bears are expected to gain further strength and may drive the benchmark index down toward the 25,300–25,200 zone (200-DMA/200-EMA) next week. However, in case of a bounce back, resistance is placed at the 25,600–25,700 zone, according to experts.

The Nifty 50 opened sharply lower by more than 200 points at 25,571 and remained under pressure throughout the session. The index hit an intraday low of 25,444 in late trade before closing at 25,471 (the lowest closing level since February 2), down 336 points (1.30 percent).

The index formed a bearish candle with an upper shadow on the daily charts, signalling a bearish move. Momentum indicators such as the RSI (at 46) and the Stochastic RSI showed a bearish crossover, while the MACD inclined downward though it held above the reference line, and the histogram signalled fading momentum. All this indicates weakening momentum and increasing bearish bias.

On the downside, the index is attempting to fill last week’s gap. The crucial support at the 200-DMA, placed near 25,300, is likely to be tested in the near term, Nilesh Jain, VP and Head of Technical and Derivative Research at Centrum Finverse, said.

Overall, according to him, the market structure appears sideways to weak, and pullback rallies are expected to face selling pressure as long as the Nifty remains below the 25,800 mark.

For the week, the Nifty 50 declined 0.87 percent and formed a long bearish candle on the weekly charts, falling below short-term moving averages.

Weekly options data indicated that 25,500 is expected to be a crucial zone for further direction in the Nifty 50 in the upcoming sessions, with support at the 25,300–25,000 zone and resistance at 25,600–25,800. The maximum Put open interest was seen at the 25,000 strike, followed by the 25,500 and 25,300 strikes, with maximum Put writing at similar strikes.

On the Call side, the 26,000 strike holds the maximum Call open interest, followed by the 25,600 and 25,800 strikes, with maximum Call writing at the 25,600, 25,500, and 25,700 strikes.

Meanwhile, the India VIX, also known as the fear gauge, spiked 13.37 percent to 13.29 and moved convincingly above all key moving averages in a single session, signalling discomfort for bulls. Sustaining above the 13 zone could pose a major risk for bulls.

Bank Nifty

The Bank Nifty also traded sharply lower but defended the 60,000 level throughout the session, falling 553 points (0.91 percent) to close at 60,187. The index formed a bearish candle with minor upper and lower shadows on the daily charts after four days of consolidation, indicating minor weakness amid some volatility following the recent rally.

The index fell below the 10-day EMA but still held firm above other key moving averages (20-, 50-, and 100-day EMA) and the midline of the Bollinger Bands, which is a positive sign.

Overall, 59,700 is expected to be a crucial zone for the banking index, as only below this level can bears gain strength. Until then, it may remain range-bound with resistance near 61,000, experts said.

The RSI dropped to 53.83 and fell below the signal line, while the MACD maintained a bullish crossover though it inclined slightly downward, and the histogram signalled fading momentum. All this indicates mild cooling in momentum but not a confirmed trend reversal.

&quot;The Bank Nifty continues to trade above its 20-day moving average placed near 59,700, which remains a crucial short-term support,&quot; Vatsal Bhuva, Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said.

According to him, the broader bullish structure remains intact as long as the index sustains above 59,700. Resistance is placed near 60,800–61,000.

For the week, the banking index was up 0.11 percent, outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Sensex and Nifty fell over 1% amid IT sector selloff, Nifty IT index fell 9% this week, largest drop since April 2025, All major sector indices ended in the red on February 13

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1% amid IT sector selloff
* Nifty IT index fell 9% this week, largest drop since April 2025
* All major sector indices ended in the red on February 13

Indian benchmark indices fell for a second session, led by a sharp IT stock selloff amid AI concerns. Nifty IT dropped 9% this week, its biggest fall since April 2025. All major sectors ended in the red, with nearly 200 stocks hitting 52-week lows.

shorts/business/taking-stock-nifty-below-25-500-sensex-tanks-1-048-pts-it-sell-off-deepens-on-ai-concerns

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1% amid IT sector selloff
* Nifty IT index fell 9% this week, largest drop since April 2025
* All major sector indices ended in the red on February 13

Indian benchmark indices extended their decline for a second consecutive session on February 13, weighed down by a sharp selloff in IT stocks on third consecutive session amid rising concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on the sector. The Nifty IT index tumbled 9 percent this week, witnessing biggest weekly fall since April 2025.

