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• US markets closed for Presidents Day; Dow futures lower
• GIFT Nifty indicates a weak opening near 88 points down
• FIIs sold Rs 972 crore in cash, DIIs bought Rs 1667 crore
• Nifty support at 25500, resistance at 25690 to 25900
• Bank Nifty shows bullish bias above 60600 support
The Market Set Up for 17 February 2026 suggests a cautious start for Indian equities. With US markets closed for Presidents Day and Dow futures trading lower, global cues remain slightly negative. GIFT Nifty is indicating a gap down opening of around 88 points, reflecting weak early sentiment.
Let us decode what the data, derivatives positioning, and technical levels are signaling for traders and long term investors.
Global markets often set the tone for domestic indices such as Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty.
On 17 February 2026:
• US markets were closed due to Presidents Day
• Dow futures traded lower by around 95 points
• Asian markets were mixed
• GIFT Nifty indicated a negative opening bias
When US markets are closed, liquidity remains thin globally. However, futures trading still influences risk sentiment. A negative Dow futures trend typically leads to cautious positioning in emerging markets like India.
For Indian traders, this means volatility during the first hour of trade could be higher than usual.
Institutional flows remain one of the most important drivers of short term market direction.
• FII: Sold Rs 972 crore
• DII: Bought Rs 1667 crore
• Net institutional flow: Positive Rs 695 crore
Despite FII selling pressure, strong DII buying absorbed supply. Domestic institutions such as mutual funds and insurance companies continue to support the market during dips. This pattern has been visible throughout recent months, especially when global funds reduce exposure.
Nifty PCR stands at 1.11 compared to 0.65 earlier, indicating increased put writing. India VIX at 13.33 shows volatility remains moderate.
Highest Open Interest for 17 February 2026 expiry:
• 26000 Call
• 25500 Put
Max Pain level stands at 25650.
FII index derivative data shows mixed positioning. There is addition in long futures and heavy activity in call and put segments. Such positioning often signals a range bound market rather than a strong trending day.
For traders, this suggests respecting key levels rather than chasing momentum.
Nifty bounced sharply from the confluence of 20 day moving average and 200 day moving average. Such a cluster often acts as a strong technical base.
• 25690 to 25770 zone
• 25900 as next hurdle
If Nifty sustains above 25770 with strong volumes, momentum traders may attempt 25900.
• 25500
A decisive break below 25500 could trigger profit booking towards lower levels. However, as long as this level holds, bulls retain short term control.
For swing traders, buying near support with defined stop losses remains a prudent strategy.
Bank Nifty continues to show relative strength compared to broader indices.
It has resumed bullish momentum after taking support near the 20 day moving average.
• 61000
• 61500
• 62000
• 60600
• 60000
The banking sector plays a critical role in Nifty’s overall direction because of its heavy weightage. Sustained buying in private and PSU banks could cushion declines in other sectors.
Short term traders should monitor intraday price action around key resistance and support zones. Option writers may prefer strikes near 26000 Call and 25500 Put based on open interest concentration.
Long term investors should not react to a single day’s Market Set Up. Instead, focus on:
• Corporate earnings trends
• Government capital expenditure
• RBI monetary policy stance
• Inflation and liquidity conditions
The Reserve Bank of India continues to balance inflation control with growth support. Stable interest rate expectations often provide comfort to equity markets.
Suppose Nifty opens weak but holds 25500 and gradually recovers. This would indicate strong dip buying by institutions. Traders who panic sell early may miss the recovery.
On the other hand, if 25500 breaks with high volumes, intraday short trades could play out effectively.
Market discipline is about reacting to price confirmation rather than predicting outcomes.
Markets are influenced by global cues, institutional flows, and derivative positioning. No indicator guarantees direction.
SEBI regulations mandate transparent disclosure of institutional data and derivative positions. Investors should rely on verified exchange data rather than social media speculation.
Using stop losses, proper position sizing, and diversification remains essential.
Navigating daily Market Set Up analysis requires timely research and execution support.
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GIFT Nifty is the offshore derivative of Nifty traded at GIFT City. It provides early indications of how Indian markets may open.
Foreign and domestic institutional investors trade in large volumes. Their buying or selling can influence short term price direction.
Max Pain is the strike price where option writers face the least loss at expiry. Markets often gravitate toward this level near expiry.
A VIX near 13 indicates moderate volatility. Extreme fear typically appears when VIX rises sharply above 20.
The Market Set Up for 17 February 2026 suggests a cautious start with clearly defined support and resistance levels. Institutional flows remain supportive despite FII selling, and technical structures indicate range bound trade unless key levels are breached.
Stay disciplined. Trade with data, not emotion.
With Swastika Investmart’s research driven insights and technology enabled platforms, you can approach the market with greater clarity and confidence.


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