Equity markets ended the week on a positive note on Friday, February 20, 2026, with strong buying in cyclical and rate-sensitive sectors. The BSE Sensex climbed 316.57 points to close at 82,814.71, while the NSE Nifty50 rose 116.90 points, settling at 25,571.25. Broad-based buying helped indices recover from midweek volatility, giving investors some relief after a week of swings.
Sectoral performance was mixed but tilted positive. Metals and public sector banks were the biggest gainers, reflecting renewed investor interest in sectors expected to benefit from economic activity and policy support. NTPC surged nearly 3%, L&T added 2%, and other PSU names like SBI and Tata Steel showed steady gains. Power, capital goods, and financials also contributed to the market’s upward momentum.
However, the rally was not uniform. IT and media stocks underperformed, with major technology counters ending in the red as investors rotated funds toward value-oriented and cyclical sectors. Midcap stocks recorded moderate gains, while smallcaps were slightly weaker, highlighting cautious sentiment in riskier segments.
Global cues remained mixed. Asian markets traded lower in early sessions, pressured by geopolitical concerns and rising oil prices, while US. futures showed moderate resilience. This combination kept domestic investors cautious, despite strong pre-market indications from GIFT Nifty futures, which suggested a slightly positive opening.
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