The total market value of all listed companies remains above Rs. 470 lakh crores

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The Indian stock market traded with small gains today. The Nifty 50 moves above 25,850 in early trading, showing steady buying in big companies. The BSE Sensex rises by about 100 points in the morning. The mood in the market stays calm but careful, as investors watch news from India and other countries.

The total value of all listed companies remains above Rs. 470 lakh crores. This shows that overall participation is still strong, even though money moves between different sectors during the day.

Banking and Financial Stocks Lead

Financial shares provide strong support to the indices. Large banks and non-banking finance companies see fresh buying as investors expect stable interest rates and steady credit growth. The recent policy decision by the Reserve Bank of India keeps the repo rate unchanged. This brings relief to borrowers and businesses, as there is no sudden increase in lending costs.

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Stable policy also supports sentiment in housing finance, auto loans, and infrastructure funding. As a result, banking counters trade with confidence and help keep the benchmark indices in positive territory.

IT Sector Shows Mixed Movement

Technology stocks show uneven performance. Some leading companies announce new artificial intelligence partnerships and digital expansion plans. One major IT group gains attention after sharing updates about scaling generative AI services.

However, the sector also faces pressure due to continued foreign investor selling in recent weeks. Reports show that foreign institutional investors pulled Rs. 11,000 crore from IT stocks in the past two weeks. This selling creates price swings within the sector. While a few large names gain, others remain under pressure.

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Overall, the IT index does not show a clear direction and trades with volatility during the session.

Commodity and Derivatives Developments

Commodity markets also see an important change today. Exchanges withdraw additional margins on gold and silver futures starting February 19. This step reduces extra trading costs for participants in metal contracts. As a result, trading volumes in bullion derivatives are expected to improve.

At the same time, the central bank introduces new rules for over-the-counter derivatives. A Unique Transaction Identifier becomes mandatory. This measure increases transparency and improves tracking of large transactions in the financial system. Market participants adjust to these changes while continuing regular trading activities.

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Foreign and Domestic Investment Trends

Foreign institutional investors continue to play a key role in market direction. Recent sessions show selective selling, mainly in the technology space. However, buying interest appears in banking, energy, and consumer stocks.

Domestic institutional investors and retail participants provide balance. Their steady inflows help absorb foreign selling pressure. Because of this support, the broader indices avoid sharp declines even when global cues turn cautious.

Options Market and Volatility

The derivatives segment indicates moderate caution. Put options see higher open interest at lower strike prices, which suggests that traders prepare for possible short-term downside. At the same time, call writing at higher levels limits strong upward movement.

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Despite this, overall volatility remains within normal historical ranges. There is no sign of panic selling. Instead, trading reflects careful positioning before key global and domestic updates.

Broader Economic Background

The Reserve Bank of India maintains its current policy stance this month. Inflation remains under watch, and liquidity conditions stay manageable. The steady interest rate environment supports business confidence.

Investors also monitor global markets, crude oil prices, and movements in the US dollar. The Indian rupee shows limited fluctuation during the session, adding stability to the broader financial system.

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Market Outlook

Today’s Indian stock market presented a balanced picture. Gains in financial shares and steady domestic participation support the indices. Weakness in parts of the IT sector and continued foreign selling create caution.

The Nifty 50 holding above 25,850 reflects resilience, while the Sensex’s 100-point rise shows measured optimism. With market capitalisation above Rs. 470 lakh crores, the equity market continues to display strength.

Trading remains active but disciplined. Investors focus on company updates, sector trends, and global signals as the day progresses. The overall tone remains steady, with optimism supported by stable policy and selective buying across key sectors.

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