Indian stock market today: Nifty closes above 25,800, Sensex gains 283 pts. Metals, PSU banks shine; IT drags. Full post-market analysis with FII/DII data.
Market Overview
Indian equities extended their winning streak for the third consecutive session on February 18, 2026. The Nifty 50 closed at 25,819.35 (+0.37%), while the Sensex settled at 83,734.25 (+0.34%). Market sentiment remained bullish, supported by strong buying in metals, PSU banks, and FMCG stocks, even as IT lagged. Global cues were mixed, with Asian markets firm and US futures steady. A softer rupee and stable crude prices added to investor confidence, while earnings-driven momentum in select stocks kept traders engaged.
Benchmark Index Moves
| Index | Closing Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 25,819.35 | +0.37% |
| Sensex | 83,734.25 | +0.34% |
| Bank Nifty | 55,210.40 | +0.45% |
| Midcap Index | 12,845.10 | +0.50% |
| Smallcap Index | 14,230.75 | +0.52% |
Top Gainers & Losers
Top Gainers
- Tata Steel (+2%) – Strong global metal prices
- Kwality Wall’s (+5%) – Earnings beat expectations
- SBI (+1.8%) – PSU bank rally on credit growth optimism
- Hindustan Unilever (+1.5%) – FMCG demand resilience
- NTPC (+1.4%) – Power demand boost
Top Losers
- Infosys (-1.2%) – IT sector weakness, margin concerns
- Wipro (-1.1%) – Sector rotation away from IT
- Tech Mahindra (-1.0%) – Earnings visibility concerns
- HCL Tech (-0.9%) – Weak global IT spending outlook
- Persistent Systems (-0.8%) – Profit booking
Sector Performance
- Metals: Strong global commodity prices lifted Tata Steel, JSW Steel.
- PSU Banks: Credit growth optimism drove SBI, Bank of Baroda higher.
- FMCG: Demand resilience supported HUL, Nestle India.
- IT: Sector lagged due to weak earnings visibility and global tech slowdown.
- Pharma: Mild gains on defensive buying.
Global Market Snapshot
- US Markets: Dow futures steady, Nasdaq futures flat.
- Europe: Mixed trade, cautious ahead of ECB commentary.
- Asia: Nikkei and Hang Seng closed higher, supporting sentiment in India.
Latest Market News
- Tata Steel rallies on strong global metal prices.
- Kwality Wall’s surges 5% post earnings beat.
- RBI liquidity operations steady, rupee trades softer.
- Crude oil prices remain stable near $82/barrel.
- Block deals in PSU banks add momentum.
Stocks in News
- Tata Steel – Gains on commodity rally.
- Kwality Wall’s – Earnings surprise lifts stock.
- SBI – Credit growth optimism.
- Infosys – Weak IT outlook drags.
- NTPC – Power demand boost.
- HUL – FMCG resilience.
FII DII Data
- FII Net Buying: ₹1,245 crore
- DII Net Selling: ₹842 crore
- Last 3 sessions show consistent FII inflows, signaling bullish sentiment, while DIIs remain cautious.
India VIX & Volatility
- India VIX: 13.2 (-2.1%)
- Lower volatility indicates stable sentiment, supportive for traders.
Upcoming Events & IPO Watch
- Upcoming IPOs: Several SME IPOs lined up this week.
- RBI Events: Policy commentary expected next week.
- Macro Data: Inflation and GDP numbers due soon.
Technical Outlook
- Nifty Support: 25,650
- Resistance: 25,950
- Trend: Bullish bias with sector rotation; traders advised to stay stock-specific.
Key Takeaways
- Nifty, Sensex extend winning streak.
- Metals, PSU banks lead rally.
- IT remains weak.
- FII inflows continue, DIIs cautious.
- Volatility low, sentiment stable.
FAQs
- Why did the market go up today? – Broad-based buying in metals, PSU banks, FMCG.
- Why did IT stocks fall? – Weak earnings visibility and global slowdown.
- Are FIIs buying or selling? – FIIs net buyers, DIIs net sellers.
- What is Nifty’s closing today? – 25,819.35.
- What is Sensex today? – 83,734.25.
- Nifty outlook tomorrow? – Support at 25,650, resistance at 25,950.
- Which sectors are strong now? – Metals, PSU banks, FMCG.
Final Market Outlook
The Indian stock market closed higher for the third straight session, reflecting strong sectoral rotation into metals, PSU banks, and FMCG. With FIIs continuing to buy and volatility easing, the short-term trend remains constructive. However, IT weakness and global uncertainties warrant caution. Retail investors may adopt a selective approach, focusing on sectors with earnings visibility and strong fundamentals.
Disclaimer
This report is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. The author is not a SEBI-registered advisor. Investors should consult certified professionals before making financial decisions.
