Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the week lower, each falling more than 1%, dragged down by a sharp selloff in IT stocks that weighed on investor sentiment amid growing concerns over potential AI-driven disruptions. Stronger-than-expected US jobs data for January also reduced hopes of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.According to The Economic Times, here are seven factors that could influence market action in the coming week:Infosys, Wipro ADRs rebound: Friday’s session offered relief for IT giants Infosys and Wipro, whose ADRs had dropped up to 14.5% over two days. Bargain hunting at lower levels drove a sharp recovery, with Infosys rising 3% and Wipro gaining 4%, allowing both stocks to finish the week on a stronger note.US CPI data boosts rate cut expectations: Softer-than-expected US inflation lifted hopes of monetary easing. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% year-on-year, slightly below the 2.5% forecast in a Reuters poll. The moderation in inflation fueled market bets that the Federal Reserve could implement at least two rate cuts this year. A White House spokesperson responded positively, suggesting that the American economy could gain further momentum if the Fed lowers interest rates.FIIs and AI-led disruption fears: According to VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have remained net sellers this month, offloading Rs 1,374 crore so far. The trend was heavily influenced by a sharp selloff of Rs 7,395 crore on February 13, when the Nifty fell 336 points amid heavy IT stock losses triggered by the Anthropic-related shock.Vijayakumar noted that market sentiment has improved following a “fiscally prudent and growth-oriented” 2026 Budget and the India–US trade agreement, with large-cap valuations appearing “fair” given the improving corporate earnings outlook for FY27. He expects FIIs to return as buyers once volatility in the IT sector eases and added that any prolonged unwinding of the AI trade in the United States could further boost foreign flows into India, which he called a “non-AI market.“Rupee vs Dollar: The Indian rupee closed at Rs 90.64 per US dollar, largely unchanged from the previous close of Rs 90.59. A stronger dollar can weigh on equities by prompting foreign fund outflows from emerging markets like India toward safer US assets.“USD/INR remains in a short-term corrective consolidation after rejecting recent highs but continues to trade comfortably above rising channel support near 90.20–90.40. The 90.00 zone remains the structural pivot; as long as this base holds, the broader upward bias stays intact. A consolidation phase seems likely before a renewed move toward 91.80–92.50, which in turn supports domestic bullion pricing dynamics,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.Nifty shows weakness: The Nifty closed below 25,500, dropping amid IT stock losses. It is now near key support at 25,400–25,300 (200-DMA/EMA), with a deeper floor around 25,200–25,000. Immediate resistance is at 25,550–25,600, and a move above 25,700–25,800 could signal stabilization. As long as 25,300 holds, the broader uptrend remains intact, but a breach could trigger further downside.Options data indicate a bearish bias, with aggressive call writing at higher strikes and put buildup at lower levels. Near-term trading is expected between 25,200 and 25,700, favouring selective dip buying at strong support zones while tracking global cues.US GDP data next week: Investors will watch closely the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting and the US GDP data for Q4, due next week. These releases are expected to provide clearer signals on the Fed’s policy direction and near-term interest rate outlook. For Indian markets, global cues carry extra weight, particularly amid volatile FPI flows. Early inflow optimism was offset by sharp selling on the week’s final trading day during a global tech-led rout.Geopolitical tensions: Reuters reported that the American military is preparing for the possibility of “prolonged operations” against Iran if US President Donald Trump authorises military action against the Iranian regime, raising the risk of serious escalation. This comes as US and Iranian representatives recently met in Oman to revive talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme, following a build-up of American forces in the region. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed an additional aircraft carrier, thousands of troops, fighter jets, and guided-missile destroyers to the Middle East, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.

