Market Brief: Institutional Shifts in NSE Large-Caps Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) significantly adjusted their positions in December 2025, reducing stakes in nine high-profile NSE large-cap stocks. This move, characterized by profit-booking and tactical rebalancing, affected key industry leaders including Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Tata Motors, and the State Bank of India (SBI). Energy and Automotive Adjustments Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) witnessed a notable reduction in DII holdings, which dropped to **19.56%** by the end of December 2025 from **21.30%** in the previous quarter. Despite this institutional trimming, BPCL remains a favored value pick, trading near **₹380.60** as of February 18, 2026. The stock has maintained a strong one-year return of approximately **48%**, supported by a robust net profit of **₹7,188 crore** reported in the latest quarter. Tata Motors also saw a shift in its investor base. DII exposure in the automotive giant softened as the market navigated a transition in its passenger vehicle segment. By mid-February 2026, Tata Motors' share price consolidated around the **₹493** mark. While institutional activity showed signs of cooling, the stock remains a central focus for analysts, holding a **52-week high of ₹500**. Banking Sector Sentiment The State Bank of India (SBI) was another major target for institutional trimming during the December 2025 period. Domestic funds appeared to lock in gains following a period of sustained outperformance in the public sector banking space. Currently, SBI is trading at approximately **₹1,220**, reflecting a stable recovery trend despite the earlier reduction in domestic stakes. Broader Market Context The overall market sentiment in early 2026 has been defined by a "tug of war" between institutional players. While DIIs lightened their large-cap loads in late 2025, they have returned as net buyers in February 2026, injecting **₹1,667 crore** in single sessions to absorb Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) selling. This tactical rebalancing suggests that while DIIs reduced exposure to specific large-cap names in December, their broader commitment to Indian equities remains intact, supported by consistent SIP inflows. The Nifty 50 has recently tested the **25,600** level, with volatility remaining moderate as investors eye sector rotation into mid-caps and specialty chemicals.