Sensex Gains 480 Points, Nifty 50 Ends Above 25,700, PSU Banks, Auto Shine
- 23rd February 2026
- 04:55 PM
- 3 min read
Summary
Indian equity markets closed on a strong note, with benchmark indices ending firmly in the green as gains in PSU banks and auto stocks supported the rally despite intraday volatility.Mumbai | February 23
Indian equity markets began the week on a positive note, extending gains for a second consecutive session amid volatile trade. The benchmarks opened strong after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the U.S. tariff programme, improving global risk sentiment.
However, mid-session profit booking emerged after President Trump announced a temporary 15% global tariff on nearly all imports, up from 10%, keeping investors cautious. Despite the swings, indices closed near the day’s highs supported by buying in key sectors.
The BSE Sensex rose 479.95 points (0.58%) to close at 83,294.66, while the Nifty 50 advanced 141.75 points (0.55%) to settle at 25,713, reclaiming and holding above the 25,700 mark. Bank Nifty added 92.25 points to close at 61,264.25.
Most sectoral indices ended in the green. The Nifty PSU Bank index gained 1.3%, while pharma, oil & gas, infrastructure, FMCG and auto indices rose around 0.5% each.
On the downside, the Nifty IT index fell 1.4%, extending weakness in technology stocks. The metal index slipped 0.2%.
Broader indices ended on a mixed note. The Nifty Midcap index declined 0.4%, while the Smallcap index edged up 0.3%.
Market volatility remained elevated, though final-hour buying helped benchmarks close firmly in positive territory.
Nifty Gainers and Losers
Within the Nifty, Adani Ports, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Life and Nestle were among the top gainers on the Nifty.
Hindalco, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Cipla were among the top losers in the Nifty.
Stocks in Focus
IDFC First Bank shares tumbled 16% after reporting a ₹590-crore fraud in government-linked accounts. AU Small Finance Bank declined 5% after the Haryana government de-empanelled its accounts.
UPL fell 14% after the board approved a composite scheme to create an independent crop protection platform.
Morepen Laboratories rose 15% on securing a multi-year contract, while Cohance Lifesciences gained 3% after a large block trade.
RailTel Corporation added nearly 2% after receiving a Letter of Intent worth ₹1,136 crore. Olectra Greentech rose 5% after securing an ₹1,800 crore electric bus order.
More than 110 stocks touched their 52-week highs, including Indian Bank, Cummins India, Apar Industries, Bharat Forge, Polycab India, SBI Life, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, L&T and NTPC.
Meanwhile, over 220 stocks hit their 52-week lows, including Wipro, KPIT Technologies, Info Edge, Ola Electric and Suzlon Energy.
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