Pre Market 23 February 2026: Sensex, Nifty Face Test As Geopolitical Risks Linger

Indian markets head into Monday's trading session with mixed signals. Last week ended on a positive note. However, the broader tone was cautious. On Friday:

• The Nifty 50 closed at 25,571.25, up 0.46%

• The BSE Sensex settled at 82,814.71, gaining 0.38%

Both stock indices managed modest gains. The bounce was largely tactical, driven by hopes of an earnings recovery and steady buying in banking names.

A Rough Week

Last week was not smooth. In the previous session before Friday’s recovery, markets had cracked sharply. The Sensex had fallen over 1,200 points, and the Nifty slipped below 25,500. That sharp sell-off is still fresh in traders’ minds. 12 of the 16 sectoral indices ended the week in the green. However, the broader market picture was mixed:

• Small-caps slipped 0.2%

• Mid-caps edged up 0.1%

• IT remained under pressure

• Metals, FMCG, PSU banks, auto, and pharma saw steady buying

Global Cues Remain Unsettled

Overseas signals are not fully supportive. Wall Street ended lower. All three major Wall Street indices ended in the red. Asian markets opened mixed. Japan’s Nikkei and Topix were down over 1%, while South Korea’s KOSPI showed some resilience.

Investor sentiment globally remains guarded due to rising tensions between the US and Iran. That risk has also pushed safe-haven assets higher. On the commodity side:

• MCX Gold opened 0.18% higher at ₹1,55,105 per 10 grams

• MCX Silver jumped 1.02% to ₹2,43,874 per kg

Sectors Likely To See Action

A few pockets may remain active in the upcoming session.

• Banking And PSU Banks

Banks have supported the indices throughout last week. PSU banks, in particular, have seen improved participation.

• Metals

Metal stocks outperformed last week. However, with global markets turning cautious, traders may turn selective. Watch for profit-booking at higher levels.

• FMCG And Pharma

Defensive sectors like FMCG and Pharma could stay in focus if global tensions continue to weigh on sentiment.

Also Read - Post Market 20 February 2026: Indian Markets Stabilise After Sharp Fall

What To Expect Today?

The next trading day may begin on a steady to slightly cautious note. Much will depend on how banks behave in early trade. If financials hold firm, Nifty could attempt to stabilise above 25,500 and move towards last week’s highs.

However, with geopolitical risks still in play and gold rising, traders may avoid aggressive bets. One can expect a range-bound session with stock-specific action. One can not rule out quick swings. Traders may prefer light positions and focus on sectors showing relative strength rather than chasing broad index moves.

Sources

Livemint

The Hindu Business Line