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Trade Setup for February 19: Nifty holds above 25,800; Street sees move towards 26,000 and beyondThe technical setup favours Nifty bulls, with the index holding above key moving averages.By Meghna Sen  February 18, 2026, 8:22:15 PM IST (Published)2 Min ReadThe Nifty extended its gains for a third straight session on Wednesday, sustaining its upward momentum.

After witnessing weakness in the first hour of trade, the index reversed course and steadily built on gains through the remainder of the session, eventually closing near the day's high. The Nifty settled 93 points higher at 25,819.

Among the gainers, HDFC Life, Tata Steel and ITC led the charge, while Wipro, Tech Mahindra and Eternal ended lower amid selling pressure.

The rally was broad-based. Except for the IT sector, all sectoral indices finished in the green, with metals, PSU banks and FMCG stocks spearheading the advance.

Broader markets continued to outperform. The Nifty Midcap and Smallcap 100 indices advanced for the third consecutive session, each rising 0.5%.

Key global triggers due on Thursday include the minutes of the FOMC meeting and US initial jobless claims data.

Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal said markets are likely to remain firm with an upward bias, led by global cues and domestic sector-specific developments.

Nandish Shah of HDFC Securities said that the technical setup favours the bulls, with the Nifty holding above key moving averages and bullish indicators aligning on the daily chart.

The next resistance is placed near 26,000, beyond which the index could head towards its all-time high. Strong support is seen at the 20-day EMA, placed at 25,660, he said.

LKP Securities' Rupak De said the Nifty witnessed a consolidation breakout on the 15-minute chart, triggering a late-session rally.

He added that sentiment has improved markedly over the past three sessions, with the index reclaiming the 25,500 support after a brief dip and subsequently crossing the 25,800 resistance, offering double confirmation of strength.

In the near term, 25,500 is expected to act as a crucial support level. As long as it holds, buyers are likely to remain in control. On the upside, the index may extend gains towards 26,000 and above, De said.

Nagaraj Shetti of HDFC Securities said the move indicates a breakout above the crucial gap resistance at 25,750.

The large bullish gap formed on February 3 remains partially unfilled, which is a positive sign and could push the Nifty towards 26,000 and then 26,350 in the near term. Immediate support is placed at 25,650, he added.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