Pre Market 18 February 2026: Sensex, Nifty Aim To Extend Two-Day Rally

Indian equities head into the next session with some quiet momentum on their side. The benchmarks have now closed higher for two straight days, even as global cues remained muted.

On Tuesday, the Sensex added 173.81 points to finish at 83,450.96. The index swung in a wide range during the day but held on to gains. The Nifty 50 settled at 25,725.40, up 42.65 points. The tone was steady rather than aggressive. Buyers showed up on declines, especially in select large-cap names.

Broader Markets Also Stayed Firm

Broader markets also stayed firm. Midcaps and smallcaps edged higher, suggesting risk appetite hasn’t faded. Participation was selective but consistent. Public sector banks and IT stocks did most of the heavy lifting. The Nifty PSU Bank index jumped over 2%.

IT shares also saw renewed interest after months of pressure. Metal stocks, however, remained under strain. Asian cues were mixed. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index ended 0.47% lower, while several Asian markets remained shut for holidays. That left domestic factors in sharper focus.

What Could Move Markets Today?

With no strong global triggers overnight, traders are likely to look at internal cues and stock-specific developments. Here are a few things that could be on the radar today:

• Follow-through buying in PSU banks after Tuesday’s sharp move

• If IT stocks extend their rebound or face profit booking

• Commodity price trends, which could influence metal shares

• Institutional flows and derivative positioning ahead of weekly expiry

Analysts feel IT stocks may be nearing fair value after nearly ₹5 trillion was erased from their combined market cap this year. The recent correction has sparked talk of undervaluation. That theme could attract fresh buyers if momentum sustains.

Also, PSU lenders have shown relative strength. If private banks join the rally, Bank Nifty could see sharper moves.

Sentiment Check

The mood feels cautiously optimistic. There seems no rush to chase highs. At the same time, dips are being bought. That usually signals a market trying to build a base rather than break out sharply. Traders appear willing to deploy capital, but selectively.

Read More - Post Market 17 February 2026: Sensex

What To Expect Today?

The setup points to a steady start. This of course if global cues do not surprise overnight. Indices may attempt to extend gains, but resistance levels are near. One can expect stock-specific action rather than a broad surge.

If PSU banks and IT continue to support the market, benchmarks could reach higher levels. However, if banking stocks cool off, the rally may pause. Traders can expect a range-bound but slightly positive opening bias. Buy-on-dips may continue. However, sharp breakouts are unlikely to happen unless fresh triggers emerge.

Sources:

Business Standard

The Hindu Business Line