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* Nifty Next 50 saw a rise of 2.76% in February 2026

* Nifty Midcap 150 grew by 1.66%

* Nifty 500 saw a rise of 0.38%

* Nifty 50 saw a decline of 0.56% 

* Nifty Smallcap 250 saw a rise of 0.75%

* Nifty Microcap 250 saw a rise of 0.13%

According to Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund's Global Market snapshot report, Nifty Next 50 saw a rise of 2.76% in February 2026 and closed the year with a +22.16% gain. Midcap and Smallcap were positive for the month, up by around 1.66% and 0.75% respectively. The Nifty 50 declined by 0.56% over the last one month. The index declined 3.91% over three months, but grew 3.08% over six months, and 13.80% on a one-year basis. The Nifty Next 50 posted a monthly gain of 2.76%. The index recorded returns of 0.83% over three months, 6.03% over six months, and 22.16% over one year. The Nifty Midcap 150 rose 1.66% over the one-month period and over the last three months, six months, and one year, the index delivered returns of -2.45%, 5.29%, and 23.08%, respectively. The Nifty Smallcap 250 gained 0.75% over the month. The index saw a decline of 5.09% over three months, while returns stood at -3.79% over six months and 14.71% over the one-year period. The Nifty Microcap 250 gained 0.13% over the last one month and delivered returns of -7.86% over three months, -7.39% over six months, and 9.33% over one year. The Nifty 500 recorded a monthly gain of 0.38%, while posting a decline of 3.20% over the last three months. Over a longer horizon, the index delivered returns of 3.13% in the past six months and 16.53% over the past one year. Nifty 50 was down 0.56%, while Midcap and Smallcap gained 1.66% and 0.75%, respectively, reflecting a relatively resilient broader market. Large caps were mixed, with Nifty 50 declining 0.56%, while Nifty Next 50 gaining 2.76%. Broader markets stayed positive, as midcaps and smallcaps rose 1.66% and 0.75%, respectively.

Consumer Durables, Auto and Energy recorded relatively better performance rising 9.30%, 5.27% and 5.43% respectively in Feb 2026, while IT declined 19.54%, while IT saw a sharp correction. Strong domestic demand and margin tailwinds supported consumption themes, whereas IT weakness reflects global growth concerns
Metal and Defence also posted gains of 3.49% and modest losses of 0.70% respectively. Realty and FMCG remained subdued, slipping 0.31% and 0.14% over the month.

On a one-year basis, Defence has been the standout performer with returns of 58.36%, followed by Metals at 48.93% and Auto at 37.37%. Banks and Energy also delivered solid annual returns of 25.20% and 23.41% respectively. Healthcare added 17.23% over the year. On the other hand, IT stands out as the only major sector deeply in negative territory on a one-year basis at -17.99%, while Realty has also struggled, down 2.17% over the past year. FMCG has barely held on, delivering a modest 0.89% annual return.

Value continued its positive streak with a 5.9% gain, while Quality ended lower in February. Value has given a positive run of ~43% over the past year, while Momentum, Low Vol and Quality ended lower in January however they have been positive over the year.

Positive correction across sectors except IT, Telecom, and FMCG pulled the Nifty 500 back up.

Global Market Update

Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 declined by 2.32% & 0.87% respectively. Industrial supported gains, while weakness in the IT sector weighed on the overall performance of the S&P 500.

Emerging markets showed divergence – Taiwan & Korea gained on semiconductor and AI strength, while China lagged due to growth concerns. Meanwhile, developed markets outperformed the US, led by Japan and European indices.

Gold gained on safe-haven demand, while silver declined on weaker industrial demand expectations and higher volatility. Oil stayed firm on supply risks, and a softer US dollar supported overall commodity prices.

Crypto markets fell sharply, with Bitcoin and Ethereum declining as investors reduced risk exposure.

Silver declined 12.81% over the past month but gained 188.98% on a yearly basis. Gold, delivered positive returns of 4.83% in February and 84.24% over the past year. The US dollar fell 1.10% over the past month but grew 3.97% over the past year.

Quick Takes:

* Inflation in India rose to 2.75% in January, moving within the RBI's 2–4% target band for the first time since August, supporting policy stability.

* FIIs recorded net inflows of ?37,804 crore, including ?22,615 crore into equities, suggesting renewed confidence in India's macro stability and growth outlook.

* Domestic activity stayed resilient with Composite PMI at 59.3 and GST collections stood at ?1.83 lakh crores.

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