Indian Stock Market Wrap-Up – Indices Rally, Banking Volatility & Key Market Developments | 23 Feb 2026
Index Performance
Indian markets closed in positive territory with steady buying throughout the session.
- Sensex: 83,294 (+480 points)
- Nifty 50: 25,713 (+142 points)
- Nifty Bank: Positive bias with gains in select private and PSU banks
- Nifty IT: Slightly weak
- Nifty Metal: Around 11,900 (mild decline due to profit booking)
The broader market showed positive breadth with midcaps and select PSUs participating in the rally.
Metals & Commodities
- Metal stocks saw mild consolidation after recent strength.
- Gold and silver moved higher amid global uncertainty and hedging demand.
- Crude oil remained stable in international markets, supporting overall sentiment as there was no fresh inflationary pressure.
Important Market-Moving News Today
1. Banking Sector Development
- A major private bank disclosed a fraud exposure of approximately ₹590 crore at a branch level.
- The stock saw sharp selling pressure and hit lower circuit during the session.
- RBI clarified that the issue is isolated and not systemic.
- The development created temporary volatility in banking stocks.
2. Global Policy Development
- Positive sentiment emerged after international trade-related developments eased global market concerns.
- Asian markets traded mixed, but Indian indices remained resilient.
3. PSU & Infrastructure Buying
- Strong buying was seen in select PSU and infrastructure counters.
- Power and capital goods stocks showed relative strength.
4. IT Sector Pressure
- IT stocks underperformed due to global demand concerns and profit booking.
- Investors remained cautious ahead of global economic data.
5. Market Technical View
- Analysts suggest that Nifty faces resistance near the 26,000 level.
- Immediate support is seen near 25,200–25,300.
Mutual Fund & Investment Flow Update
- SIP inflows continue to remain strong, indicating disciplined retail participation.
- Equity mutual funds are seeing consistent inflows in large-cap and flexi-cap categories.
- Hybrid funds are gaining attention among conservative investors.
- Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continue to provide stability during volatile sessions.
Overall Market Sentiment
Today’s market movement reflects:
- Strong domestic liquidity support
- Sector rotation rather than broad-based euphoria
- Headline-driven volatility in selective banking stocks
- Continued investor confidence in long-term investing
The market remains structurally positive but selective in participation.