At close, the Sensex was down 1,048.16 points or 1.25 percent at 82,626.76, and the Nifty was down 336.10 points or 1.30 percent at 25,471.10.

For the week, BSE Sensex shed 1.1 percent and Nifty index fell 0.9 percent.

Broader markets also witnessed heavy selling, with the Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices shedding nearly 2 percent each.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/earnings/mid-small-cap-earnings-show-revenue-strength-but-margin-pressure-in-december-quarter-13826144.html">Mid, small-cap earnings show revenue strength but margin pressure in December quarter</a>

Among the top laggards on the Nifty were Hindalco Industries, Hindustan Unilever, Eternal, Adani Enterprises, and ONGC. On the other side, Bajaj Finance, Eicher Motors, SBI Life Insurance, State Bank of India, and Cipla managed to close in positive territory.

Sectorally, all major indices ended in the red. Energy, Metal, and Realty indices declined 2–3 percent each, while IT, Consumer Durables, FMCG, Telecom, Infra, Auto, Power, PSU, and Oil &amp; Gas indices fell around 1 percent each.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/commodities/gold-bounces-back-from-near-one-week-low-us-inflation-data-in-focus-13827166.html">Gold bounces back from near one-week low; US inflation data in focus</a>

In stock specific actions, Muthoot Finance shared dropped 11% despite Q3 profit jumps 95%, Hindalco Industries shares fell 6% despite better earnings, ONGC shares declined 3% on posting flat revenue, Transrail Lighting shares price rose 1% on bagging Rs 2,350 crore of domestic EPC orders, Indian Hotels Company shares fell 1% despite strong earnings, Travel Food Services share price shed 5% despite better earnings.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/ai-jitters-hit-it-stocks-but-fund-managers-stay-the-course-on-sector-holding-for-now-13826152.html">AI jitters hit IT stocks, but fund managers stay the course on sector holding for now</a>

Nearly 200 stocks touched their 52-week low, including Cohance Life, LT Technology, Newgen Software, Firstsource Solutions, Syngene International, KPIT Technologies, Vedant Fashions, Route, Mastek, Tata Technologies, Clean Science, Kansai Nerolac, Poly Medicure, AWL Agri, IGL, TCS, Infosys, Sonata Software, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Oracle Financial Services Software, among others. <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/stocks/market-stats/52-week-low-bse/?indexName=BSE%2520500&amp;id=12">Click to View More</a>

Outlook for February 16

Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking

Markets traded with a negative bias on Friday and remained under pressure for most of the session, with the Nifty slipping sharply as selling in heavyweight technology stocks intensified. After a weak start, the benchmark index moved in a narrow range during the first half, but the decline deepened as the session progressed. It eventually settled near the day’s low to close at 25,471.10. Selling was broad-based, with IT stocks among the top losers, while weakness was also visible in the metal, realty, and FMCG segments.

Investor sentiment weakened as global technology stocks stayed under pressure, reinforcing risk-off behaviour in domestic markets. In addition, the absence of any fresh positive domestic triggers kept the overall mood subdued.

The sharp fall in the IT pack has significantly altered the market tone, and a break below the 25,400 mark could open the door for a move toward the 25,100 gap area. On the upside, the 25,700–26,000 zone is likely to act as a strong resistance band in case of any recovery. Apart from IT, FMCG and realty also appear vulnerable to further declines, while banking, auto, energy, and select metal stocks may continue to show relatively better strength. Participants should align their positions accordingly and keep position sizes under control in light of the renewed weakness.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities

The Nifty opened gap-down, reflecting early weakness in IT stocks following negative cues from the US markets. At the end, the Nifty ended the session significantly lower. India VIX also moved back above its 200DMA, indicating rising fear among the market participants.

