The Indian equity markets are entering the mid-week trading session on February 18, 2026, with a cautiously optimistic undertone. Following a two-day winning streak, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 are expected to see a flat-to-positive opening, guided by mixed global cues and a significant shift in institutional flow. While the GIFT Nifty traded around the 25,762 mark—indicating a modest premium of 23 points—early morning volatility suggests a tug-of-war between bulls and bears at key resistance levels.
Domestic sentiment received a boost as Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) flipped back to net buyers on Tuesday, injecting ₹995.21 crore into the cash market. This was complemented by Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), who remained buyers to the tune of ₹187.04 crore. However, with major Asian markets like China, Hong Kong, and South Korea closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, trading volumes may remain thin, leading to sharper price movements in specific pockets.
The Nifty 50 has successfully reclaimed its short-term moving averages, but analysts warn that a breakout is required to sustain the momentum.
- Nifty 50 Support: Immediate support is placed at 25,600–25,550. A breach below 25,450 could invite profit-booking toward the 25,000 mark.
- Nifty 50 Resistance: The index faces a stiff hurdle at 25,780–25,800. A decisive move above this could open the doors for 26,000.
- Bank Nifty: The banking index shows relative strength with support at 60,800. Resistance is seen at 61,300, with a potential extension toward 61,800.
Wall Street provided a muted handover, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closing marginally higher (between 0.07% and 0.14%). The focus remains on the upcoming US Fed minutes, which will dictate the trajectory of interest rates.
In the commodities market, Brent crude has slipped to a two-week low near $67 per barrel following progress in US-Iran diplomatic talks. Lower oil prices are historically a massive positive for India, providing relief to sectors like Aviation, Paints, and FMCG, while potentially weighing on upstream producers like ONGC.
Several blue-chip and mid-cap companies are in the spotlight due to strategic developments:
- Infosys: Shares are in focus after the launch of its “AI First Value Framework,” targeting a $300–400 billion market opportunity.
- BHEL: The PSU giant secured a power plant project from SAIL worth between ₹1,200 crore and ₹1,500 crore.
- Eternal (formerly Zomato): Watching closely after expanding its strategic partnership with OpenAI to enhance Zomato and Blinkit platforms.
- Dabur India: Tracking leadership changes with Herjit S. Bhalla appointed as CEO of the India Business.
- Maruti Suzuki: Market reacting to the formal launch of its first electric SUV, the eVitara, and the commencement of exports.
Key Highlights:
- Positive Start Indicated: The GIFT Nifty suggests a mildly positive opening for the Sensex and Nifty 50, supported by FIIs turning net buyers.
- Key Levels: Nifty faces resistance at 25,800, while 25,600 remains a crucial support level to maintain the current bullish bias.
- Crude Oil Relief: Brent crude falling to $67/barrel provides a tailwind for Indian FMCG and paint companies, easing inflation concerns.
- Stock Specific Action: BHEL, Infosys, and Maruti Suzuki are expected to lead market movement following major project wins and product launches.