Last Updated on February 17, 2026 8:57 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / BIZ DESK
Indian equity benchmarks ended higher for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, supported by strong buying in banking, IT and capital goods counters, even as select heavyweight stocks witnessed profit booking.
The BSE Sensex rose 173.81 points or 0.21% to close at 83,450.96, while the NSE Nifty gained 42.65 points or 0.17% to settle at 25,725.40.
Market sentiment remained positive through the day, with the Sensex trading in a range of 83,598 (high) and 82,987.43 (low), reflecting steady participation from institutional investors.
Broader markets also remained firm, with the BSE Smallcap Select Index climbing 0.49%, while the Midcap Select Index advanced 0.26%, indicating improved risk appetite among investors.
Sector-Wise Market Performance
1. IT Sector: Tech Stocks Steal the Show
Information technology stocks emerged as the key drivers of the rally, with strong gains in frontline names such as Infosys, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra. Market analysts attributed the rise to renewed optimism over global tech demand and expectations of stable earnings growth in the coming quarters.
IT stocks witnessed sustained buying throughout the session, making the sector the top performer of the day.
Banking and Financials: Mixed Trend
Banking stocks showed mixed performance. State Bank of India (SBI) gained, helping support the indices, while private lenders like Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank ended in the red.
The banking sector reflected cautious investor sentiment, with traders selectively picking PSU banks while booking profits in private financial names.
Capital Goods and Infrastructure: L&T Boosts Momentum
The capital goods and infrastructure segment remained in focus, led by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) which closed among the top gainers. Investors continued to bet on strong government infrastructure spending and improving order inflows.
This sector remained a key pillar supporting overall market strength.
FMCG and Consumption: Weakness in Select Counters
Consumer and FMCG stocks remained under pressure, with Hindustan Unilever ending lower. However, ITC provided a strong positive push, emerging as one of the top gainers on the Sensex. This indicates that investors remain selective even within defensive sectors.
Metals: Profit Booking Hits Tata Steel
Metal stocks witnessed selling pressure, with Tata Steel among the major losers. Weak global cues and uncertainty over demand trends kept the sector subdued.
Auto and Mobility: Maruti Gains, M&M Slips
Auto shares delivered a mixed performance. Maruti Suzuki advanced, supported by positive outlook on passenger vehicle demand, while Mahindra & Mahindra ended lower amid profit booking.
Aviation stock IndiGo also posted gains, reflecting optimism in the travel and tourism demand outlook.
Pharma and Healthcare: Defensive Buying Supports Sector
Pharma stocks remained stable to positive, with Sun Pharmaceuticals gaining as investors continued to rotate towards defensive sectors amid global market uncertainty.
Top Gainers and Losers
Major Gainers
- ITC
- Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Infosys
- Asian Paints
- Titan
- Adani Ports
- HCL Technologies
- Sun Pharma
- Maruti Suzuki
- IndiGo
- SBI
- Tech Mahindra
Major Losers
- Tata Steel
- Reliance Industries
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- Bajaj Finserv
- Axis Bank
- Bharti Airtel
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Hindustan Unilever
- Trent
Broader Markets and Investor Mood
The continued rise in smallcap and midcap indices indicates that investor confidence remains strong beyond blue-chip stocks. Analysts said the market is currently witnessing sector rotation, with traders shifting focus towards IT and infrastructure plays.
Global Market Cues
Asian markets were largely quiet due to the Lunar New Year holidays, with trading closed in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. Japan’s Nikkei 225 ended 0.47% lower, providing limited cues for Indian markets.
Market Outlook
Market experts believe Indian equities may continue to trade with a positive bias in the near term, supported by strong domestic liquidity and sector-specific buying. However, volatility may persist due to global uncertainty and profit booking at higher levels.
For now, the Sensex and Nifty appear to be holding firm, with IT and capital goods stocks emerging as the key market leaders.