India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $34.7 billion in January 2026, driven by a surge in imports and only a marginal uptick in exports, according to the data shared by the Commerce Ministry on Monday. The surge was a result of 19.2% year-on-year rise in imports to $71.24 billion, whereas exports rose modestly by 0.6% YoY to $36.5 billion.
The United States remains India’s top export destination, whereas China stays the top source of imports, the data showed. In the fiscal year so far, India shipped goods worth $72.46 billion to the US, higher by 6% as compared to $68.46 billion in the year-ago period.
India’s January trade deficit widens to $34.7 Billion, US stays top export destination- Daily Market Update 17th Feb 2026
Global Stock Market Today
- The US markets were shut on Monday on account of Presidents’ Day holiday.
- European equity markets, barring DAX, ended on a positive note.
- Asian equity markets are trading mix.
- GIFT Nifty is down by 70 points, Nifty futures likely to open around 25630 levels.
Benchmark Nifty index ended higher at 25683 spot levels after adding 212 points to its previous closing values.
Broader markets underperformed the benchmark as Mid and Small cap indices gained 0.48% & 0.11% respectively.
Majority of sectoral indices, tracked at NSE, ended in green. Amongst them, Nifty Realty, Nifty Bank were at the top of the tally, gained 1.59% & 1.27% respectively followed by Oil & Gas, Pharma and Healthcare index that gained around 1% each. On the other hand, Media index was down 0.87%.
Nifty index is trading in a “broadening formation” on daily charts and witnessed a relief rally from the downward sloping trendline of the said formation. Going ahead, a sustained trading above 25800 hold the key for further rise up to 26000-26050 spot levels. Conversely, a decisive fall below 25550 might drag it towards 25400 and lower levels in near term.
Derivatives Overview & Outlook
Yesterday, long buildup was seen in Banknifty futures with increase in open interest by 13.5% along with short covering among Nifty and Finnifty futures that shed around 3% and 8.5% of open interest respectively.
All of sectoral indices, barring Automobile and Chemical, settled on a positive note. Amongst them, Cement, Newage and Technology stocks witnessed maximum addition of long positions along with some short covering among Infrastructure and Telecom stocks.
On option front, put writing along with call unwinding was seen at multiple strikes. Maximum positions are at 26000 CE followed by 26500 CE and 25500 PE followed by 24500 PE.
Institutional Trading Activity
Yesterday, FIIs sold stocks worth Rs 972 Cr in the cash segment, bought index futures worth Rs 438 Cr also bought stocks futures worth Rs 35 Cr. DIIs were net buyers in the cash segment to the tune of Rs 1667 Cr.
Nifty Futures, Banknifty Futures and Finnifty Futures Key Levels
Nifty – Resistances 25850-25925; Supports 25600-25450
Banknifty – Resistances 61300-61500; Supports 60750-60500
Finnifty – Resistances 28400-28500; Supports -28200- 28100
F&O Security in Ban Today: SAMMAAN CAPITAL & SAIL.
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