The railway ministry on Saturday launched a reform to improve cleanliness on long-distance trains by deploying tech-enabled professional teams onboard.Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said all coaches, including general class, will now be cleaned as and when required during the journey.Under the existing Clean Train Station scheme, trains are cleaned at designated stations en route. Under the new system, trained staff deployed onboard will carry out cleaning at hourly intervals or as required, he said.“This will be done by establishing clear responsibility and accountability for deployed service providers and engaging professional, self-disciplined and proactive teams that exceed customer expectations,” Vaishnaw told reporters.Monitoring, feedback and performance management will be conducted on a real-time basis with the help of technology, he added.The services will include cleaning of coaches, toilets and basins; garbage collection; attending to minor repairs; coordinating water refilling as required; and checking and reporting the status of safety equipment. Trained supervisors and service staff will carry out the work.“Frequency of cleaning will be regulated based on peak and non-peak hours, and war rooms will be created to monitor the cleaning process with the help of technology,” Vaishnaw said.According to the minister, 80 trains have been identified for implementation of the reform. Based on the experience, the system will be extended to other trains.In a separate reform, Vaishnaw announced that cargo-related facilities will be permitted on spare railway land to boost freight operations. Development of warehouses, grinding units, and processing and aggregation units will be allowed. Underutilised godowns will be developed as Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals and cargo facilities.Efforts will be made to facilitate easier migration of sidings and private freight terminals into Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals through a simplified process, he said. A framework for dispute prevention has also been outlined in the policy, with dispute resolution powers delegated to divisional railway managers.(With inputs from PTI)

Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah (R)

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday continued his attacks on the Centre over the India–US trade deal, reiterating his charge that the PM Modi-led government has “betrayed farmers” in the name of the agreement. He also posed some “straightforward questions” directly to the prime minister.However, Union home minister Amit Shah hit back at Rahul, accusing the Congress leader of “spreading lies” about India’s recent trade deals with the United States and the European Union.In a lengthy post on X, the former Congress president raised five questions addressed to PM Modi. He wrote:1. “What does importing DDG actually mean? Does it mean that Indian livestock will be fed distillers’ grain made from GM American maize? Won’t this effectively make our dairy products dependent on the American agricultural industry?”2. “If we allow imports of GM soya oil, what will happen to our soya farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and across the country? How will they cope with yet another price shock?”3. “When you say ‘additional products’, what exactly does that include? Is this a sign of future pressure to open up pulses and other crops to American imports over time?”4. “What does removing ‘non-trade barriers’ mean? Will there be pressure on India in future to loosen its stance on GM crops, weaken procurement, or reduce MSP and bonuses?”5. “Once this door is open, how will we stop it from opening wider every year? Will there be safeguards, or will more and more crops be gradually put on the table in every deal?”He added that farmers deserve clarity on these issues.Rahul ended his post by raising a broader concern about India’s sovereign decision-making in trade matters, saying: “This isn’t just about today. It’s about the future too – are we allowing another country to gain long-term control over India’s agricultural industry?”Meanwhile, Amit Shah, speaking at the launch event of Gujarat’s Central Bank Digital Currency, said: “He (Rahul Gandhi) is misleading people about the FTA with the European Union and the UK, and claiming that the trade agreement with the United States has harmed farmers’ interests. I want to challenge Rahul Gandhi: set up any platform, and the president of the BJP’s youth wing will come and debate with you on who has actually caused harm.”Dismissing the Congress leader’s criticism of the India–US trade pact as “laughable lies” aimed at misleading rural voters, Shah asserted that the agreements have been carefully structured to protect core agricultural interests while expanding India’s global trade footprint.He added: “Today, I have come to this platform to tell the farmers of the country that Rahul Gandhi is lying; he is misleading them. In the FTAs with the UK and the European Union, and the trade deal with the US, farmers have been fully protected by PM Modi. No one needs to worry.”

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) staged a sharp turnaround in early February, infusing Rs 19,675 crore into Indian equities in the first fortnight, buoyed by the US-India trade deal and easing global macroeconomic concerns.The inflows come after three consecutive months of significant outflows. FPIs had pulled out Rs 35,962 crore in January, Rs 22,611 crore in December, and Rs 3,765 crore in November, as per data from depositories.

