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

Indian equities found their footing on Friday and closed in the green, a day after a bruising sell-off. The recovery came despite weak global cues and rising tensions between the US and Iran that kept most Asian markets under pressure. By the closing bell:

• The BSE Sensex settled at 82,814.71, up 316.57 points or 0.38%

• The Nifty 50 ended at 25,571.25, higher by 116.90 points or 0.46%

The tone was steady through the second half. Buyers stepped in at lower levels, especially in PSU banks and metal counters. The mood improved gradually as losses from the previous session were partly clawed back.

Broader Markets Paint Mixed Picture

The broader market seemed to send mixed signals as:

• Nifty MidCap 100 rose 0.48%

• Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 0.11%

Midcaps saw selective buying. Smallcaps remained patchy. This suggests investors are still cautious beyond frontline stocks. Meanwhile, the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies climbed to ₹467 lakh crores, up from ₹465 lakh crores in the previous session. That added ₹2 lakh crores to investor wealth in a single day.

Trader Mood At Close

The tone did not look euphoric. It was more of a controlled rebound. There was relief after Thursday’s sharp fall. But there was no rush to chase prices. Traders focused on pockets of value rather than broad-based buying. Global tension remained a watch point.

The late stability suggests the market may attempt consolidation around current levels. However, follow-through buying will be key next week.

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How Should Investors Read The Numbers?

Investors are likely to see Friday’s move as a steadying session rather than a clear breakout. A gain of around 0.4% in the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 after a sharp fall suggests that buyers are willing to step in at lower levels. The rise in overall market capitalisation, with nearly ₹2 lakh crores added in a day, shows confidence has not disappeared.

Also, the mixed trend in midcaps and smallcaps tells us risk appetite is still selective. This is not aggressive buying across the board. It is measured participation. Investors should treat this as a stabilisation phase. If gains continue with stronger breadth in the coming sessions, it could signal a firmer recovery. Until then, the numbers point to cautious optimism, not a full trend change.

Sources:

Business Standard

Livemint