Finnovate Weekly Capsule (Feb 09–Feb 13, 2026)

Welcome to this week’s edition of Finnovate’s Weekly Capsule. From India’s new CPI series to FPI reversals, gold ETF euphoria, IT sector shocks, and global inflation data - here’s a crisp breakdown of what moved markets between Feb 09–Feb 13, 2026.

1. India CPI inflation jumps to 2.75% in January 2026 (new base year)

Impact Analysis

• This is the first inflation reading under the revised base year (shifted from 2012 to 2024).
• Food weight in the CPI basket was reduced by 911 bps, reflecting evolving household consumption trends.

2. Core inflation cools to 3.64% in Jan-26

Impact Analysis

• Base revision and lower gold weight contributed to moderation in core inflation.
• Food inflation turned positive at 2.13% after seven months in negative territory - signalling demand normalization.

3. FPIs turn net buyers at $2.3 billion in early Feb-26

Impact Analysis

• Flows driven by progressive Union Budget and Indo-US trade deal progress.
• Marks reversal after $3.95 billion selling in Jan-26 and $18.8 billion outflows in 2025.

4. Special FDI window allows up to 20% foreign stake in LIC

Impact Analysis

• LIC must increase public float from 3.5% to 10% by May 2027 as per SEBI norms.
• Higher FDI limit will attract global institutional investors in future stake sales.

5. India to diversify crude sourcing toward US and Venezuela

Impact Analysis

• Part of Indo-US trade alignment, though pricing and logistics remain critical.
• Russia’s share (35–40%) may decline despite Chennai–Vladivostok corridor investments.

6. US unemployment falls to 4.3%; payrolls beat estimates

Impact Analysis

• Non-farm payrolls rose by 130,000 - nearly double expectations.
• Strong jobs data and elevated PCE inflation reduce urgency for further Fed rate cuts.

7. Gold ETF inflows at ₹24,040 crore outpace equity flows

Impact Analysis

• Passive funds saw over ₹39,900 crore inflows in January 2026.
• Silver flows also surged beyond ₹9,400 crore - raising concerns of crowded trades.

8. IPO market struggles; mixed subscription response

Impact Analysis

• Fractal Analytics subscribed 4×, aided by QIB support.
• Aye Finance closed at 97% subscription with weak HNI and retail participation.

9. SIP data shows stability with improving quality

Impact Analysis

• Gross SIP flows steady at ₹31,002 crore (same as December).
• SIP stoppage ratio fell to 74.4%, while contributing folio ratio improved to 96.4%.

10. RBI to allow banks to lend to REITs from July 2026

Impact Analysis

• Loans capped at 49% of REIT asset value; applicable only to listed REITs.
• Removes anomaly since banks already lend to INVITs.

11. Airtel beats Jio in subscriber additions for Dec-25

Impact Analysis

• Airtel added 54.3 lakh users vs Jio’s 29.6 lakh.
• Jio still leads with 48.9 crore subscribers; Airtel close behind at 46.3 crore.

12. Government pushes OFS in PSUs with low public float

Impact Analysis

• Focus on raising float where below 25% and listing unlisted subsidiaries.
• Centre must retain 51% ownership, limiting divestment flexibility.

13. Record 26,631 company registrations in Dec-25

Impact Analysis

• 112% YoY surge in incorporations reflects entrepreneurial optimism.
• Of 30 lakh registered companies, only 66.5% remain active.

14. Data centre firms head to IPO market amid VC slowdown

Impact Analysis

• SIFY Infinit Spaces received SEBI nod for ₹3,700 crore IPO.
• Others in pipeline include Nxtra Data and Yotta Infrastructure.

15. Coal India Q3FY26 profit drops 15.8%

Impact Analysis

• Net profit at ₹7,157 crore amid 4.8% drop in sales.
• Volume decline and higher expenses impacted margins.

16. Passenger vehicle sales rise 12.6% in Jan-26

Impact Analysis

• Two-wheelers and three-wheelers saw 30% and 26% YoY growth respectively.
• GST cuts continue to support entry-level vehicle demand.

17. KLA Corp to set up $400 million R&D centre in Chennai

Impact Analysis

• 12-acre campus to serve as global semiconductor R&D hub.
• Strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem under global AI boom.

18. Russian oil imports to India fall; China absorbs surplus

Impact Analysis

• Imports down to 1.1 million bpd - lowest since 2022.
• Refineries reassessing sourcing amid tightening sanctions.

19. AI disruption erodes ₹4.53 trillion from IT market cap

Impact Analysis

• IT sector lost $50 billion in just 10 trading days.
• Advances in AI threaten traditional outsourcing business models.

20. US CPI inflation drops to 2.4% in Jan-26

Impact Analysis

• Price declines seen in used cars and insurance; airline fares rose.
• Lower inflation may revive discussion around gradual Fed easing.

21. Life insurers post 22% NBP growth in Jan-26

Impact Analysis

• Third straight month of 20%+ growth after GST removal on premiums.
• LIC led growth, with strong traction also from SBI Life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a registered advisor before making investment decisions.