Post by : Anis Farhan

India Markets Set for Tentative Start as Major Stocks Come Into Spotlight

The Indian stock markets were poised to open on a cautious note on February 13, 2026, with key domestic and global cues leaning bearish, especially after recent volatility across major global indices and sell-offs in technology and cyclical sectors. Investors focussed their attention on a basket of large-cap and mid-cap stocks whose recent corporate results, earnings outlooks and market developments could influence trading action throughout the session.

According to market intelligence, futures in the GIFT Nifty were trading lower early in the day, implying a subdued start to trading, with the benchmark Nifty50 futures pointing toward a negative gap at the open. Such indications, in conjunction with continued pressures from international markets, set the tone for cautious trading sentiment among participants on Dalal Street.

In this extensive market outlook, we examine the stocks anticipated to garner heightened attention, delve into recent corporate performance data and contextualise how broader market trends are shaping investor expectations for Friday’s trading session.

Market Environment Heading into February 13

Macro Trends and Global Influence

The Indian markets’ mood on Friday was reflective of global trends that saw selling pressure in Western equity markets, particularly on technology and cyclical stocks. U.S. benchmarks had experienced notable declines in recent sessions, which reverberated into Asian markets and influenced domestic indices. This global risk-off sentiment was compounded by mixed foreign institutional investor (FII) flows and weak momentum at key support levels for the Nifty50 and Sensex indices.

In addition to external pressures, sectors such as information technology had been under stress due to concerns over profit margins and continued re-evaluation of growth prospects by global funds. Japanese, Chinese and other Asian markets also demonstrated softer trading patterns, further adding to cautious sentiment among Indian equity investors heading into the day.

Stocks to Watch on Dalal Street: Core Names in Focus

Coal India: Earnings and Dividend News

Coal India was among the key stocks investors were likely to watch closely on Friday. The state-run coal miner reported a year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit for the December quarter (Q3 FY26), with figures showing a notable drop compared with the previous year’s strong performance. Despite the decline, the company declared an interim dividend, highlighting management’s effort to balance shareholder returns with operational performance amid a challenging commodity cycle.

The stock’s performance could be influenced by broader energy sector sentiments, including coal demand trends, regulatory developments and its quarterly results, which could provide insights into future earnings trajectories and margin pressures. Volatility in commodity prices and domestic energy policies will also be factors for traders to monitor.

SpiceJet: Airline Sector Under Spotlight

SpiceJet remained on traders’ radar following its latest quarterly results that revealed a net loss in the December quarter, a sharp turnaround from profitability in the same period last fiscal year. This negative print drew attention to the airline’s financial health, pricing pressures, rising fuel costs and overall industry dynamics in aviation.

Given the ongoing sectoral challenges — including intense competition, cyclical demand and macro headwinds — SpiceJet’s stock could witness heightened volatility, particularly as analysts and investors digest the implications of its earnings swing and cash-flow scenario.

Biocon: A Standout Performer

In contrast to some peers, Biocon reported a significant uptick in profits on a year-on-year basis, with net earnings growing sharply for Q3 FY26. Such robust performance, driven by pharmaceutical segment strength and operational stability, positioned the company as a highlight among stocks to watch, potentially attracting interest from institutional and long-term investors.

Biocon’s outlook may hinge on product pipelines, regulatory approvals, export demand and competitive positioning in key markets. Investors will also be watching for commentary from management on future growth drivers and possible strategic initiatives in its core therapy areas.

Infosys: IT Sector Sensitivity Remains High

Infosys, one of India’s technology bellwethers, continued to be closely monitored by traders, especially in the context of the broader weakness seen in global tech stocks. The company’s announcements — including strategic collaborations — and ADR performance on overseas markets have been influences on investor sentiment at home.

The broader Indian IT index had been under pressure due to concerns over margin squeezes, AI-related competition dynamics and slowdown fears in key client markets, all of which could amplify volatility for Infosys’ stock throughout trading. Investors will be paying particular attention to commentary on future order pipelines, guidance, and offshore demand trends.

IRCTC: Consistent Growth Story

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) posted a year-on-year rise in net profit for the December quarter, reflecting steady demand in its core travel and catering segments. With digital ticketing and tourism-related operations forming a significant portion of its business, IRCTC’s robust performance caught investor notice ahead of trading on Friday.

Traders may focus on how sustained growth in travel activity — both leisure and pilgrimage routes — alongside new service offerings could support IRCTC’s medium-term earnings prospects.

Indraprastha Gas and Other Mid-Cap Focus Stocks

Indraprastha Gas, another stock in focus, reported a notable rise in net profit for Q3 FY26, signalling strong operational performance in the gas distribution segment. Earnings stability in energy utilities often provides defensive positioning during periods of broader market uncertainty, making such stocks watchworthy in the day’s trading.

Other names that made rounds in pre-market watchlists included Petronet LNG, Mishra Dhatu Nigam and a mix of mid-cap industrials that released corporate updates or saw analyst attention due to earnings developments. Traders and portfolio managers were expected to parse these announcements for insights on margins, cost structures and growth catalysts.

Earnings Season and Broader Sentiment Drivers

Impact of Quarterly Results

The ongoing December quarter earnings season remained a central theme for Indian markets, as companies across sectors — from energy and utilities to technology and consumer services — reported performance metrics for Q3 FY26. These financial disclosures offered real-time insights into corporate health, demand trends and profit margins, influencing stock-specific momentum and sectoral rotations.

Strong performance from select stocks provided positive signals on demand resilience, while underperformance in others highlighted sectoral headwinds, giving traders both opportunities and cautionary cues in shaping their trading strategies.

Volatility and Investor Psychology

Heightened volatility, particularly in sectors where ADRs of Indian companies trade globally, added an extra layer of complexity for domestic investors. The technology sector’s sensitivity to global macro trends underscored a broader risk-off stance, with flows reacting sharply to headline data from US markets, inflation prints and central bank commentary.

Amid such dynamics, risk appetite among traders was muted, with many adopting defensive positions or reallocating portfolios toward fundamentally stable stocks that offered earnings visibility or resilient growth profiles.

Trading Strategies and What Investors Should Watch

Support and Resistance Levels

Market participants typically watch key technical levels to gauge sentiment shifts. On days marked by weak macro cues and mixed earnings outcomes, benchmarks such as the Nifty50 may test important support zones, potentially triggering increased intraday volatility and stop-loss reactions.

News Flow and Corporate Guidance

Corporate guidance and news updates — including major contracts, expansions, regulatory developments and strategic partnerships — could shift sentiment during the session. For stocks like Infosys and Biocon, such announcements may either reinforce optimism or temper expectations, depending on forward guidance.

Investors may also observe how energy sector stocks react to macro data on commodity prices, policy changes and consumption patterns that influence earnings projections and investor confidence.

Conclusion: A Day of Active Monitoring on Dalal Street

On February 13, 2026, Indian equity markets were marked by a cautious trading environment, with several heavyweight stocks scheduled to be in focus due to earnings news, sectoral developments and lingering global pressures. From Coal India’s earnings slump to Biocon’s profit surge, and Infosys’ tech lens to IRCTC’s steady growth, each name offered distinct narratives for market participants to evaluate. Investors likely maintained a balanced approach, weighing short-term volatility risks against longer-term growth signals as trading progressed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments. Market conditions may change rapidly, and readers should conduct independent research or consult a financial adviser before making investment decisions.

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