Nifty May Open Higher on FII Buying, IT Stocks in Focus

Pre-Market Update at 7:44 AM: Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open on a positive note on Wednesday supported by favourable global cues. Asian markets traded higher and the U.S. market closed marginally in the green overnight led by technology and financial stocks. As of 7:21 AM, GIFT Nifty was trading near the 25,725 level, up 43 points from its previous close.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in the previous session, purchasing equities worth Rs 995.21 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 187.04 crore. The shift in FII positioning is a key positive trigger after two sessions of selling, although FIIs remain net sellers of about Rs 1,350.48 crore in February so far. Technology stocks may remain in focus as the IT index gained over 1 per cent in the last session, indicating investors are gradually absorbing concerns around AI-led disruption.

Among stock-specific developments, Infosys unveiled its AI-first value framework under Infosys Topaz targeting a USD 300–400 billion AI opportunity by 2030. Dabur India appointed Herjit S Bhalla as CEO – India Business while Mohit Malhotra was redesignated as Global CEO. Bharat Heavy Electricals received a Rs 1,200–1,500 crore Letter of Award from Steel Authority of India for a captive power plant. Dilip Buildcon emerged L-1 bidder for a Rs 702 crore Narmada flood protection project in Gujarat. Engineers India will hold a board meeting on February 26 to consider a second interim dividend, while Bosch appointed Tillmann Olsen as CFO effective June 1, 2026. Other stocks in focus include Coal India, ONGC, and Hindalco.

On Tuesday, markets extended gains for a second consecutive session. The Sensex rose 173.81 points (0.21 per cent) to close at 83,450.96, while the Nifty 50 gained 42.65 points (0.17 per cent) to settle at 25,725.40.

U.S. equities closed marginally higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 32.26 points (0.07 per cent) to 49,533.19, the S&P 500 gained 7.05 points (0.10 per cent) to 6,843.22 and the Nasdaq Composite added 31.71 points (0.14 per cent) to 22,578.38. 

Talks between Iran and the United States over their nuclear dispute produced “guiding principles”, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, though a final agreement remains distant. Meanwhile, Japan reported exports rising 16.8 per cent year-on-year in January while imports fell 2.5 per cent, resulting in a trade deficit of 1.15 trillion yen (USD 7.51 billion), smaller than projections.

In commodities, gold hovered near USD 4,870 per ounce amid a stronger dollar. Silver slipped 0.5 per cent below USD 73.5 per ounce as expectations around the U.S. Federal Reserve weighed on prices. WTI crude traded at USD 62.28 per barrel, down 0.08 per cent, as progress in Iran-U.S. talks reduced concerns of supply disruption.

For today, Sammaan Capital and SAIL will remain on the F&O ban list.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.