Indian IPOs Slow in February; FPIs Inject Billions Amid Global Downturn

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AuthorVihaan Mehta|Published at:
Indian IPOs Slow in February; FPIs Inject Billions Amid Global Downturn
Overview

India's Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) slowed considerably in February, with 17 companies raising ₹4,650 crore. This was the second-lowest fundraising month for FY26, reflecting cautious investor sentiment due to market volatility, tariffs, and earnings concerns. The trend matched global markets. In contrast, foreign investors bought ₹22,615 crore of Indian stocks, marking a strong comeback.

February IPO Slowdown

India's Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) saw a notable slowdown in February, with just 17 companies launching their offerings. These companies collectively raised ₹4,650 crore. This figure represents the second-lowest fundraising amount for the fiscal year 2026, indicating a period of reduced activity in the primary market.

Market Jitters and Global Echoes

The subdued IPO performance reflected cautious investor sentiment. This was driven by a combination of factors, including volatility in the secondary market, concerns over US tariffs impacting trade, and pressure on corporate earnings. A weakening rupee also added to market uncertainty. These domestic trends mirrored a broader global market slowdown, which also saw a moderation in public issue activity during February. Despite this, India maintained a strong global standing, ranking third worldwide in the number of IPO issuances for the month.

Foreign Investors Return

Amidst the quiet primary market, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) made a significant comeback. After three months of outflows, they became net buyers in February, injecting ₹22,615 crore into Indian equities. This was their largest inflow in 17 months. SEBI attributed this reversal largely to an interim trade deal between India and the US, which substantially reduced export tariffs. Strong third-quarter corporate earnings and a growth-oriented Union Budget also boosted investor confidence and attracted foreign capital.

IPO Listing Performance

Companies that listed on the stock exchanges in February experienced moderate debut performances. Ten out of the 17 IPOs closed their first trading day at or above their issue price, suggesting a generally receptive, though not overly exuberant, market for new listings.

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