2025 sees steep net outflows despite February buying

Despite the recent buying, overall foreign investor sentiment in 2025 has remained weak. FPIs have pulled out a net Rs 1.66 lakh crore ($18.9 billion) from Indian equities so far this year, marking one of the worst phases for foreign fund flows.The earlier selling was attributed to volatile currency movements, global trade tensions, concerns over potential US tariffs, and stretched equity valuations.As per the depository data, FPIs invested Rs 19,675 crore in February so far (till February 13).

Softer US inflation, stable domestic macros aid sentiment

According to news agency PTI, Himanshu Srivastava, principal manager–research at Morningstar Investment Research India, said the recent buying was supported by easing global macro concerns, particularly softer US inflation data.This, he noted, led to positive sentiment around the interest rate cycle, helping stabilise bond yields and the US dollar, thereby improving risk appetite toward emerging markets, including India.He added that steady domestic macroeconomic indicators, stable inflation, and broadly in-line corporate earnings reinforced confidence in India’s growth outlook.Echoing similar views, Vaqarjaved Khan, senior fundamental analyst at Angel One, said the inflows were triggered by the US-India trade deal, a supportive Union Budget 2026 with fiscal stimulus measures, easing global trade uncertainties, and stable domestic interest rates.

Selling pressure persists despite positive sessions

However, despite the positive headline inflow figure, FPIs have remained net sellers on a month-to-date basis.According to PTI, FPIs were net buyers on seven of the eleven trading sessions in February up to the 13th, turning sellers on only four occasions. Yet, data shows they have net sold equities worth Rs 1,374 crore so far this month.The overall figure was skewed by a sharp sell-off of Rs 7,395 crore on February 13, when the Nifty 50 declined by 336 points.The week also witnessed heavy selling in IT stocks amid the so-called “Anthropic shock”. VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments, said it is likely that FPIs aggressively offloaded IT stocks in the cash market, as the IT index plunged 8.2 per cent during the week ended February 13.

Ali Khamenei and Donald Trump (AP images)

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that Tehran is ready to consider compromises to reach a nuclear deal with the United States, provided Washington is willing to discuss lifting sanctions.Speaking in an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Takht-Ravanchi said that the responsibility now lay with Washington. “The ball is in America’s court to prove that they want to do a deal. If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement,” he said.His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts between the long-time adversaries. Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman earlier this month and are set to meet again in Geneva on Tuesday. Takht-Ravanchi described the initial discussions as “more or less in a positive direction but it is too early to judge.” US President Donald Trump has also characterised the talks as positive, though he has warned that failure to reach a deal could result in military strikes.At the centre of the dispute is Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran has enriched uranium to levels of up to 60%, close to weapons-grade, raising international concerns that it could move towards developing a nuclear weapon, an accusation Iran has consistently denied.The Iranian official highlighted Tehran’s flexibility, pointing to its offer to dilute highly enriched uranium as an example of willingness to compromise.“We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our programme if they are ready to talk about sanctions,” he said. He also said that it was “too early to say” whether Iran would agree to ship out its stockpile of more than 400kg of highly enriched uranium, as it did under the 2015 nuclear accord. That agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was signed between Iran and world powers but later abandoned by President Trump during his first term. The deal had eased sanctions in exchange for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. Russia, which previously accepted low-enriched uranium from Iran under the accord, has offered to do so again.Iran insists that any new negotiations must focus solely on the nuclear issue. “Our understanding is that they have come to the conclusion that if you want to have a deal you have to focus on the nuclear issue,” Takht-Ravanchi said. He stressed that zero enrichment was not acceptable to Tehran, calling it a red line and a violation of Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. “The issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore and as far as Iran is concerned, it is not on the table anymore,” he said, a position that contrasts with President Trump’s recent public remarks that “we don’t want any enrichment.”Takht-Ravanchi also reiterated that Iran would not discuss its ballistic missile programme, despite pressure from Washington and Israel. “When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue so how can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities,” he said.US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have maintained that Iran is responsible for delays in the protracted negotiations.President Donald Trump has expressed support for a deal but warned that achieving one is “very hard to do” and has threatened military action if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached. The US has also built up its military presence in the region, a move Takht-Ravanchi described as a “potentially traumatic scenario” that would harm all parties involved.The deputy foreign minister expressed concern over what he described as mixed messages from Washington, particularly references by President Trump to possible regime change. “We are hearing that they are interested in negotiations. They have said it publicly; they have said it in private conversations through Oman that they are interested to have these matters resolved peacefully,” he said.He added that such regime change rhetoric was not reflected in private messages conveyed via Oman’s foreign minister.Despite deep mistrust and lingering differences, Takht-Ravanchi said that Iran would approach the upcoming Geneva talks with cautious hope. “We will do our best but the other side also has to prove that they are also sincere,” he said.The second round of talks in Geneva is expected to include US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Omani representatives mediating the discussions. Regional powers, including Qatar, are also playing a role in facilitating the dialogue.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has witnessed its first major statement of intent as the West Indies dismantled Nepal in a Group C encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. In the 25th match of the tournament, the Caribbean side showcased a masterclass in disciplined bowling and clinical finishing, securing a 9-wicket victory that officially books their place in the Super 8 stage.

