Market Wrap: Nifty and Sensex Close in Green, Energy Sector Takes a Hit
Indian markets ended positively on February 20, 2026, with Nifty 50 up 0.44% at 25,565.50 and Sensex gaining 0.36% to 82,793.06. Oil & Gas sector led gains at 1.13%, while Energy sector plummeted 19.14%. Market breadth was slightly negative with 2,511 declining stocks vs 2,043 advancing. Buzzing stocks included SAL Steel, Anupam Rasayan, and Five-Star Business Finance due to corporate actions.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Market Overview
The Indian stock markets concluded on a positive note on February 20, 2026, with both benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex, registering gains. The Nifty 50 closed at 25,565.50, up by 111.15 points or 0.44% from its previous close. Similarly, the BSE Sensex ended the day at 82,793.06, marking an increase of 294.92 points or 0.36%.
Sectoral Performance
The day saw a mixed bag of sectoral performances, with some sectors outperforming while others faced significant declines.
Top Performing Sectors
| Sector | Average Percentage Change |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | 1.13% |
| Castings, Forgings & Fasteners | 1.02% |
Top Losing Sectors
| Sector | Average Percentage Change |
|---|---|
| Energy | -19.14% |
| Commercial Services | -12.51% |
| Leisure Services | -8.86% |
| Realty | -8.62% |
| Textiles | -8.16% |
The energy sector faced the most significant setback, with an average decline of 19.14%.
Buzzing Stocks
Several companies made headlines due to various corporate actions and announcements:
- SAL Steel Limited issued a postal ballot notice for special business items.
- Anupam Rasayan India Ltd executed a USD 30 million External Commercial Borrowing facility agreement.
- Kimia Biosciences Limited saw the resignation of an Additional Director.
- Five-Star Business Finance Limited announced a postal ballot for director appointments and saw increased shareholding by HDFC Mutual Fund.
- NCL Industries reported additional share acquisitions by promoter group entities.
Market Breadth
The overall market breadth leaned slightly negative:
| Category | Number of Scrips |
|---|---|
| Total Traded | 4,554 |
| Positive | 2,043 |
| Negative | 2,511 |
Conclusion
The Indian markets closed on a positive note despite mixed sectoral performances. While the energy sector faced significant pressure, oil & gas and manufacturing-related sectors showed resilience. The market breadth indicates a closely contested trading session, with slightly more stocks declining than advancing.
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