AI Fears And Global Cues: What Could Shape Stock Market Next Week?

Indian stock markets closed the week on a sour note, with benchmark indices plunging sharply on Friday, February 13, amid mounting fears of artificial intelligence-driven disruptions and global uncertainties that soured investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex shed 1,048 points, or 1.25 percent, to settle at 82,626.76, while the NSE Nifty 50 tumbled 336 points, or 1.30 percent, ending at 25,471.10.

Early optimism in the trading week evaporated as heavy selling pressure in technology stocks pulled the indices lower, particularly in the final sessions. Market participants watched as initial gains were erased, leaving the benchmarks near their weekly lows.

“Markets ended the week lower, with benchmark indices declining around 1 per cent amid rising concerns over artificial intelligence-led disruption and a sharp sell-off in technology stocks. The tone was initially positive; however, a steep decline in the final two sessions wiped out earlier gains and pushed the indices into negative territory. As a result, the benchmark indices — Nifty and Sensex — settled near their weekly lows at 25,471.10 and 82,626.76, respectively,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Looking ahead to next week, easing tariff-related anxieties and a mixed domestic earnings season are expected to redirect focus toward global developments, according to market experts.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, anticipates a cautious tone as investors keep a close eye on global AI-driven disruptions and geopolitical risks.

“The overall sentiment is likely to remain cautious as investors monitor global AI-driven disruptions and geopolitical risks, while improved valuations and constructive GDP forecasts may help sustain FII inflows,” Nair noted. He highlighted that sectors like IT and metals continue to grapple with persistent structural and external headwinds.

Nair further suggested that market leadership could shift toward domestically oriented sectors such as banking, autos, and select consumption-driven segments. However, he cautioned that broader indices are likely to stay range-bound until clearer macroeconomic and policy signals emerge.