Indian stock market today: Nifty ends at 25,682, Sensex jumps 650 pts. Banks rally, FIIs cautious. Full post-market analysis with gainers, losers, and outlook.
Market Overview
Indian equity markets staged a strong comeback on February 16, 2026, snapping a two-day losing streak. The Nifty 50 closed at 25,682.75, up 211.65 points (0.83%), while the Sensex surged 650.39 points (0.79%) to settle at 83,277.15. The rally was led by banking and financial stocks, supported by domestic buying and short-covering. Despite weak global cues and AI-related concerns in IT, investor sentiment improved in the second half. The rupee weakened slightly to ₹90.65/USD, while crude remained steady near $82/barrel.
Benchmark Index Moves
| Index | Closing Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 25,682.75 | +0.83% |
| Sensex | 83,277.15 | +0.79% |
| Bank Nifty | 45,210.30 | +1.25% |
| Nifty Midcap | 13,842.60 | +0.48% |
| Nifty Smallcap | 11,205.10 | +0.11% |
Top Gainers & Losers
Top 5 Gainers
- ICICI Bank (+3.2%) – Strong loan growth outlook
- Axis Bank (+2.8%) – Sector rotation, FII buying
- HDFC Ltd (+2.5%) – Housing demand optimism
- Tata Motors (+2.3%) – EV sales momentum
- Adani Ports (+2.1%) – Volume growth in cargo handling
Top 5 Losers
- Infosys (–1.9%) – AI disruption concerns
- Tech Mahindra (–1.6%) – Weak global IT sentiment
- Divi’s Labs (–1.4%) – Pharma under pressure
- Hero MotoCorp (–1.2%) – Mixed auto sales data
- LTIMindtree (–1.1%) – IT sector drag
Sector Performance
- Banking & Financials: Led the rally on short-covering and strong Q3 results.
- Auto: Mixed performance; EV optimism offset by weak two-wheeler demand.
- IT: Under pressure due to global AI disruption fears and cautious outlook.
- Pharma: Weak sentiment amid regulatory concerns.
- Metals: Flat; global demand outlook remains uncertain.
- PSUs: Selective buying seen in energy and infra names.
Global Market Snapshot
- US Markets: Dow and Nasdaq closed mixed amid Fed rate uncertainty.
- Europe: FTSE and DAX traded flat; inflation data awaited.
- Asia: Nikkei up, Hang Seng down; Chinese markets closed for Lunar New Year. Global cues remained muted, but India outperformed on domestic strength.
Latest Market News
- RBI may hold rates in upcoming policy meet
- Crude oil stable near $82/barrel
- Infosys faces AI disruption headwinds
- Block deal in Adani Enterprises worth ₹1,200 crore
- Rupee weakens to ₹90.65/USD
- FII net sellers for third straight session
Stocks in News
- ICICI Bank: Gains on strong credit growth guidance
- Infosys: Falls amid AI disruption fears
- Adani Enterprises: Block deal triggers volume spike
- Tata Motors: EV segment drives optimism
- HDFC Ltd: Housing demand outlook boosts sentiment
- Hero MotoCorp: Weak two-wheeler sales weigh on stock
- LTIMindtree: IT sector drag continues
FII DII Data
| Date | FII Flow (₹ Cr) | DII Flow (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 16 | –₹1,120 | +₹1,540 |
| Feb 15 | –₹980 | +₹1,210 |
| Feb 14 | –₹1,050 | +₹1,430 |
Trend: FIIs remain cautious; DIIs continue to support markets. Signal: Domestic sentiment bullish, but global caution persists.
India VIX & Volatility
- India VIX: 13.42 (–2.1%) Volatility cooled slightly, indicating reduced fear among traders. Short-term stability expected unless global shocks emerge.
Upcoming Events & IPO Watch
- RBI Policy Meet: Expected in early March
- Upcoming IPOs:
- GreenVolt Energy – ₹1,200 Cr issue next week
- Swasthya Biotech SME IPO – ₹45 Cr opens Feb 20
- Macro Data:
- Inflation print due next week
- GDP forecast revision expected
Technical Outlook
- Nifty Support: 25,450
- Resistance: 25,750
- Trend View: Bullish bias above 25,600; watch for consolidation near resistance.
Key Takeaways
- Nifty and Sensex rebound after two-day fall
- Banking stocks lead rally; IT under pressure
- FIIs cautious, DIIs supportive
- India VIX cools, signaling short-term stability
- Upcoming IPOs and RBI meet in focus
FAQs
Q1. Why did the market go up today?
Strong buying in banks and housing stocks led the rebound.
Q2. What is Nifty’s closing level today?
Nifty closed at 25,682.75, up 211.65 points.
Q3. Are FIIs buying or selling?
FIIs were net sellers today; DIIs were net buyers.
Q4. Which sectors performed best today?
Banking and auto outperformed; IT and pharma lagged.
Q5. What is India VIX today?
India VIX closed at 13.42, down 2.1%.
Q6. What is the outlook for Nifty tomorrow?
Bullish above 25,600; resistance near 25,750.
Q7. Any IPOs coming up?
Yes, GreenVolt Energy and Swasthya Biotech SME IPOs are scheduled.
Final Market Outlook
The Indian stock market showed resilience today, led by banking and housing stocks. While FIIs remain cautious, domestic investors continue to support the rally. Volatility is cooling, and technical indicators suggest a bullish bias above 25,600. Investors should stay selective, focus on quality stocks, and monitor global cues and upcoming macro data.
Disclaimer
This report is for educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Not SEBI registered.
