Market Overview: February 13, 2026 Global equity markets are facing a turbulent end to the week as a massive sell-off in the technology sector ripples across continents. Investor sentiment has been rattled by a combination of high-impact AI industry developments, shifting trade policies under the current U.S. administration, and fresh inflation data that complicates the outlook for interest rate cuts. Equity Indices and Tech Volatility The **Nasdaq Composite** suffered a sharp **2.03%** decline, closing at **22,597.15** points. This rout was mirrored in India, where the **BSE Sensex** plunged over **880 points** in early trade to reach **82,791.52**, while the **NSE Nifty 50** dropped below the critical **25,600** level. The primary catalyst is the "Anthropic shock"—a major disruption in the IT services landscape following new AI enterprise tools that automate complex legal and compliance tasks. Indian IT giants felt the brunt, with **Infosys** and **Wipro** seeing their American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) crash nearly **10%** overnight. Economic Indicators and Central Banks Refining the macro landscape, U.S. labor data remains resilient with **130,000** non-farm payrolls added in January and unemployment holding steady at **4.3%**. While this shows economic strength, it has dampened hopes for a near-term Fed rate cut. Markets currently price in a **92%** probability that the Fed will maintain rates at its next meeting. In India, January inflation figures landed at the upper end of the RBI’s **2%–4%** tolerance band. This data, combined with a **rupee** weakening against a strengthening **U.S. Dollar Index (96.93)**, has stalled expectations for domestic monetary easing. Commodities and Energy Precious metals are experiencing a "V-shaped" session. After a sharp crash where **Gold** fell below the **$5,000** mark to hit **$4,880**, bargain hunters have stepped in. Spot gold is currently rebounding toward **$4,960** per ounce. * **Gold (MCX):** Trading near **₹1,54,140** per 10 grams. * **Silver (MCX):** Trading near **₹2,43,260** per kg, recovering **2%** after recent volatility. * **Brent Crude:** Trading lower at **$67.41** per barrel, influenced by easing tensions and shifting U.S. energy policies. Sector Performance and Trade Despite the tech gloom, a rotation of capital is visible. **Banking** and **Consumer Finance** have shown resilience, with **Bajaj Finance** and **HDFC Bank** emerging as rare gainers in the current session. The global trade landscape is also adjusting to new U.S. tariff structures. Reports indicate that developed economies have gained a **2%** relative competitive advantage since 2024, while developing nations face a growing disadvantage of nearly **3 percentage points** due to shifting trade costs and the repeal of various climate-related emission standards.