Loading market data...
Indian markets enter the 18 February 2026 session with strong recovery momentum led by IT stocks, PSU banks, and defense shares. Infosys and other tech stocks remain in focus after sectoral strength, while PSU banks continue to show buying interest. Defense and shipbuilding companies also remain active due to strong order visibility. Traders are closely watching key Nifty levels, with IT and banking stocks expected to drive market direction.
Indian markets enter the trading session on 18 February 2026 with strong momentum after a late recovery in the previous session. IT stocks, PSU banks, defense companies, and shipbuilding stocks are likely to remain in focus, while metals and realty may stay under pressure. Key resistance for Nifty stands near 25,750, making today’s session crucial for short-term market direction.
The previous session ended with a strong rebound, as the Nifty 50 climbed back above the 25,700 level and the Bank Nifty surged nearly 600 points from intraday lows.
The rally was led by:
This positive momentum is expected to carry into today’s opening, making several sectors and stocks important to watch for intraday trading, short-term momentum, and positional opportunities.
| Stock | Sector | Reason to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Infosys | IT | Positive AI partnership news |
| TCS | IT | Sectoral strength |
| HCLTech | IT | Momentum in tech stocks |
| SBI | PSU Bank | Strong banking rally |
| Bank of Baroda | PSU Bank | Buying interest in PSU banks |
| PNB | PSU Bank | Sectoral momentum |
| HAL | Defense | Continued buying in defense stocks |
| Mazagon Dock | Shipbuilding | Order book visibility |
| Cochin Shipyard | Shipbuilding | Sectoral strength |
| BEL | Defense | Defense spending theme |
The IT sector is expected to remain in focus after strong buying in the previous session, led by Infosys.
Stocks to track:
These companies remain key components of the Nifty IT index and are often among the most traded stocks in the Indian market.
PSU banks showed strong buying interest, helping the Bank Nifty outperform the broader market.
Top PSU banks to watch:
PSU banks continue to benefit from strong loan growth, improving asset quality, and government-led infrastructure spending.
Defense and shipbuilding stocks have emerged as some of the best-performing sectors due to strong order inflows and government spending.
Key stocks to watch:
These companies are major beneficiaries of the defense manufacturing push and naval modernization programs.
While the overall market sentiment improved, some sectors remained under pressure.
Reasons:
Traders may see stock-specific opportunities, but sector-wide momentum remains weak.
| Index | Support | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 25,500 | 25,750 |
| Bank Nifty | 54,000 | 55,200 |
A sustained move above 25,750 could trigger a fresh bullish leg in the market, while failure to hold support may lead to short-term consolidation.
“The strong recovery from lower levels suggests that the market trend remains positive. If Nifty sustains above 25,750, we could see a fresh rally led by IT and banking stocks.”
Investors looking to trade today’s stocks can use:
The market enters 18 February 2026 with strong recovery momentum. IT stocks, PSU banks, and defense shares are likely to dominate the session, while metals and realty may remain subdued.
Traders should watch the 25,750 level on Nifty closely, as a breakout above this zone could trigger a fresh upward move.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: We Are Not Financial Advisors This article is for informational purposes only. Stock market investments carry risks. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Financial journalist specializing in market analysis, stock research, and investment trends. Dedicated to providing accurate, timely insights for informed decision-making.
Credentials: Experienced financial journalist with expertise in equity markets and economic analysis
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. Finscann does not provide personalized investment recommendations.
For detailed terms and conditions, please read our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.
AgniKul Cosmos achieves a major milestone by test-firing three 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engines simultaneously.
India’s most profitable unlisted companies in 2025 revealed. A leading fintech firm tops the list with a 48% net profit margin and ₹4,235 crore...
Indian stock market crashes as Sensex plunges 1,300 points and â‚ą6.3 lakh crore in investor wealth evaporates.
Aparna Enterprises invests ₹150 crore in a new Morbi tile manufacturing plant, boosting Vitero Tiles’ total capacity to 18 MSM.
Deepinder Goyal steps into India’s defence innovation space as LAT Aerospace acquires Sharang Shakti, signaling a strategic push into indigenous...