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Posted February 26, 2026

NIFTY50, SENSEX Today: Wall Street Cues, Oil Prices, FII Activity — Key Things to Know Before Markets Open on February 26

The Indian stock market is all set for another action-packed session on Thursday, February 26. After a volatile but positive close on Wednesday, benchmark indices SENSEX and NIFTY50 are expected to open in the green, taking cues from a strong overnight rally on Wall Street, upbeat Asian markets, stable crude oil prices, and healthy buying by foreign institutional investors (FIIs).

But what exactly should investors, traders, and market watchers keep an eye on today? Let’s break down everything you need to know — in simple, clear, and actionable terms.

Global Market Overview

Wall Street Performance Overnight

US equity markets ended Wednesday’s session on a strong note, driven largely by gains in heavyweight technology stocks. The rally was powered by upbeat earnings and positive guidance from tech giant NVIDIA, which lifted overall investor sentiment.

S&P 500: Up 0.81% to 6,946.13
Nasdaq Composite: Gained 1.26% to 23,152.08
Dow Jones: Rose 307.65 points or 0.63% to 49,482.15

This solid performance has set a positive tone for Asian markets and is likely to influence Indian equities at the opening bell.

Key Drivers of US Market Rally

The biggest driver was the exceptional earnings report from NVIDIA, which exceeded market expectations by a wide margin. Strong data center revenue, fueled by explosive demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips, helped lift the entire tech sector.

Tech Stocks Lead the Charge

The software and semiconductor segments saw aggressive buying. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) jumped another 3%, following nearly 2% gains in the previous session. Stocks like Microsoft, Palantir, and Oracle also witnessed strong buying interest.

Gift Nifty Signals and Indian Market Opening

What Gift Nifty Futures Indicate

Gift Nifty futures are trading about 51 points higher, indicating a positive start for Indian markets. This suggests that NIFTY50 may open above Wednesday’s closing levels, extending the current upward momentum.

Early Market Expectations

With strong global cues, stable oil prices, and continued FII buying, market sentiment appears optimistic. However, volatility may remain due to profit booking and sector rotation.

Previous Trading Session Recap

How SENSEX Performed

After a roller-coaster session, the BSE SENSEX ended 50.15 points higher at 82,276.07. The index had earlier surged nearly 732 points during intraday trade before profit booking trimmed most gains.

NIFTY50 Closing Summary

The NIFTY50 closed at 25,482.50, gaining 57.85 points or 0.23%. The index showed resilience despite mid-session volatility.

Sectoral Performance Highlights

IT and metal stocks showed strong buying.
Pharma and auto stocks remained firm.
Banking and FMCG witnessed selective profit booking.

Key Gainers and Losers

Top Gainers on SENSEX

Some of the biggest gainers included:

HCL Tech
Tata Steel
TCS
InterGlobe Aviation
Sun Pharma
Mahindra & Mahindra
Maruti Suzuki
Tech Mahindra

These stocks benefited from sector-specific momentum and global cues.

Stocks Under Pressure

A few frontline stocks saw mild profit booking as investors chose to book gains after the recent rally.

Wall Street Update and Its Impact on India

S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Movement

Strong US indices often act as a confidence booster for Indian markets. The robust rally in tech-heavy Nasdaq particularly bodes well for Indian IT stocks.

Tech Sector Momentum

Indian IT companies could benefit today due to optimism around AI-led growth, following NVIDIA’s blockbuster results.

NVIDIA Q4 Earnings – A Game Changer

Revenue and Profit Highlights

NVIDIA reported 73% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching $39.3 billion. Net income nearly doubled to $43 billion, clearly showcasing the power of AI-driven demand.

AI and Data Center Growth

More than 91% of NVIDIA’s revenue now comes from its data center business — the backbone of the AI revolution.

Market Implications for Indian IT Stocks

This could positively impact Indian IT majors like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, as global tech spending shows no signs of slowing.

Asian Market Update

Nikkei and Topix Hit New Highs

Japan’s Nikkei surged 1.1%, hitting a fresh all-time high of 59,199.31, while the broader Topix jumped 1.45%.

Broader Asian Market Sentiment

Asian markets traded higher, tracking strong US cues. Investor sentiment remains upbeat, supported by earnings optimism and improving risk appetite.

Crude Oil Price Movement

Brent and WTI Trends

Brent crude hovered below $71 per barrel
WTI crude traded close to $66 per barrel

Geopolitical Impact on Oil Prices

Uncertainty around US-Iran nuclear talks and Middle East tensions continue to influence oil prices. Stable crude is good news for Indian markets, as it helps keep inflation and fiscal deficits under control.

FII and DII Activity

FII Buying Trends

Foreign institutional investors bought ?2,991.64 crore worth of equities, signaling renewed confidence in Indian markets.

DII Investment Strategy

Domestic institutional investors remained strong buyers too, investing ?5,118.57 crore, providing solid support to market sentiment.

Stocks to Watch Today

IRFC

The government’s 2% stake sale in IRFC saw 94.98% subscription from institutional investors. However, the greenshoe option was not exercised, which could influence today’s price action.

Home First Finance

A potential block deal involving promoter stake sale may keep this stock in focus. The offer price suggests minimal discount, which could lead to volatility.

E2E Networks

The company announced a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) with a floor price of ?2,630.60. Expect active trading and volatility.

SBI Life

Declared an interim dividend of ?2.70 per share. Dividend-paying stocks often attract short-term buying interest.

LT Foods

A sharp reduction in US countervailing duty on exports is a major positive. This could boost the stock’s sentiment today.

Key Factors to Track During the Trading Session

Global Cues

Movements in US futures and Asian indices will set intraday direction.

Institutional Flows

FII and DII buying trends remain crucial for market sustainability.

Crude Oil and Currency Movement

Any sharp move in oil prices or the rupee-dollar exchange rate can impact market sentiment instantly.

Market Strategy for Traders and Investors

Intraday Strategy

Buy on dips in IT and metal stocks.
Avoid chasing momentum at higher levels.
Keep tight stop losses.

Positional Strategy

Focus on fundamentally strong stocks.
Accumulate quality names during minor corrections.
Avoid over-leveraging.

Risk Management Tips

Think of the market like driving on a highway — speed is fun, but seatbelts save lives. Always manage your risk.

Expert Market Outlook for February 26

Market experts believe the broader trend remains positive, supported by global tech optimism, strong institutional flows, and stable macroeconomic indicators. However, short-term volatility due to profit booking cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

The Indian stock market is poised for a positive start on February 26, supported by strong Wall Street cues, upbeat Asian markets, steady crude oil prices, and robust institutional buying. While the broader sentiment remains optimistic, traders should remain cautious of intraday volatility and focus on disciplined strategies.

Whether you are an investor or a trader, staying informed and adaptable will be your biggest edge in today’s dynamic market environment.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a certified financial advisor or a SEBI-registered professional before making any investment decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any financial losses or legal consequences incurred as a result of using this information