Pre Market 13 February 2026: Cautious Start Likely As IT Weakness Weighs

Indian equities ended Thursday on a weak note, with heavy selling in information technology (IT) stocks pulling the benchmarks lower. The pressure was steady through the session, and there was little recovery in the final hour. The BSE Sensex closed at 83,674.92, down 558.72 points or 0.66%. The NSE Nifty50 settled at 25,807.2, losing 146.65 points or 0.57%.

Decline In Share Prices Of IT Stocks

The damage was largely concentrated in IT. Global concerns around AI-led disruption and spending visibility in the tech space triggered sharp cuts in frontline names, including:

• Tech Mahindra (-6.40%)

• Infosys (-5.97%)

• TCS (-5.77%)

• HCL Tech (-5.20%)

• Wipro (-4.79%)

Financial Stocks Provided Stability

Financial stocks, however, provided some stability. Gains were recorded in the stocks of:

• Bajaj Finance (3.31%)

• Shriram Finance (2.48%)

• Eicher Motors (2.13%)

• ICICI Bank (1.84%)

• Bharat Electronics (1.47%)

The Nifty Financial Services index edged up 0.38%, limiting the overall downside.

Other Highlights From Yesterday

Broader markets also faced the heat on Wednesday. The Nifty Midcap 100 fell 0.47%, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 dropped 0.64%. Market breadth was clearly negative. 2,433 stocks declined on the BSE against 1,647 advances. Still, 127 stocks touched 52-week highs, suggesting stock-specific action continues beneath the surface.

Sectors That Could See Action Today

• Information Technology: After Thursday’s steep fall, traders may look for signs of stabilisation. Short covering may be possible. However, sentiments remain fragile.

• Banking and Financials: It showed resilience. If buying continues in private banks and NBFCs, it could cushion further downside.

What Could Be Trader Sentiment?

Analysts feel that the mood on the D-Street has turned cautious. There is no panic, but traders are clearly unwilling to take aggressive long positions at current levels. For Bank Nifty, the tone looks relatively stronger compared to the headline indices.

If it sustains above recent swing levels, it could provide near-term balance. Volatility may stay elevated. Range-bound trade with a negative bias may not be there. This if global cues improve sharply.

What To Expect Today?

On expected lines, markets are likely to open on a cautious note, tracking the after-effects of the IT sell-off and global tech sentiment. Early trade may see attempts at stabilisation, especially if banking stocks extend support. However, traders are likely to remain selective.

Investors can expect stock-specific moves and not a broad rally. Financials could offer pockets of strength. IT may stay under pressure unless bargain hunting sets in. Overall, the tone suggests consolidation with mild volatility, rather than a sharp directional move.

Sources:

NSE

Business Standard

The Hindu Business Line

Moneycontrol