TLDR
Market Recap: February 12, 2026
On February 12, Indian equities snapped their recent strength as a sharp IT selloff and higher global rate jitters dragged benchmarks lower, even as today’s first CPI print under the new base year kept the domestic macro backdrop supportive. The Sensex closed at 83,674.92, down 558.72 points (-0.66%), while the Nifty 50 ended at 25,807.20, down 146.65 points (-0.57%). Broader markets softened with Nifty Midcap 100 down 0.47% and Nifty Smallcap 100 down 0.64%, while India VIX rose to 11.73 (+1.56%), signalling a modest pickup in near term risk pricing.
Key Drivers :
AI anxiety repriced IT cash flows: Nifty IT slid sharply as investors discounted faster automation risk and weaker near-term demand visibility tied to US rates and growth expectations.
Macro stayed benign, but not enough to offset sector damage: The first CPI read under the new series printed low enough to keep policy comfort intact, yet risk appetite stayed fragile.
Positioning turned defensive on expiry: Weekly expiry saw rotation into select financials and autos while high beta tech bore the brunt, keeping breadth negative into the close.
Today’s Top Stories:
IT Majors Slide on AI Disruption Fears: Large-cap IT stocks dragged the index lower as investors repriced automation risks in labor-heavy models.
NSE Appoints Rothschild for IPO Oversight: Rothschild joins as an independent advisor, ensuring tighter governance and structure ahead of NSE’s complex listing.
HUL Profit Dips; Acquires Full Stake in OZiva: Margin pressure pulled profit and stock lower, even as HUL doubled down on health and wellness bets.
Tech Mahindra Falls 6% Amid AI Repricing: The stock tumbled as investors trimmed exposure to firms most exposed to structural AI disruption.
Bajaj Finance Outperforms in Risk-Off Trade: Shares rose against the market trend, reflecting a flight to quality within the financial sector.
Market Snapshot
CNBC
Nifty 50 Index Heatmap
Trading View
Top Gainers & Losers
Trading View
TOP STORIES
1. IT Rout Deepens as AI Reset Trade Accelerates
Gemini
Sector damage: Nifty IT plunged 5.5%, leading benchmark losses amid aggressive institutional selling.
Structural fear: Investors repriced labour-heavy outsourcing models amid accelerating AI automation risk.
Index impact: Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, and HCL Tech dragged Nifty lower.
IT stocks cracked on AI disruption fears. What’s your stance on the IT reset?
2. NSE Hires Rothschild, IPO Machinery Turns Formal
Gemini
Advisory move: NSE appointed Rothschild as an independent advisor for its long-awaited IPO process.
Governance signal: Structured oversight aims to reduce execution risk and regulatory friction.
Capital markets read-through: Sentiment positive for brokers and the exchange ecosystem.
NSE formalized IPO prep with Rothschild. Your read on the listing timeline?
3. HUL Profit Slips 15%, OZiva Buyout Signals Shift
Gemini
Earnings miss: Profit fell 15% as price cuts and cost pressures compressed margins.
Strategic pivot: HUL moved to fully acquire OZiva, doubling down on health and wellness.
Street reaction: Stock declined sharply as margin concerns overshadowed the growth narrative.
$HINDUNILVR.NSE ( ▼ 4.24% )
HUL profit fell 15% but OZiva buy signals premium pivot. Your take?
4. Tech Mahindra Slides 6%, Among Top Nifty Losers
Gemini
Price action: Shares dropped nearly 6% during a heavy IT selloff.
Narrative shift: Markets questioned deal visibility and pricing resilience in the AI transition.
Relative underperformance: Stock lagged both Nifty and broader tech peers.
Tech Mahindra fell 6% in IT selloff. Your view?
5. Bajaj Finance Defies Tape, Gains 3% in Weak Market
Gemini
Outperformance: Stock rose 3% despite broader market weakness.
Defensive rotation: Investors preferred retail credit compounders amid tech volatility.
Signal: Quality financials attracted incremental flows on risk off day.
Bajaj Finance rose in a weak tape. What does this signal?
GYAANI HOT TAKES
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