India’s equity benchmarks closed higher on February 23, 2026, shrugging off global jitters from Trump’s 15% tariff announcement. The BSE Sensex jumped 479.95 points (0.58%) to 83,294.66, while the Nifty 50 climbed 141.75 points (0.55%) above 25,713—its first close over 25,700 in weeks. Broad buying in PSU banks and autos offset IT drags, with 2,267 advances vs. 1,060 declines.
Session Highlights: Banks and Autos Shine
Nifty opened strong at 25,678 (+107 pts), hitting intraday high of 25,731 (+160 pts) before settling at 25,713. Sensex mirrored, up 523 pts mid-session to 83,337. Key drivers:
- PSU Banks (+3.2%): SBI +2.8%, BoB +4.1%, PNB +3.5% on credit growth buzz.
- Auto (+1.8%): Maruti +2.2%, Tata Motors +2.5%, Mahindra +1.9% amid festive expectations.
- Adani Ports (+3%): Top Nifty gainer on port volumes.
- Dr Reddy’s (+2%): Pharma rebound post-earnings.
IT lagged: Infosys -1.3%, Wipro -1.5% on AI fears; Kotak/Axis bucked banking weakness with gains.
Global Backdrop vs. Domestic Strength
Markets ignored US futures dip (-0.8%) and European selloff from tariffs—GIFT Nifty hinted positive start (+167 pts). FIIs net sold ₹1,200 Cr but DIIs bought ₹2,500 Cr; rupee steady at 83.45/USD. RBI’s liquidity ops aided sentiment amid yen firmness and gold dips.
Friday’s green close (Sensex +316 pts to 82,814; Nifty +116 to 25,571) set tone, with midcaps (+2%) and smallcaps (+2.5%) outperforming.
Sector Snapshots
| Sector | Change | Top Mover |
|---|---|---|
| PSU Bank | +3.2% | Bank of Baroda (+4.1%) |
| Auto | +1.8% | Tata Motors (+2.5%) |
| Realty | +1.5% | DLF (+2.8%) |
| FMCG | +1.2% | HUL (+1.5%) |
| IT | -1.2% | Infosys (-1.3%) |
Volume leaders: HDFC Bank, Reliance; IDFC First down 16% on Q3 miss.
Key Stocks to Watch
- Railtel: Up 5% post-railway orders.
- IDFC First: -16% despite rally backdrop.
- Shriram Finance (+1%), Power Grid (+1%): Infra push.
Outlook Amid Trump Tariffs
Domestic resilience shines: GDP forecasts at 7%, RBI steady. Trump duties risk exports (metals/pharma), but banks/autos benefit from rupee stability. BofA’s bull survey tempers with AI risks; Nifty resistance at 25,800.
For Patiala investors blending finance/gaming/crypto: PSU/auto picks hedge global volatility; eye Thursday’s US CPI.
India’s bulls charge on—480-pt Sensex leap signals confidence amid chaos.
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