From a technical standpoint, the setup has turned relatively cautious, with the index slipping below its 20DMA for the first time in the past few sessions. Additionally, it has breached the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the prior upmove from 24,571 to 26,341.

With the index closing below the key support level of 25,500, the near-term bias appears weak, and there is potential for a decline toward the 25,000 mark in the short term. On the upside, immediate resistance is seen around 25,800.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Taking Stock: Nifty below 25,500, Sensex tanks 1,048 pts; IT sell-off deepens on AI concerns

Indian benchmark indices extended their decline for a second consecutive session on February 13, weighed down by a sharp selloff in IT stocks on third consecutive session amid rising concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on the sector. The Nifty IT index tumbled 9 percent this week, witnessing biggest weekly fall since April 2025.

At close, the Sensex was down 1,048.16 points or 1.25 percent at 82,626.76, and the Nifty was down 336.10 points or 1.30 percent at 25,471.10.

For the week, BSE Sensex shed 1.1 percent and Nifty index fell 0.9 percent.

Broader markets also witnessed heavy selling, with the Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices shedding nearly 2 percent each.

Also Read - Mid, small-cap earnings show revenue strength but margin pressure in December quarter

Among the top laggards on the Nifty were Hindalco Industries, Hindustan Unilever, Eternal, Adani Enterprises, and ONGC. On the other side, Bajaj Finance, Eicher Motors, SBI Life Insurance, State Bank of India, and Cipla managed to close in positive territory.

Sectorally, all major indices ended in the red. Energy, Metal, and Realty indices declined 2–3 percent each, while IT, Consumer Durables, FMCG, Telecom, Infra, Auto, Power, PSU, and Oil &amp;amp; Gas indices fell around 1 percent each.

Also Read - Gold bounces back from near one-week low; US inflation data in focus

In stock specific actions, Muthoot Finance shared dropped 11% despite Q3 profit jumps 95%, Hindalco Industries shares fell 6% despite better earnings, ONGC shares declined 3% on posting flat revenue, Transrail Lighting shares price rose 1% on bagging Rs 2,350 crore of domestic EPC orders, Indian Hotels Company shares fell 1% despite strong earnings, Travel Food Services share price shed 5% despite better earnings.

Also Read - AI jitters hit IT stocks, but fund managers stay the course on sector holding for now

Nearly 200 stocks touched their 52-week low, including Cohance Life, LT Technology, Newgen Software, Firstsource Solutions, Syngene International, KPIT Technologies, Vedant Fashions, Route, Mastek, Tata Technologies, Clean Science, Kansai Nerolac, Poly Medicure, AWL Agri, IGL, TCS, Infosys, Sonata Software, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Oracle Financial Services Software, among others. Click to View More

Outlook for February 16

Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking

Markets traded with a negative bias on Friday and remained under pressure for most of the session, with the Nifty slipping sharply as selling in heavyweight technology stocks intensified. After a weak start, the benchmark index moved in a narrow range during the first half, but the decline deepened as the session progressed. It eventually settled near the day’s low to close at 25,471.10. Selling was broad-based, with IT stocks among the top losers, while weakness was also visible in the metal, realty, and FMCG segments.

Investor sentiment weakened as global technology stocks stayed under pressure, reinforcing risk-off behaviour in domestic markets. In addition, the absence of any fresh positive domestic triggers kept the overall mood subdued.

