Overview:

• BSE Sensex dropped 521 points to 81,727 while Nifty slipped 187 points to 25,308, reflecting broad market weakness.

• Investors lost over Rs 3 lakh crore in market wealth as total capitalisation fell below Rs. 465 lakh crore.

• IT stocks gained nearly 2.5%, with Infosys, HCL Tech, and Tech Mahindra leading gains despite overall market pressure.

521.28 points or 0.63% to 81,727.33. Meanwhile, Nifty 50 dipped 187.90 points or 0.74% to 25,308.65. Investors shed over Rs. 3 lakh crore in wealth. The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies dropped to below Rs. 465 lakh crore from Rs. 468.5 lakh crore in the previous session. Weak global cues, persistent FII outflows, a firmer dollar, and US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva all added to the cautious mood.

Here’s everything you need to know about the stock market today based on Moneycontrol Live Updates. 

IT Stocks Shine as All Other Sectors Bleed

Nifty IT index was up around 2.5% in the stock market today. Infosys share price led the gains, up 2.41% to Rs. 1,320.40. Meanwhile, HCL Technologies rose 1.48% to Rs. 1,393.80. Tech Mahindra added 1.79%, TCS gained 0.82%, LTIMindtree was up 2.29%, Persistent Systems climbed 1.39%, and MphasiS rose 2.24%.

The IT sector had been under heavy pressure through February. It fell nearly 20% amid concerns that AI-led disruption could harm traditional IT business models. The so-called Anthropic shock earlier in the month triggered a broad sell-off in the sector.

On the other hand, every other major index was in the red zone. Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services were both down nearly 1%. Nifty Realty index fell 1.5%, with Godrej Properties dropping 2.09% to Rs. 1,760.30. Anant Raj slipped 2.08% to Rs. 524.75.

BSE Auto index snapped its two-day winning streak. Maruti Suzuki fell 1.97% to Rs. 14,913.75. M&M shares were down 1.41% to Rs. 3,435. Bajaj Auto shed 1.26% to Rs. 9,981. FMCG stocks also fell, with Nestle down 2.44% and Marico decreased 1.99%.

Both the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices were down nearly 1% each. Among midcap losers, L&T Finance fell 3.9% to Rs. 288.20 and Bandhan Bank dropped 3.28% to Rs. 180. In the small-cap sector, CAMS dropped 3.82% to Rs. 681.55 and Angel One fell 3.73% to Rs. 237.30.

Top Gainers and Losers 

Here is a quick table showing the most active stocks, top gainers and losers on Nifty 50 according to Moneycontrol data.

Tejas Networks surged 15% to Rs. 427.85. The stock touched a 15-week high. Redington jumped 10.53% to Rs. 270.35, its highest level in 16 weeks. Vishal Mega Mart dropped 7.17% to Rs. 118.45. The decline came after its promoter sold a 6.5% stake through a Rs. 7,500 crore block deal. Dixon Technologies rose 4.04% to Rs. 10,525 and was among the most active stocks by value.

Share Market News: Key Updates

Gaudium IVF stock listed at a 5% premium over its IPO price on NSE. Fairfax Financial Holdings is reportedly the frontrunner to get a majority stake in IDBI Bank. This could be the largest-ever foreign investment in India's banking sector. Jio Financial Services infused Rs. 1,999.88 crore into its subsidiary Jio Credit to fund business operations.

Rupee, Gold and Crude: What the Numbers Say

Indian rupee fell 4 paise to 90.95 against the US dollar in early trade. Gold prices on the MCX climbed in early trade. MCX Gold April contracts rose by Rs. 500, or 0.30%, to Rs. 1,60,177 per 10 grams. MCX Silver March contracts jumped over Rs. 7,100, or 3%, to Rs. 2,66,800 per kg. Spot gold globally was steady at $5,187.39 per ounce. It found support from geopolitical uncertainty and softer dollar trends globally.

Crude oil eased in the stock market today. Brent crude was below $71 a barrel, while WTI was near $65. Brent seems to be headed for a decline of about 1.8% and WTI for around 2.2%, after the US and Iran agreed to continue nuclear talks in Vienna next week. Thus, easing fears of a Middle East supply shock.

Global Markets and NVIDIA's Impact on Sentiment

Wall Street closed mixed overnight. S&P 500 fell 37.27 points or 0.54% to 6,908.86. At the same time, Nasdaq Composite lost 273.69 points or 1.18% to 22,878.38. Dow was slightly up by 17.05 points to 49,499.20. Nasdaq is on course for its worst monthly drop since March 2025. NVIDIA, widely seen as the leader in AI, reported strong quarterly results. However, its stock fell over 5% as investors raised valuation concerns.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 was down 0.4% to 58,528.09. On the other hand, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.2% to 26,427.58, and Shanghai Composite was little changed at 4,146.82. MSCI Asia Pacific Index was on track for its best February, up 6.9% for the month. It was led by South Korea's Kospi, which gained about 20% in February alone.

Also Read: US Stock Market Today: Wall Street Slips as NVIDIA Earnings Fail to Calm AI Valuation Fears

Market Outlook 

Indian stock market today was in a consolidation phase with no clear directional triggers in sight. A sustained move above 25,650-25,800 on Nifty is needed to bring bulls back in control. Meanwhile, a break below 25,300 could open the door toward 25,000. Traders should stay selective and watch for outcomes from the OPEC supply meeting scheduled on March 1, 2026. The next round of US-Iran talks in Vienna, and the US January PPI data could also add to market volatility in the coming days.

Also Read: Costco vs Walmart Stock Analysis 2026: Which Should You Buy?

FAQs

1. Why is the stock market down today?

The stock market is down due to weak global cues, steady foreign investor outflows, and a stronger US dollar. Ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks have also created uncertainty in global markets. Many investors are cautious after recent volatility. As a result, broader indices like Sensex and Nifty fell sharply, while most sectors traded in the red.

2. How did Sensex and Nifty perform today?

BSE Sensex is down 521 points and is trading at 81,727. Meanwhile, Nifty 50 has fallen 187 points to 25,308. Both indices are under pressure due to selling in banking, auto, and FMCG stocks. The market is currently in a consolidation phase with no strong trigger for a sharp recovery.

3. Why are IT stocks rising?

IT stocks are rising after heavy selling earlier in February. Nifty IT index gained around 2.5%. Infosys rose 2.41%, HCL Tech gained 1.48%, and Tech Mahindra climbed 1.79%. Investors may be buying IT stocks at lower levels after a nearly 20% fall in the sector this month.

4. What are gold and crude oil prices today?

Gold prices are rising due to global uncertainty. MCX Gold April contracts increased by Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,60,177 per 10 grams. Silver also gained over 3%. Meanwhile, crude oil prices eased, with Brent trading below $71 per barrel and WTI near $65, as US-Iran talks reduced supply concerns.

5. What levels should traders watch for Nifty?

Traders should closely watch the 25,650-25,800 range on Nifty. A sustained move above this zone may bring back bullish momentum. On the downside, a break below 25,300 could push the index toward 25,000. Upcoming events like the OPEC meeting and US economic data may influence short-term direction.