Nifty and Sensex Close in Green, Energy Sector Takes a Hit
Indian stock markets ended positively on February 18, with Nifty 50 at 25,819.35 (+0.37%) and Sensex at 83,734.25 (+0.34%). The market breadth was favorable with 2,424 advancing stocks out of 4,606 traded. Energy sector was the top loser (-18.41%), while Diamond, Gems and Jewellery sector led gains (+2.50%). Notable corporate updates included appointments and positive quarterly results from companies like Yash Trading, Ahluwalia Contracts, and Sundrop Brands.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Market Wrap: Indian Indices End Higher Amid Mixed Sectoral Performance
The Indian stock markets closed on a positive note on February 18, 2026, with both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex registering gains. The market breadth remained favorable, with more stocks advancing than declining.
Market Overview
| Index | Closing Price | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 25,819.35 | 93.95 | 0.37% |
| BSE Sensex | 83,734.25 | 283.29 | 0.34% |
Both benchmark indices showed resilience, with the Nifty 50 closing above the 25,800 mark and the Sensex surpassing 83,700 points.
Sectoral Performance
The day saw a mixed bag of sector-wise performance, with some sectors facing significant headwinds while others managed to post gains.
Top Losing Sectors
| Sector | Average % Change |
|---|---|
| Energy | -18.41% |
| Commercial Services | -10.58% |
| Transport Services | -8.92% |
| Logistics & Cargo | -8.63% |
| Leisure Services | -7.41% |
Top Performing Sectors
| Sector | Average % Change |
|---|---|
| Diamond, Gems and Jewellery | 2.50% |
| Castings, Forgings & Fasteners | 1.16% |
The energy sector faced the most significant downturn, while the diamond, gems, and jewellery sector emerged as the top gainer.
Market Breadth
| Category | Number of Scrips |
|---|---|
| Total Traded | 4,606 |
| Positive | 2,424 |
| Negative | 2,182 |
The market breadth remained positive, with advancing stocks outnumbering declining ones, indicating a generally optimistic sentiment among investors.
Buzzing Stocks
Several companies made headlines during the trading session:
Yash Trading and Finance Limited announced the appointment of Mr. Alakh Vasantbhau Mangroliya as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 16, 2026.
Ahluwalia Contracts reported an 11.43% revenue growth to ₹1,060.72 crore in Q3FY26, with net profit rising 9.38% to ₹54.02 crore.
Maithan Alloys Limited acquired a 0.02% stake in Canara Bank for Rs. 30.03 crore on February 16, 2026, as part of its investment strategy.
Sundrop Brands (Agro Tech Foods Ltd) reported a 10% revenue growth in Q3 FY26 with an 80% EBITDA growth. The company's e-commerce segment surged 31%, while advertising investments increased by 22%.
Conclusion
The Indian stock markets concluded the day on a positive note, with both major indices posting gains. While the energy sector faced significant pressure, sectors like diamond, gems, and jewellery showed strength. The positive market breadth suggests an overall optimistic investor sentiment, despite the mixed sectoral performance.
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