The sharp fall in the IT pack has significantly altered the market tone, and a break below the 25,400 mark could open the door for a move toward the 25,100 gap area. On the upside, the 25,700–26,000 zone is likely to act as a strong resistance band in case of any recovery. Apart from IT, FMCG and realty also appear vulnerable to further declines, while banking, auto, energy, and select metal stocks may continue to show relatively better strength. Participants should align their positions accordingly and keep position sizes under control in light of the renewed weakness.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities

The Nifty opened gap-down, reflecting early weakness in IT stocks following negative cues from the US markets. At the end, the Nifty ended the session significantly lower. India VIX also moved back above its 200DMA, indicating rising fear among the market participants.

From a technical standpoint, the setup has turned relatively cautious, with the index slipping below its 20DMA for the first time in the past few sessions. Additionally, it has breached the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the prior upmove from 24,571 to 26,341.

With the index closing below the key support level of 25,500, the near-term bias appears weak, and there is potential for a decline toward the 25,000 mark in the short term. On the upside, immediate resistance is seen around 25,800.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

All-round Selloff Drags Nifty To 25,500; Metals Melt, IT Extends Losses | Closing Bell Live

Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid IT stock sell-off, IT index dropped 5 percent on AI disruption fears, All 16 major sectors declined; market volatility increased

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid IT stock sell-off
* IT index dropped 5 percent on AI disruption fears
* All 16 major sectors declined; market volatility increased

Sensex and Nifty fell over 1% amid heavy IT stock sell-off, weak global cues, AI disruption fears, and rising volatility. All sectors declined, with metals down 3%. The rupee weakened, and experts expect continued bearish momentum unless Nifty rebounds.

shorts/business/sensex-down-800-pts-nifty-below-25-550-it-sell-off-among-key-factors-behind-market-decline

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid IT stock sell-off
* IT index dropped 5 percent on AI disruption fears
* All 16 major sectors declined; market volatility increased

The domestic benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled sharply lower by more than 1 percent on Friday following a highly volatile session, weighed down by weak global cues ahead of the upcoming US inflation data.

Renewed AI-driven disruption fears weighed on risk appetite, with markets worrying that Indian IT firms dependent on the labour arbitrage model may face tougher competitive pressure than their Nasdaq peers, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments.

This cautious tone extended across the broader market, pulling all major indices into negative territory, with most sectors closing in the red.

Metal stocks saw profit-booking amid a stronger dollar index, as reports of Russia’s return to the US-dollar settlement system heightened expectations of potential sanctions relief and raised concerns over weaker realisations for metal companies. Fears of a slowdown in IT hiring, hurting housing demand in major cities across India, dented sentiment in the realty sector.

In a volatile session, the Sensex tumbled 1,048.16 points, or 1.25 percent, to close at 82,626.76. During the day, the benchmark tanked 1,140.37 points, or 1.36 percent, to hit an intraday low of 82,534.55.

The Nifty plunged 336.10 points, or 1.3 percent, to settle at 25,471.10. In the intraday trade, it slumped 362.9 points, or 1.4 percent, to hit a low of 25,444.30.

The selloff extended to broader markets as well, with the Nifty smallcap100 index and the Nifty midcap100 falling 1.79 percent and 1.71 percent, respectively.

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/computers-software/infosys/IT">Infosys</a>, Hindalco Industries and ETERNAL were among the key laggards in the Nifty50 pack, declining up to 4 percent, while <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/finance-nbfc/bajajfinance/BAF">Bajaj Finance</a> and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise gained up to 1 percent. Market breadth was negative as about 948 shares advanced, 2561 shares declined and 136 shares unchanged.
<h3>Key factors behind market decline</h3>
1) IT sell-off: The <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/it-rout-extends-to-third-straight-day-infosys-tcs-other-it-stocks-fall-up-to-6-here-s-why-13826774.html" target="_blank">IT index fell for the third straight session</a>, declining about 5 percent intraday on fears of AI-driven automation impacting the sector’s labour-intensive business model. The sectoral index had slipped 5.5 percent on February 12. However, it recovered sharply from the day's low to settle at 1.4 percent lower.

"Sentiment gains from the US-India trade deal have faded as renewed AI-driven disruption fears weigh on risk appetite," Nair added.

