Indian Stock Market Today: Nifty Closing, Post Stock Market Review 23-2-2026

Post Market Pulse: The indian stock market today 📊

Date: February 23, 2026

The Nifty 50 staged a resilient recovery today, bouncing back with a gain of over 0.50% to reclaim the 25,700 level. After a period of volatility, the market sentiment saw a positive shift as the index managed to snap out of its recent sluggishness. The day began with a sharp spike followed by a mid-day dip, but a strong recovery in the final hour of trading helped the index close near its psychological resistance. Gains in Port operations, Banking, and FMCG heavyweights provided the necessary cushion, offsetting the weakness seen in the IT and Metal sectors.

Index Performance Snapshot

Nifty 50

25,713 | +141.75 (+0.55%)

Intraday Analysis: The index witnessed a volatile yet ultimately bullish session. It opened strong, hitting an early peak before drifting lower throughout the mid-session to test the 25,640 zone. However, a sharp reversal was seen post-14:00, with the index climbing steadily to end at 25,711.95. This late-session buying interest suggests that bulls are attempting to regain control near the 25,700 mark.

Top Gainers (Nifty 50)

Top Losers (Nifty 50)

F&O Corner

OI Analysis

Near Resistance: 26,000 The 26,000 strike has emerged as the most significant hurdle for the bulls, showing the highest Call OI concentration (OI Resistance). Total Call OI for the session stands at 19.76 Cr.

Near Support: 25,500 The 25,500 strike (highlighted as OI Support) remains the primary base for the current series. Total Put OI for the session stands at 16.29 Cr.

PCR Analysis: 0.97 The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) is currently at 0.97, indicating a balanced but slightly cautious sentiment. With the PCR close to 1.0, the market is sitting at a neutral junction where both buyers and sellers are active.

Max Pain

The Max Pain Strike is currently pegged at 25,700.00. With the market closing at 25,713, the index is positioned almost exactly at the Max Pain level. This suggests that the current price is at the point of minimum loss for option writers, indicating a highly efficient pinning of the price near the strike with the highest open interest concentration.

India VIX

Current Level: 13.98 | -0.38 (-2.65%)

Interpretation: The "Fear Gauge" cooled down today, dropping by over 2.6%. This contraction in volatility suggests that market anxiety is subsiding, pointing toward a more stable environment in the short term. The decline in VIX alongside the Nifty’s recovery indicates that investors are becoming more comfortable with the current price levels, reducing the immediate expectation of erratic swings.

Major Market Drivers

Infrastructure & Banking Lead: Adani Ports and Kotak Mahindra Bank acted as the primary engines for today's recovery. The strength in private banking helped keep the Nifty Bank stable, which in turn supported the headline index.

IT Sector Drag: Heavyweights like Infosys and Wipro faced selling pressure, preventing the Nifty from hitting even higher levels. The IT sector continues to show sensitivity to global cues and high valuations.

FMCG Stability: Nestle India provided defensive support, gaining nearly 1.65%, suggesting that investors are still rotating into safe-haven large caps during intraday dips.

Indian Stock Market Today – Technical Summary

Final Outlook – Indian Stock Market Today

The Indian stock market today reflects improving short-term sentiment after reclaiming the 25,700 level. With price aligning closely to the Max Pain strike and PCR near 1, the market appears balanced.

However, the 26,000 level remains the decisive breakout trigger. A sustained move above this zone could open fresh upside, while failure to hold 25,500 may lead to renewed consolidation.

FAQs

1. How did the Indian stock market today perform?

 The Nifty 50 gained 0.55% to close at 25,713, recovering strongly in the final hour of trading.

2. What sectors supported the Indian stock market today?

 Infrastructure, Banking, and FMCG sectors led the recovery, while IT and Metals lagged.

3. What does PCR of 0.97 indicate?

A PCR near 1 suggests balanced sentiment, with both call and put writers active in the derivatives market.

4. Is volatility decreasing in the Indian stock market today?

Yes, India VIX fell by 2.65%, indicating easing anxiety and a more stable near-term environment.

5. What is the key resistance level to watch?

26,000 remains the major resistance, while 25,500 is the critical 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