Indian Stock Market Today: Nifty Closing, Post Stock Market Review 18-2-2026
Post Market Pulse: The indian stock market today đź“Š
Date: February 18, 2026
The Nifty 50 extended its winning streak for a third consecutive session, as the market successfully absorbed initial volatility to settle above the key 25,800 psychological mark. Despite a mixed opening influenced by global uncertainties, aggressive buying in Metals, PSU Banks, and FMCG heavyweights steered the index into the green. The day's price action signals a transition from a "buy-on-dips" mentality to a more confident structural recovery, as institutional accumulation offset the relative weakness observed in the IT sector.
Index Performance Snapshot
Nifty 50
25,819.35 | +93.95 (+0.37%)
Intraday Analysis: The index witnessed a volatile start, hitting an intraday low near the 25,640 level shortly after the open. However, the tide turned by midday, with the index witnessing a steady climb to an intraday high of 25,819.35. A strong closing near the day's high indicates robust bullish momentum heading into the next session.
Top Gainers (Nifty 50)
Top Losers (Nifty 50)
F&O Corner
OI Analysis
Near Resistance: 26,000 The 26,000 strike has emerged as a significant hurdle for the bulls, with substantial Call OI concentration visible on the charts. Total Call OI for the session stands at 11.67 Cr.
Near Support: 25,700 The 25,700 strike has become the immediate battleground and strongest base. Total Put OI for the session stands at 11.69 Cr.
PCR Analysis: 1.15 The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) stands at 1.15, reflecting a healthy bullish sentiment. The fact that Put OI outweighs Call OI suggests that traders are writing puts, expecting the support levels to hold.
Max Pain
The Max Pain Strike is currently pegged at 25,750.00. With the market closing at 25,819, the index is positioned slightly above the zone where option writers stand to lose the least, though it remains within a relatively efficient alignment for the current expiry setup.
India VIX
Current Level: 12.22 | -0.45 (-3.55%)
Interpretation: The "Fear Gauge" cooled off significantly today, dropping over 3%. This sharp contraction in volatility suggests that the recent market anxiety is evaporating, paving the way for a more stable and less erratic upward trajectory.
Major Market Drivers
Metal & FMCG Momentum: A strong rally in Tata Steel and defensive buying in ITC provided the heavy lifting for the index. The rotation into metals suggests improving global sentiment regarding commodity demand.
Banking Support: Axis Bank provided critical support from the financial space, helping the Nifty overcome the drag from the underperforming IT sector.
IT Sector Pressure: Heavyweights like Wipro and Tech Mahindra remained the primary laggards, acting as a ceiling on the index’s gains as investors rotated capital into high-beta sectors.
Indian Stock Market Today – Technical Summary
Final Outlook – Indian Stock Market Today
The Indian stock market today reflects strengthening momentum as the index sustains above the 25,800 psychological mark. A bullish PCR reading (1.15) combined with falling volatility indicates growing confidence among derivatives traders.
However, the 26,000 level remains the decisive breakout barrier. A sustained move above 26,000 could trigger fresh upside expansion, while failure to hold 25,700 may lead to short-term consolidation.
FAQs
1. How did the Indian stock market today perform?
The Nifty 50 gained 0.37% to close at 25,819.35, marking its third consecutive session of gains.
2. What sectors supported the Indian stock market today?
Metals, FMCG, and Banking stocks provided strong support, offsetting weakness in IT.
3. What does a PCR of 1.15 indicate?
A PCR above 1 suggests bullish sentiment, with put writers expecting key support levels to hold.
4. Is volatility decreasing in the Indian stock market today?
Yes, India VIX fell by over 3%, indicating easing market anxiety.
5. What level should traders watch next?
The key resistance is 26,000, while 25,700 remains immediate support.
Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Happy Trading! The Firstock Team