Heavyweights Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were among the major laggards.

The IT index is down 11.4 percent this week and has lost 16.6 percent so far in 2026, surpassing the 12.6 percent drop in the whole of last year.

2) Weak global cues: In Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng benchmark, Shanghai's SSE Composite index, Japan's Nikkei 225 index and South Korea's Kospi ended in the negative territory.

European markets are trading on a mixed note in mid-session deals. The US equities market ended up to 2 percent lower on Thursday.

"Wall Street indices fell sharply on Thursday, with the technology-heavy Nasdaq slumping 2 percent, as investors intensified their sell-off of tech shares and exited transport stocks amid worries about artificial intelligence disruption," Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research, HDFC Securities, said.
<h3><a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-live-updates-gift-nifty-indicates-a-weak-start-us-asian-markets-fall-4-liveblog-13826351.html" target="_blank">Stock Market LIVE Updates</a></h3>
3) Rise in volatility: The India VIX, the market’s fear gauge, rose more than 15 percent to 13.50 level, indicating higher uncertainty and risk perception among investors, which typically leads to cautious trading and selling pressure.

"Markets have fallen into a turbulent phase which will cause some panic among investors even while offering opportunities," VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

He added the sell-off in IT stocks, a major profit pool of India Inc, was weighing on the market and the full impact of the recent AI-related shock on the sector was yet to be ascertained.

4) Rupee weakens: The rupee consolidated in a narrow range and settled for the day 3 paise lower at 90.64 against the US dollar on Friday, tracking the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and a negative trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said rupee traded in a narrow range with a weakening bias as a firm dollar limited the upside for emerging market currencies including the rupee.

5) Crude rises: Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.32 percent to USD 67.81 per barrel. Higher crude prices are seen as negative for India, which is a major importer of oil, as they can widen the trade deficit and add to inflationary pressures.
<h3>Technical outlook</h3>
Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said "the Nifty opened gap-down, reflecting early weakness in IT stocks following negative cues from the US markets. At the end, the Nifty ended the session significantly lower. India VIX also moved back above its 200DMA, indicating rising fear among the market participants.

From a technical standpoint, the setup has turned relatively cautious, with the index slipping below its 20DMA for the first time in the past few sessions. Additionally, it has breached the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the prior upmove from 24,571 to 26,341.

With the index closing below the key support level of 25,500, the near-term bias appears weak, and there is potential for a decline toward the 25,000 mark in the short term. On the upside, immediate resistance is seen around 25,800."

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

Sensex settles 1,000 pts lower, Nifty ends below 25,500: Weak global cues among key factors behind market decline

Stock Market Crash: Sensex settles 1,000 pts lower, Nifty ends below 25,500: Weak global cues among key factors behind market decline

The domestic benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled sharply lower by more than 1 percent on Friday following a highly volatile session, weighed down by weak global cues ahead of the upcoming US inflation data.

Renewed AI-driven disruption fears weighed on risk appetite, with markets worrying that Indian IT firms dependent on the labour arbitrage model may face tougher competitive pressure than their Nasdaq peers, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments.

This cautious tone extended across the broader market, pulling all major indices into negative territory, with most sectors closing in the red.

Metal stocks saw profit-booking amid a stronger dollar index, as reports of Russia’s return to the US-dollar settlement system heightened expectations of potential sanctions relief and raised concerns over weaker realisations for metal companies. Fears of a slowdown in IT hiring, hurting housing demand in major cities across India, dented sentiment in the realty sector.

In a volatile session, the Sensex tumbled 1,048.16 points, or 1.25 percent, to close at 82,626.76. During the day, the benchmark tanked 1,140.37 points, or 1.36 percent, to hit an intraday low of 82,534.55.

The Nifty plunged 336.10 points, or 1.3 percent, to settle at 25,471.10. In the intraday trade, it slumped 362.9 points, or 1.4 percent, to hit a low of 25,444.30.