The atmosphere in Mumbai was electric as the start saw the Windies’ pace battery exploit the early moisture and bounce of the Wankhede deck. Nepal, hoping to play the role of giant-killers, found themselves suffocated by a professional West Indian outfit that left no room for error.

Jason holder rips through Nepal with a sensational spell at Wankhede

The narrative of the first innings was written almost entirely by the towering figure of Jason Holder. While Akeal Hosein provided the initial breakthrough by cleaning up Kushal Bhurtel in the very first over, it was Holder who broke the back of the Nepalese batting order. Utilizing his height to extract uncomfortable steep bounce, Holder finished with sensational figures of 4/27 in his four-over quota.

Nepal struggled to build any momentum, collapsing to a precarious 23/4 by the seventh over. Holder’s victims included the dangerous Aasif Sheikh and the set Dipendra Singh Airee, the latter being the only Nepalese batter to offer significant resistance. Airee’s gritty 58 off 47 balls (including three boundaries and two maximums) and a late unbeaten cameo from Sompal Kami (26 off 15) pushed the total to a respectable 133/8. However, against a powerhouse West Indian lineup, a target of 134 always felt sub-par on a ground known for its high-scoring nature.

Jason Holder comes up trumps with the ball in West Indies’ solid win over Nepal🙌

He wins @aramco POTM🏅

📝: https://t.co/CJzUhQjulG pic.twitter.com/uwf1RzDQri

— ICC (@ICC) February 15, 2026

Also WATCH: Dipendra Singh Airee anchors Nepal with a thrilling counterattack against West Indies at Wankhede

Dominant chase propels West Indies into the Super 8s of T20 World Cup 2026

If the first half of the match belonged to the bowlers, the second was a testament to the West Indies’ batting depth and composure. The chase began with a brief flourish from Brandon King, who struck 22 off 17 before falling to Nandan Yadav in the 6th over. From that point on, it was a one-sided affair as Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer orchestrated an unbeaten 91-run partnership.

Skipper Shai Hope led from the front, anchoring the innings with a sophisticated 61 off 44 balls, reaching his half-century with a mix of elegant drives and calculated aggression. At the other end, Shimron Hetmyer played the aggressor role to perfection, bludgeoning 46 off 32 balls to ensure the net run rate remained healthy.

Shai Hope played a captain’s knock for the Windies 🙂#cricket #WIvNEP #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Fj7aUM5O0p

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2026

The Windies reached the target of 134 with 28 balls to spare, finishing the game in just 15.2 overs. This victory not only cements their dominance in Group C but also sends a clear message to their upcoming Super 8 rivals. For Nepal, the match served as a harsh lesson in competing against elite Tier-1 nations, though the fight shown by Airee and Kami provided a silver lining to an otherwise tough day at the office.

West Indies thrash Nepal to enter the Super 8 🔥#cricket #WIvNEP #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/M1adP7c8Bt

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2026

Also READ: WI vs NEP, T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Romario Shepherd is not playing today’s match