Stock Market Outlook: Will Markets Recover or Slide Further from Feb 16 to 20?

New Delhi: The week of 9 to 13 February 2026 was full of ups and downs for the Indian equity market. The market appeared to be under heavy pressure on the last trading day of the week. BSE Sensex fell 1,048.16 points or 1.25 percent to close at 82,626.76, while Nifty 50 fell 336.10 points or 1.30 percent to 25,471.10. Investor sentiment was affected due to weak global cues and selling in IT stocks. In such a situation, now the market's eyes are fixed on the trading week of 16 to 20 February.

What was the main reason for the weakness in the market last week?

Correction was seen in the market in the week ending 13 February 2026. The biggest reasons for this were global concerns regarding challenges related to artificial intelligence and weakness in the American Nasdaq Composite. These signals had a direct impact on the IT sector, where heavy selling was seen. Due to this, the market mood remained under pressure throughout the week.

Why did the market fall so big on Friday?

The decline intensified further on Friday. Sensex fell by more than 1,048 points, while Nifty slipped below the crucial level of 25,500. Sharp correction was also seen in mid-cap and small-cap stocks. There was a decline of about Rs 7.4 lakh crore in investors' wealth in a single session, which created an atmosphere of panic in the market.

Which levels will be important for Nifty next week?

Jigar S., Senior Manager, Equity Research, Anand Rathi Group. According to Patel, technically Nifty has failed to stand above the resistance of 26,000. Since then, there has been selling pressure on the index and currently it is trading around 25,500. In the coming week, the level of 25,400 will act as an important pivot for Nifty.

Is there a risk of further decline in Nifty?

If Nifty slips decisively below 25,400, it may see a gap-fill move towards 25,100. This level is currently considered a weak support zone. However, oversold conditions are visible on the hourly charts, which indicates that the correction may be reaching its mature stage and the selling pressure may gradually reduce from here.

Which level would be necessary to be crossed for an upward recovery?

According to experts, the range of 25,800 to 26,000 remains a strong intermediate resistance for Nifty. Unless the index manages to stay above this zone, it is considered difficult to return to a strong uptrend. Bullish momentum can be created again only when there is stability above this range.

How is the situation of Bank Nifty?

Talking about Bank Nifty, the index has filled the recently formed trade-deal gap and is now seen in consolidation around 60,000. The zone of 60,000 to 59,500 remains an important support for it. As long as this level continues, Bank Nifty may show an upward movement towards 61,500 to 62,000.

Is there a need to be cautious in the market right now?

Jigar S. Patel says that overall the market is currently in the corrective consolidation phase. The current structure points towards a mature correction rather than a fresh breakdown. In such a situation, investors and traders should adopt a selective strategy and keep a close eye on important support levels, because from here the next direction of the market can be decided.