The selloff extended to broader markets as well, with the Nifty smallcap100 index and the Nifty midcap100 falling 1.79 percent and 1.71 percent, respectively.

Infosys, Hindalco Industries and ETERNAL were among the key laggards in the Nifty50 pack, declining up to 4 percent, while Bajaj Finance and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise gained up to 1 percent. Market breadth was negative as about 948 shares advanced, 2561 shares declined and 136 shares unchanged.
Key factors behind market decline
1) IT sell-off: The IT index fell for the third straight session, declining about 5 percent intraday on fears of AI-driven automation impacting the sector’s labour-intensive business model. The sectoral index had slipped 5.5 percent on February 12. However, it recovered sharply from the day's low to settle at 1.4 percent lower.

&quot;Sentiment gains from the US-India trade deal have faded as renewed AI-driven disruption fears weigh on risk appetite,&quot; Nair added.

Heavyweights Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were among the major laggards.

The IT index is down 11.4 percent this week and has lost 16.6 percent so far in 2026, surpassing the 12.6 percent drop in the whole of last year.

2) Weak global cues: In Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng benchmark, Shanghai's SSE Composite index, Japan's Nikkei 225 index and South Korea's Kospi ended in the negative territory.

European markets are trading on a mixed note in mid-session deals. The US equities market ended up to 2 percent lower on Thursday.

&quot;Wall Street indices fell sharply on Thursday, with the technology-heavy Nasdaq slumping 2 percent, as investors intensified their sell-off of tech shares and exited transport stocks amid worries about artificial intelligence disruption,&quot; Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research, HDFC Securities, said.
Stock Market LIVE Updates
3) Rise in volatility: The India VIX, the market’s fear gauge, rose more than 15 percent to 13.50 level, indicating higher uncertainty and risk perception among investors, which typically leads to cautious trading and selling pressure.

&quot;Markets have fallen into a turbulent phase which will cause some panic among investors even while offering opportunities,&quot; VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

He added the sell-off in IT stocks, a major profit pool of India Inc, was weighing on the market and the full impact of the recent AI-related shock on the sector was yet to be ascertained.

4) Rupee weakens: The rupee consolidated in a narrow range and settled for the day 3 paise lower at 90.64 against the US dollar on Friday, tracking the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and a negative trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said rupee traded in a narrow range with a weakening bias as a firm dollar limited the upside for emerging market currencies including the rupee.

5) Crude rises: Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.32 percent to USD 67.81 per barrel. Higher crude prices are seen as negative for India, which is a major importer of oil, as they can widen the trade deficit and add to inflationary pressures.
Technical outlook
Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said &quot;the Nifty opened gap-down, reflecting early weakness in IT stocks following negative cues from the US markets. At the end, the Nifty ended the session significantly lower. India VIX also moved back above its 200DMA, indicating rising fear among the market participants.

From a technical standpoint, the setup has turned relatively cautious, with the index slipping below its 20DMA for the first time in the past few sessions. Additionally, it has breached the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the prior upmove from 24,571 to 26,341.

With the index closing below the key support level of 25,500, the near-term bias appears weak, and there is potential for a decline toward the 25,000 mark in the short term. On the upside, immediate resistance is seen around 25,800.&quot;

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Tech Rout Drags Wall St, Asia Mixed, Nifty Braces For Another Day of Triple-Digit Cut | Opening Bell

2 out of 5 years NIFTY IND DIGITAL has given negative returns in February.

Type	R1	R2	R3	PP	S1	S2	S3
Classic	8,533.05	8,619.80	8,730.05	8,422.80	8,336.05	8,225.80	8,139.05
Fibonacci	8,498.05	8,544.55	8,619.80	8,422.80	8,347.55	8,301.05	8,225.80
Camarilla	8,464.36	8,482.42	8,500.48	8,422.80	8,428.24	8,410.18	8,392.12

INDEX CONTRIBUTION - NIFTY IND DIGITAL

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