Trade Setup for Today: Global Cues and Key Events to Watch on February 18, 2026
GIFT Nifty suggests a flat to slightly negative opening for Indian indices. US markets closed mixed, with Dow Jones up 0.07% while NASDAQ and S&P 500 marginally down. Asian markets show mixed trends, with Nikkei 225 up 1.27%. Crude oil slightly down at $62.28, while gold edges up 0.17%. USD/INR trading at 90.61. FIIs and DIIs were net buyers on Feb 17. Stylam Industries sees significant block deal with Aica Kogyo acquiring 10% stake. Several companies announce interim dividends, including Coal India and ONGC.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Market Overview
The Indian markets may open cautiously as global cues remain mixed. GIFT Nifty futures suggest a flat to slightly negative opening for domestic indices.
GIFT Nifty Update
GIFT Nifty is trading at 25,758.50, down 0.04% or 11.50 points from the previous close. This indicates a potentially muted opening for the NSE Nifty and BSE Sensex.
US Markets
US stock indices closed mixed in the overnight session:
| Index | Change (%) | Closing Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | +0.07 | 49,554.18 |
| NASDAQ | -0.09 | 22,672.25 |
| S&P 500 | -0.04 | 6,857.50 |
Asian Markets
Asian markets are showing mixed trends in early trade:
| Index | Change (%) | Current Level |
|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 | +1.27 | 57,283.78 |
| Hang Seng | +0.52 | 26,705.94 |
Commodity Trends
Key commodities are showing mixed movements:
| Commodity | Price (USD) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil | 62.28 | -0.08 |
| Gold | 4,914.30 | +0.17 |
| Silver | 73.39 | -0.21 |
Currency Update
The USD/INR pair is trading at 90.61, up 0.01% from the previous close.
FII/DII Activity
Here's the latest data on Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DII) activity:
| Investor Type | Action | Amount (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| FII (17 Feb) | Net Buy | 995.21 |
| DII (17 Feb) | Net Buy | 187.04 |
Block Deals
Significant block deal reported:
| Company | Buyer | Seller | Shares | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stylam Industries | AICA KOGYO COMPANY LIMITED | Multiple Sellers | 2,901,962 | 2,250.00 |
Latest Update for Stylam Industries
- Japanese company Aica Kogyo Company Limited has acquired a 10% stake in Stylam Industries through an off-market transaction.
- Stylam Industries has announced board restructuring, including resignation of three directors and appointment of two new directors following the shareholders agreement with Aica Kogyo Company.
- The company reported Q3FY26 results with net profit increasing 54.4% to ₹46 crore and revenue growing 6.5% to ₹271 crore.
Key Corporate Actions
Several companies have announced dividends:
| Company | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Coal India | Interim Dividend | ₹5.50 per share |
| ONGC | Interim Dividend | ₹6.25 per share |
| Hindustan Aeronautics | Interim Dividend | ₹35.00 per share |
| Torrent Pharmaceuticals | Interim Dividend | ₹29.00 per share |
| Bharat Forge | Interim Dividend | ₹2.00 per share |
Investors should note the respective record dates for these corporate actions.
Conclusion
As the markets open, investors will likely monitor global cues, FII/DII activity, and corporate announcements. The mixed global sentiment and ongoing earnings season may contribute to volatility in today's trading session.
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