Last Updated on February 23, 2026 9:37 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / BIZ DESK
Domestic equity benchmarks closed higher on Monday, marking their second straight session of gains, supported by strong buying in PSU banks, auto and financial stocks. Improved global sentiment followed a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down sweeping reciprocal tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, easing concerns over global trade disruptions.
The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 479.95 points, or 0.58%, to settle at 83,294.66. The broader Nifty 50 advanced 141.75 points, or 0.55%, to close at 25,713.
Sector-Wise Performance
PSU Banks Shine:
The Nifty PSU Bank index outperformed, climbing 1.36%, driven by renewed buying interest in state-run lenders amid expectations of stable credit growth and improved asset quality. Strong participation was seen in banking heavyweights.
Financials & Private Banks:
Private lenders and financial majors also extended gains. Optimism around steady domestic liquidity and improving loan demand kept the sector buoyant.
Healthcare Gains Momentum:
The Nifty MidSmall Healthcare index rose 1.03%, as investors sought defensive bets amid lingering global trade uncertainties. Pharma stocks saw selective buying despite concerns that tariff-related tensions could affect exports.
Auto Sector Advances:
Auto stocks moved higher on expectations of resilient domestic demand and stable commodity prices. Select OEM and auto ancillary stocks witnessed accumulation.
IT Under Pressure:
The Nifty IT index emerged as the worst-performing sector, weighed down by fears that global trade uncertainties and potential slowdown in US tech spending may affect order flows. Export-oriented technology firms remained under selling pressure.
Chemicals & Metals Mixed:
The Nifty Chemicals index also ended lower, while metal stocks were largely subdued despite easing crude prices. Brent crude slipped 0.38% to $71.49 per barrel, offering limited relief to input-cost sensitive sectors.
Top Gainers on Sensex
Leading the rally was Adani Ports & SEZ, which surged 2.98%. Other major gainers included Kotak Mahindra Bank, UltraTech Cement, Power Grid Corporation of India, Hindustan Unilever, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, Titan Company, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro.
Major Losers
On the downside, IT and select consumption stocks dragged. Key laggards included Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Bajaj Finserv, ITC Limited, Tata Steel, and InterGlobe Aviation.
Broader Markets & Outlook
Broader markets ended mixed. The Nifty MidCap index declined 0.43%, while the NSE SmallCap index edged 0.29% higher, indicating selective buying in smaller counters.
Market analysts caution that although the US court ruling has lifted immediate trade tensions, uncertainties around tariff policies could still weigh on Indian export-driven sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and machinery.
Going forward, investors will closely track global macroeconomic cues, crude oil trends, and foreign institutional investor (FII) flows for further direction. For now, the undertone remains cautiously optimistic, supported by domestic fundamentals and easing global trade fears.