Weekly Stock Market Update:-Indian stock markets showed resilience amid volatility last week, with benchmark indices ending higher despite mid-week pressures. From February 16 to 20, 2026, the Nifty 50 and Sensex navigated global cues and domestic earnings, closing the week on a positive note led by banking and power sectors.
This Weekly Stock Market Update breaks down key movements, sector performances, gold rate fluctuations, and top gainers/losers to help investors gauge the market pulse.
Market Overview: A Volatile Yet Positive Week
The week kicked off strong on February 16, with Nifty climbing 0.83% to 25,682.75 and Sensex rising 0.79% to around 83,277, fueled by banking rebounds and positive Q3 results from select firms. Mid-week saw profit-taking, with Nifty dipping 1.41% on February 19 amid IT weakness and FII outflows.
Markets recovered sharply on February 20, as a bank-led rally pushed Nifty above 25,550 (closing near 25,571, up 0.46%) and Sensex up 316 points or 0.38% to about 82,943. Overall, the week marked mild gains for major indices, with Nifty up roughly 0.4-0.8% cumulatively from prior close near 25,471.
Broader markets like midcaps and smallcaps showed early strength but faced selling pressure later, reflecting cautious risk appetite. HSBC India Composite PMI rose to 59.3, signaling robust factory output and new orders, which bolstered sentiment.
Key Drivers Behind Market Movements
Banking stocks shone, with Nifty Bank gaining around 1.2% early and holding resilience near all-time highs, supported by PSU banks and rate cut hopes. Power and FMCG sectors rallied, with NTPC and HUL leading gains amid rotational buying.
IT lagged due to global weakness, while FIIs remained net sellers, offset by DII support. Technicals indicated Nifty breaching 25,500 briefly but holding support at 25,300, with resistance at 25,700. Geopolitical risks and US dollar movements added to choppiness.
Positive earnings from firms like Power Grid and Coal India boosted defensives, while IRB Infra’s bonus issue announcement spurred interest. Overall, domestic macro strength like PMI data countered external headwinds.
Gold Rates: Why the Fluctuations?
Gold prices in India stayed range-bound yet volatile, consolidating after January highs. On Feb 16, 24K gold hovered near ₹15,644-15,789/10g in key cities like Delhi, dipping to ₹15,420 by Feb 17-18 before rebounding to ₹15,649 on Feb 19.
Fluctuations stemmed from international price volatility—gold hit records early 2026 but entered a holding pattern amid US dollar weakness and geopolitical tensions. Domestic premiums shifted to discounts post-Budget, with fewer customs tariff hikes and rising imports fueling supply.
Jewelry and ETF demand rose with firm trends, hitting record inflows in January, while RBI holdings ticked up slightly. Choppy consolidation reflects fragile stability, with buyers stepping in at dips but no clear directional breakout yet.
Today’s Top Gainers and Losers (Feb 20, 2026)
February 20 saw selective buying in metals, power, and insurance, with Nifty and Sensex breadth improving. Here’s a snapshot of standout performers from Nifty 50/Sensex constituents:
| Top Gainers | % Change | Closing Price (₹) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindalco | +3.32% | ~₹700 (est.) | Metals |
| NTPC | +2.69% | 369.20 | Power |
| L&T | +2.37% | ~₹3,800 (est.) | Infra |
| SBI Life | +1.82% | ~₹1,600 (est.) | Insurance |
| HUL | +1.55% | 2,314.20 | FMCG |
| Top Losers | % Change | Closing Price (₹) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwality Walls (India) | -3.97% | ~₹500 (est.) | FMCG |
| Tech Mahindra | -1.75% | ~₹1,400 (est.) | IT |
| Eternal | -1.27% | N/A | Misc |
| Infosys | -1.21% | ~₹1,800 (est.) | IT |
| HCL Tech | -0.76% | ~₹1,600 (est.) | IT |
These movements highlight sector rotation, with defensives outperforming cyclicals.
Sector-Wise Performance Breakdown
- Banking & Financials: Strong week, up ~1-2%, driven by credit growth expectations.
- Power & Utilities: Top performer (+2-4% in leaders), backed by demand outlook.
- Metals: Hindalco’s surge amid global commodity rebound.
- IT: Weakest, down 1-2%, on US slowdown fears.
- FMCG: Mixed, HUL gained but Kwality Walls dragged.
Midcaps showed volatility but edged higher, while smallcaps softened.
Outlook and Investor Takeaways
Expect consolidation with positive bias if Nifty holds 25,400-25,500; a drop below 25,300 could test 25,050. Watch FII flows, upcoming earnings, and US Fed cues. Gold may stay volatile in ₹15,400-15,800 range barring global shocks.
Diversify into defensives like power and banks; trim IT exposure. Long-term, strong PMI and DII buying support bulls.
FAQ: Weekly Stock Market Update Insights
What caused Nifty’s recovery on Feb 20?
Bank-led rally and buying in power stocks lifted indices after mid-week dip.
Why did gold prices fluctuate last week?
International volatility, supply increases, and shifting premiums post-Budget led to choppy trades.
Which sectors to watch next week?
Banking and utilities for upside; IT for caution amid global risks.
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