The Indian markets are expected to open lower tracking weak Asian markets, while investors will keep a close eye on Railways stocks which will remain in focus ahead of the Railway Budget 2013. The Railway Budget is generally viewed as a precursor to the Union Budget 2013-14, due later this week. Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will announce Railway Budget on Tuesday, February 26. The Nifty index underperformed the major global indices and ended a choppy session on a flat-to-positive note on Monday.
On Friday, US Stocks ended lower after a political backlash in Europe triggered worries that the region's debt problems could once again destabilize the global economy.
Asian shares edged lower taking cues from fall in global markets as no party has won a Senate majority in Italy's elections, extending fears of a resurgent euro zone debt crisis.