News

Trade Setup for February 18: Nifty eyes 26,000 as bulls defend 25,600 supportAfter a weak start on weekly expiry day, the index staged a sharp intraday recovery, rallying over 150 points from its morning lows.By Meghna Sen  February 17, 2026, 8:50:37 PM IST (Published)2 Min ReadThe Nifty extended its gains for a second straight session on Tuesday, closing 43 points higher at 25,725 amid range-bound trade.

After a weak start on weekly expiry day, the index staged a sharp intraday recovery, rallying over 150 points from its morning lows.

However, it failed to decisively breach the 25,750 resistance zone.

Adani Enterprises, ITC and BEL were among the top gainers on the index, while Hindalco, Eternal and Tata Steel ended lower on selling pressure.

The rebound was largely broad-based, with most sectoral indices closing in the green. PSU Banks, IT and FMCG led the gains, while Metal, Realty and Oil and Gas were the only sectors to end in the red.

Broader markets outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 0.27% and the Smallcap index gaining 0.56%.

PSU Banks surged 2.1% to emerge as the top sectoral performer. IT stocks extended gains for a second session after a recent sharp correction, with the Nifty IT index advancing 1%.

Sentiment improved after Infosys announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic, easing concerns around AI-led disruption.

Defence stocks climbed 1.3% ahead of the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid expectations of discussions around additional Rafale fighter jet acquisitions.

On the downside, metal stocks remained under pressure due to weakness in precious metal prices, dragging the Nifty Metal index down 1%.

Market experts expect the positive bias to continue. Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal said markets are likely to remain firm, supported by global cues and domestic sectoral developments.

Nandish Shah of HDFC Securities said that the Nifty filled the gap between 25,630 and 25,752 formed on February 13, 2026. He sees the next resistance near 26,000, while 25,570 and 25,372 could act as near-term support.

Nilesh Jain of Centrum Finverse said the Nifty closed above its 100-DMA near 25,700 but faced resistance around the 50-DMA at 25,750.

A decisive breakout above this level could open the door to 26,000, while immediate support has shifted higher to 25,600. He added that easing volatility would further support bullish sentiment.

Nagaraj Shetti of HDFC Securities said a sustained move above 25,750-25,800 could trigger fresh buying toward 26,000 and potentially 26,350. Immediate support is seen at 25,600.

Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities said the 25,800-25,850 zone as the key hurdle. A sustained move above 25,850 could extend the pullback toward 26,000, while 25,630-25,600 remains strong near-term support.Continue ReadingNote To ReadersDisclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on CNBCTV18.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. CNBCTV18.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.TagsBSE SensexNifty 50share market todayTrade setup