Indian Stock Market Today: After 283-Point Sensex Rally, What It Means for Traders Now
Morning Market Outlook:
The Indian stock market extended its winning streak in the February 18 session, with the Sensex surging 283 points and the Nifty 50 closing at 25,819. Strong FII buying, attractive valuations, and falling crude oil prices supported the rally, and investors are now watching whether this momentum sustains in the next trading session.
Market Snapshot: Sensex & Nifty
The Indian stock market extended its winning streak for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, recovering strongly after a volatile trading session last week. The BSE Sensex rose by 283.29 points, or 0.34%, closing at 83,734.25, while the Nifty 50 climbed 3.95 points, or 0.37%, to 25,819.35. Investors cheered a combined net gain of ₹1.8 lakh crore across the exchanges.
A total of 4,383 shares changed hands on the BSE today. Out of these, 2,243 shares ended the day with gains, 1,952 shares fell, and 188 shares remained unchanged. Meanwhile, 112 stocks touched new 52-week highs, and 100 shares hit new 52-week lows.
Why the Indian Stock Market Rallied
The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp recovery from intraday lows on February 18. By 3 pm, the Sensex had climbed 585 points from its day’s low to 83,749.30, while the Nifty 50 was trading 183 points higher at 25,828.05. Analysts point to several key factors driving the market rally:
Return of FII Buying Boosts Confidence
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) returned as net buyers, investing ₹995 crore on February 17, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) added ₹187 crore to the market. After two consecutive sessions of selling, FIIs’ renewed buying coupled with DIIs’ fourth day of continuous purchases strengthened investor sentiment.
Value Buying Supports Momentum
Investors capitalized on the market’s recent dip, buying stocks at attractive valuations. This strategic value buying boosted market confidence, even after the slight halt in momentum following the India-US trade deal announcement. Over the last two sessions, the indices have shown steady improvement.
Falling Crude Oil Prices Lift Market Sentiment
Global crude oil prices softened, providing a positive backdrop for the Indian stock market. Lower oil prices reduce input costs for multiple sectors, easing inflationary pressure and encouraging further buying.
India VIX Decline Reduces Volatility
The India VIX, a measure of market volatility, fell by more than 3% to 12.28, indicating calmer trading conditions. Lower volatility reassures investors and encourages fresh purchases, adding fuel to the market rally.
Key Support & Resistance Levels
For traders, maintaining focus on crucial levels is essential. For the Nifty 50, 25,600 and 25,500 remain important support zones, while 25,800 serves as immediate resistance. For the Sensex, 83,000 and 82,700 act as support, with 83,700 as immediate resistance. Analysts suggest that as long as indices stay above these levels, bullish momentum in the Indian stock market could continue.
Top Gainers and Losers
Ahead of the Sensex weekly expiry, the Indian stock market closed in the green. Among individual stocks, ITC, Ola Electric, Netweb Technologies, and Vadilal recorded sharp fluctuations due to company-specific activities. Investors were particularly active in these shares, contributing to broader market gains.
Market Outlook
The Indian stock market’s strong comeback highlights the combined impact of institutional buying, attractive valuations, and supportive macroeconomic conditions. The market remains volatile, with stocks swinging sharply and gold and silver prices declining. Yet, investors continue to support the market, optimistic about building positive portfolios in the future. This reflects the strong spirit of Indian investors, who keep moving forward despite short-term losses, focused on long-term gains in the race to win. Analysts advise keeping an eye on crude oil trends, FII activity, and market volatility to determine future momentum. With key support levels holding firm, the market may continue its upward trajectory in the near term.
The Indian stock market has demonstrated strength despite recent volatility, driven by strategic value buying, falling crude prices, and institutional support. As the Sensex and Nifty navigate key technical levels, investors remain cautiously optimistic about sustained gains in the coming sessions.
What do you think — will the market continue its rally or is volatility about to return? Share your view in the comments
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from official sources before making any decisions. The website is not responsible for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information.
