Markets likely to make positive start tracing other Asian markets

Indian equity markets are likely to witness positive start on Wednesday following strong cues from other Asian markets. Sustained foreign institutional buying may lend support to overall investors’ sentiments. On February 10, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing equities worth Rs 69.45 crore.

Some of the key factors to be watched:

Unemployment falls slightly to 6.7% in October-December quarter: Government survey released showed that the rate of unemployment among persons aged 15 years and above in cities declined marginally to 6.7 per cent in October-December 2025 from 6.9 per cent in the previous quarter.

India, EU truly mother of all deals brings together nearly one-fourth of global economy: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that the free trade agreement between India and the EU is 'truly a mother of all deals' as it brings together nearly one-fourth of the global economy.

India winds down Russian oil buys, ramps up US imports: United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said that India has already started winding down its purchases of Russian oil, and New Delhi is ramping back up buying energy from America and other sources.

RBI proposes to exempt non-deposit taking NBFCs from registration: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to exempt non-deposit-taking non-banking financial companies, with an asset size of less than Rs 1,000 crore, from registration and classify them as Type-I NBFCs with an aim to reduce compliance requirements.

Unclaimed bank deposits of Rs 72,454 crore lying with DEA Fund: Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said around Rs 72,454 crore unclaimed deposits of banks, including foreign lenders, are with the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by the RBI as of January 28, 2026. 

On the global front: The US markets ended mostly in red on Tuesday ahead of the release of the Labor Department's closely watched monthly jobs report due later in a day. Asian markets are trading in green on Wednesday with post-election optimism in Japan. Besides, China inflation data due later in a day. 

Back home, a gaining rally continued in Indian equity markets for the third straight session on Tuesday, driven by firm global cues and optimism over India-U.S. trade agreement. After a positive start, indices kept their heads in green till the end of the session, as a strong resurgence in FII inflows, coupled with rupee appreciation, bolstered the investor sentiment. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of Indian equities worth Rs 2,254.64 crore on February 9. Finally, the BSE Sensex rose 208.17 points or 0.25% to 84,273.92 and the CNX Nifty was up by 67.85 points or 0.26% to 25,935.15. 

Some of the important factors in trade:

Piyush Goyal calls export councils meet following US, EU trade developments: After India clinch deals with the United States (US) and European Union (EU) bloc, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a meeting with representatives of export promotion councils and industry associations on February 11. 

Higher budgetary allocation for school, higher education to facilitate expansion of infra: Credit rating agency, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) in its latest report has assessed the Union Budget 2026-27 as supportive of the education sector, citing increased budgetary allocation and policy measures focused on creativity, technology adoption and research in higher education. 

Steel stocks in watch: The government of India has taken a decisive step towards building a resilient and globally competitive speciality steel ecosystem with the launch of the third round of the PLI Scheme (PLI 1.2) for Speciality Steel, aimed at 8.7 million tonnes of capacity addition of the upgraded alloy steel.