Crude above $70 and a softer rupee near 91 keep traders alert, but strong foreign inflows add confidence to the session

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The Indian stock market is trading slightly higher at press time, after a weak session on Thursday. The Nifty 50 is moving in the range of 25,470 to 25,550 during the day. At the same time, the BSE Sensex is hovering close to the 82,500 level.

The recovery is small but steady. Buying is visible in selected large companies, mainly in banking, metals, and oil & gas stocks. However, overall sentiment remains cautious as global tensions are rising again, which is making investors nervous.

Banking and Metal Stocks Support the Market

Banking shares are strongly supporting the market today. Big private banks and public sector banks are seeing good buying. Investors believe interest rates will stay stable, and loan growth may improve in the next few months. Financial stocks are keeping the market positive even though some other sectors are weak.

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Metal stocks are also rising as global metal prices remain strong. Oil and gas shares are moving up because crude oil prices are higher. In contrast, IT and real estate stocks are falling after recent gains as traders book profits.

Mid-cap and small-cap stocks are not doing as well as large companies. Overall market strength is limited, which means only a few big stocks are pushing the main indices higher.

RBI Policy and Interest Rates

The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its recent policy meeting. The central bank is maintaining a neutral stance. This means it is watching both inflation and growth before taking the next step.

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Stable rates are giving comfort to banking stocks. Liquidity conditions are also supportive because the central bank continues open market operations. These measures are helping manage government borrowing and keep bond yields under control.

Crude Oil and Global Tensions

Global news is affecting the market today. Problems between the United States and Iran have pushed Brent crude oil prices above the low $70 per barrel level.

High oil prices are not good for India because the country buys most of its oil from other nations.

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If oil stays expensive, material rates can rise and companies may earn less profit. Sectors that depend on fuel may face pressure in the coming weeks. Traders are watching global news very closely for fresh updates.

Rupee Under Pressure

The Indian rupee is trading weak in early deals. It is moving in the 90.90 to 91.05 range against the US dollar. There are reports that the central bank may have sold dollars in the market to prevent significant depreciation.

A weaker currency can increase import costs. However, it can also help exporters like IT and pharma companies. Currency movement remains an important factor for intraday trade.

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Foreign Investor Activity

Foreign institutional investors are showing renewed interest in Indian equities in February. This month is witnessing the strongest fortnightly inflow since April 2025. Select sectors such as financials and capital goods are receiving most of the buying interest.

Domestic investors are slightly cautious due to global uncertainty. Even so, foreign flows are helping the market avoid a greater correction.

Technical Levels to Watch

From a technical view, the Nifty is facing resistance near 25,600. If it crosses this level with strong volume, further upside can be seen. Immediate support is placed near the previous session’s low.

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Traders are focusing on quality stocks with steady earnings rather than taking aggressive bets. Volatility remains present because of global risks and currency movement.

Overall Market Mood

Today’s Indian stock market is showing steady strength. The Sensex is near 82,500, and the Nifty is around 25,500. This shows a careful but positive mood in the market. Banking and metal stocks are rising, while IT and real estate shares are weak.

Higher crude oil prices, a weaker rupee, and global tensions are major concerns. At the same time, stable interest rates and strong foreign investment are supporting the market.

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