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Indian benchmark indices staged a notable recovery on Friday, February 20, 2026, reversing early volatility to close firmly in positive territory. The BSE Sensex settled at 82,814.71, gaining 316 points by the end of the session. The Nifty 50 also ended higher at 25,571.25, up 116 points, reflecting improved investor sentiment after the sharp correction witnessed a day earlier.

The trading session began on a cautious note as global market weakness weighed on domestic equities. However, buying interest gradually returned across key sectors, helping the indices pare losses and move into positive territory. Thursday’s steep fall, which saw the Sensex plunge 1,236 points and the Nifty drop 365 points, had triggered concerns of extended weakness. Friday’s rebound indicates that investors viewed the decline as a short-term correction rather than a shift in long-term fundamentals.

Market participants noted that domestic liquidity and institutional participation played a crucial role in stabilizing sentiment. Broader market resilience also reflected confidence in India’s macroeconomic stability despite global uncertainties.

On the sectoral front at the National Stock Exchange of India, most indices closed with gains, indicating broad-based recovery. However, the IT sector underperformed. The Nifty IT index declined 0.98%, emerging as the weakest segment of the day. Media and select other sectors also ended marginally lower, suggesting selective profit booking.

Banking, financial services, and several consumption-linked stocks supported the broader rally. Analysts observed that rotation of funds into domestic-oriented sectors helped offset weakness in export-sensitive IT stocks.

Global cues remained mixed. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.30% to 56,730. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1.62% to 5,769. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.61% to 26,544, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index gained 1.26% to 4,082.

US markets had closed lower on February 19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 267 points to 49,395. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.31% to 22,682, and the S&P 500 fell 19 points to 6,861.

Institutional activity remained closely watched. On February 19, foreign institutional investors sold equities worth ₹880 crore, while domestic institutional investors sold ₹596 crore. In February so far, foreign investors have sold ₹1,076 crore, whereas domestic institutions have purchased ₹11,474 crore, cushioning market volatility.

In January 2026, foreign investors sold ₹41,435 crore worth of shares. During the same period, domestic institutions bought ₹69,220 crore, highlighting strong domestic support.

Investors are also monitoring primary market developments. Renewable energy company Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions will open its IPO on February 23, aiming to raise ₹3,100 crore through a mix of fresh issue and offer for sale. The issue will remain open until February 25.

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