Market Opening LIVE | Nifty Opens Below 25,400, Sensex Slips 150 Points; Adani Stocks, IT In Focus

CNBC-TV18
CNBC-TV18Feb 16, 2026

Why It Matters

The session signals heightened risk for tech stocks amid uncertain AI‑driven growth, while infrastructure firms with solid cash flows, like IRB, may become attractive alternatives for investors seeking stability and upside.

Key Takeaways

  • Nifty opened below 25,400, Sensex slipped 150 points.
  • IT and AI‑related stocks face momentum drawdown globally.
  • JP Morgan warns IT valuations lack sustainable earnings growth.
  • IRB Infrastructure targets zero net‑debt and 25% profit CAGR.
  • Foreign Institutional Investors may return as earnings improve.

Summary

The market opened modestly lower, with the Nifty slipping below the 25,400 mark and the Sensex shedding roughly 150 points. Early trading highlighted weakness in several mid‑cap names, while the broader sentiment was shaped by a global momentum drawdown affecting technology and AI‑linked equities.

Analysts, including JP Morgan’s Rajiv Batra, noted that the recent sell‑off in software and hyperscaler stocks reflects concerns over sustainable growth rates rather than pure valuation mispricing. Earnings season showed mixed results: large‑cap earnings held up, but IT sector earnings growth slowed to just 2% year‑on‑year, challenging the sector’s 19‑times earnings multiple.

Batra emphasized that investors should focus on growth fundamentals, warning that the IT sector’s current valuation may be a “valuation trap.” Meanwhile, IRB Infrastructure’s CEO outlined an ambitious five‑year plan targeting zero net‑debt, a 25% compound annual profit growth, and a shift toward high‑margin toll‑road assets, underscoring the firm’s confidence in infrastructure demand.

The combined narrative suggests a cautious outlook for equity markets, with potential upside if earnings momentum returns and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) re‑enter. Infrastructure plays like IRB could benefit from stable cash flows, while the IT sector may need clearer growth signals before regaining investor confidence.

Original Description

Market Opening | Wall Street ends Friday's trading session mixed. Muted trade in Asia as China celebrates Lunar New Year. The GIFT Nifty also indicates a muted start for Dalal Street today.
#marketopening #sensex #nifty #stockmarketupdates #sharemarkettoday #cnbctv18 #cnbctv18market #businessnews #businessnewstoday #businessnewsinenglish #sharemarkettoday
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