Market Overview The Indian equity benchmarks faced significant downward pressure in the latest sessions. The **Nifty 50** declined **288.35 points** or **1.12%** to settle at **25,424.65**. The **BSE Sensex** saw a sharper drop, plummeting **1,069 points** or **1.28%** to close at **82,226**. This volatility resulted in a loss of approximately **2.85 lakh crore** in investor wealth in a single day. A massive sell-off in information technology stocks was the primary driver of the decline. Market sentiment was dampened by global tech uncertainty, AI-led disruption fears, and potential U.S. tariff policy changes. Sector Performance The **Nifty IT** index hit a **30-month low**, with major heavyweights like **Tech Mahindra** and **HCL Tech** falling more than **5.8%**. **TCS** and **Infosys** also declined by approximately **3.5%**. In contrast, the **Nifty Bank** showed resilience earlier in the week, rising **1.64%** behind strong buying in state-owned lenders. **PSU Banks** added about **1.3%** in recent gains, outperforming the broader market. The **Energy** and **FMCG** sectors provided some cushioning. **NTPC** led gainers with a **2.4%** rise, while **Hindustan Unilever** and **Coal India** also traded in the green. Economic Indicators India’s **GDP growth** remains robust, with projections for **Q3 FY26** estimated at **8.1%**. This is supported by strong rural and urban consumption. The **First Advance Estimates** project a total growth of **7.4%** for the full fiscal year **2026**. A major revision of the GDP base year to **2022-23** is scheduled for release on **February 27, 2026**. **Headline inflation** has moderated significantly, averaging **1.7%** between April and December. The **RBI** has revised its inflation projection for **FY26** downward to **2.0%**. The **Indian Rupee** recently appreciated slightly to **90.66** against the US dollar, bolstered by foreign investment inflows despite equity market volatility. Top Brokerage Recommendations **UPL** **Elara Capital** maintains a **Buy** rating with a target price of **980**. With a current price of **676**, the brokerage anticipates a potential upside of **44%**. **IndusInd Bank** **Emkay Global** recommends a **Buy** with a target of **1,100**. At the current market price of **925**, this implies an **18%** upside potential. **PTC India** **Elara Securities** reiterates a **Buy** call. The target is set at **210** against a current price of **168**, suggesting a **25%** gain. **VIP Industries** A **Buy** rating is assigned by **Elara Securities** with a target of **430**. This reflects a potential **16%** increase from the current level of **368**. **Bharti Airtel** **Anand Rathi** identifies a buying range between **2,020 and 2,035**. The target is set at **2,100** with a stop loss maintained at **1,985**. **Coal India** Technical analysts suggest buying in the **415–425** zone. The stock has a target price of **470**, supported by strong confluence at the **200 DEMA**.