Stocks To Watch

The Indian stock markets opened on a positive note on Monday, 23 February 2026, after the US Supreme Court’s verdict on broad-based tariffs. In early trade, the two major benchmark indices, the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) Sensex and the NSE (National Stock Exchange) Nifty, were trading higher by around 0.70% from their previous closes.

While the BSE Sensex traded 572.10 points (0.69%) higher at 83,386.81, the NSE Nifty advanced 190.65 points (0.75%) to trade at 25,761.90. Amid this backdrop, the stocks that are likely to remain in focus on Monday include:

• IDFC First Bank

• State Bank of India

• ICICI Bank

• Highway Infrastructure

• UPL

• Bharti Airtel

• Vedanta

• Cipla

• NHPC

• Vikram Solar

Strong Global Cues Amid The US Supreme Court’s Decision

Most global markets reacted positively to the US Supreme Court’s verdict that termed broad-based tariffs imposed by President Trump illegal. At 7:30 AM on Monday, Gift Nifty Futures were trading 154 points higher at 25,739.

South Korea’s market index “KOSPI” climbed for the third consecutive session, gaining 1.7% to rise to a record high. The Wall Street benchmarks also ended in green, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.47% and the NASDAQ gaining 0.9%. The industrial average for the Dow Jones rose to 0.69%.

Indian Stocks To Watch Out For

Amid positive global developments, several Indian stocks are grabbing headlines on Monday, 23 February 2026. These include:

• IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank is among several banking stocks that are in the news on Monday. The bank has initiated an investigation after several of its employees at a Chandigarh branch were found to be involved in a fraud worth ₹590 crores. The accounts from which the fraudulent transactions were reported are linked to the Haryana Government. Following this news, the IDFC First Bank share price plummeted by more than 15% to an intraday low of ₹66.80 per share.

• State Bank of India

The State Bank of India is another banking stock in the news on Monday. The bank has revised its target for green lending to 7.5% to 10% by 2030. Around one-fourth of these loans will be financed through dedicated green channels of credit. The SBI shares reported a gap-up opening at ₹1,218.10 per share.

• ICICI Bank

The private bank has received an appellate order from the Maharashtra Government’s GST (Goods and Services Tax) Department. The order instructs the bank to pay an earlier tax demand of ₹50.38 crore along with accrued penalties and interest. ICICI Bank shares opened 0.40% higher at ₹1,400.90.

• Highway Infrastructure

The construction and infrastructure-development company has secured a contract agreement worth ₹154.59 crore from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The contract allows the company to operate and collect user fees at the Naroli Toll Plaza in Gujarat.

• UPL

The company’s Board has approved a group reorganisation plan through a composite scheme of arrangement. The objective is to unlock value for the shareholders through an independent crop protection platform.

• Bharti Airtel

The telecommunication company announced the launch of the AI and Cyber Threat Research Centre in partnership with Zscaler Inc, an American company. The research centre will work to accelerate AI adoption in India, along with protecting sectors, industries, and assets.

• Vedanta

The company has announced a Board Meeting scheduled for 25 February 2026. The agenda is the issuance of fresh Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) for raising funds.

• Cipla

The pharma company has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) regarding an inspection at a manufacturing facility in Rodopi, Greece. Additionally, the largest public insurance company, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), has increased its stake in Cipla by 2.036%.

• NHPC

The state-owned hydropower company plans to implement two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The projects are planned in Uri and Dulhasti with a combined budget of ₹5,703 crore.

• Vikram Solar

The solar module manufacturing company has entered into a domestic procurement deal with Jupiter International to source high-efficiency solar cells. The deal is valued at ₹2,000 crore.

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Investor Takeaway

Following the US Supreme Court’s order, the markets have somewhat recovered from recent slumps. However, after President Trump’s announcement of an increase in the global tariff rate, the markets may remain uncertain in the upcoming days. Investors are advised to proceed with caution.

Sources:

Livemint

Moneycontrol

NDTV Profit

Business Standard

The Hindu