First Tick: Global Market Cues Signal Cautious Start for Sensex and Nifty on February 17

Indian equity markets are poised for a cautious opening on February 17, tracking mixed global cues and softer trends in early Asian trade. Despite a strong rebound in the previous session, early indicators suggest a negative start for the benchmarks.

GIFT Nifty Signals Weak Opening​

The GIFT Nifty was trading lower at around 25,641 in early trade, indicating a subdued start for the domestic markets.

On February 16, Indian benchmark indices snapped a two day losing streak and ended higher in a volatile session. The rebound was driven by strong buying in power, energy, realty, and financial stocks.

At close:

• The Sensex gained 650.39 points or 0.79 percent to settle at 83,277.15
• The Nifty advanced 211.65 points or 0.83 percent to close at 25,682.75

The Nifty also managed to hold above the 25,650 mark, reflecting improved investor sentiment despite intraday swings.

Fund Flow: FIIs Sell, DIIs Extend Buying Streak​

Foreign Institutional Investors remained net sellers for the second straight session on February 16, offloading equities worth ₹972 crore.
In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors continued to provide support, extending their buying streak to a third consecutive day by purchasing equities worth ₹1,667 crore.

The divergence in fund flows highlights persistent caution among foreign investors even as domestic institutions step in to stabilize the market.

Global Market Snapshot​

Asian Equities Trade Lower​

the region. Investors are awaiting fresh economic data later this week for directional cues.

US Markets Closed for Holiday​

US markets were shut on Monday on account of Presidents' Day, resulting in limited overnight direction for global equities.

Dollar Index Holds Firm​

The US dollar maintained gains as markets await signals later this week regarding the potential timing of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

US Bond Yields Remain Flat​

Treasury two year yields fell to their lowest level since 2022 as traders increased bets that the Federal Reserve may cut rates more than twice this year.

The benchmark 10 year yield stood at 4.05 percent, the lowest level since November.

Currencies and Commodities​

Asian Currencies Mixed​

Asian currencies traded on a mixed note in early trade. The Philippines Peso, Taiwan Dollar, Thai Baht, and China Renminbi witnessed marginal losses. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Ringgit, Indonesian Rupiah, South Korean Won, Singapore Dollar, and Japanese Yen traded higher.

Crude Oil Rises on Geopolitical Tension
​

Crude oil prices moved higher as traders factored in heightened geopolitical risks. The gains followed Iran conducting naval exercises near a key shipping corridor ahead of talks with the US scheduled later Tuesday.

Gold Slips on Firmer Dollar​

Gold declined 1 percent amid thin trading in major Asian markets due to Lunar New Year holidays. A firmer dollar also exerted pressure on bullion prices.

Market Outlook for Today​

While domestic benchmarks ended the previous session on a strong note, early signals from GIFT Nifty and subdued Asian markets suggest that traders may begin the day cautiously.

Investor focus will remain on global economic signals, currency movements, commodity prices, and institutional fund flows as the market navigates fresh cues.