Nifty, Sensex Likely To Open In Green On Thursday; Key Market Cues Supporting Early Gains


By Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ)

Summary:


Nifty is expected to open higher on Thursday, supported by consecutive FII inflows of ₹1,154.34 crore and positive global cues. Investors will monitor stock-specific developments, US Fed minutes, Wall Street performance, and movements in gold, silver and crude oil prices.

Nifty, Sensex Likely To Open In Green On Thursday; Key Market Cues Supporting Early Gains

Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open on Thursday on a positive note. GIFT Nifty is trading higher near 25,828 (up 22 points), indicating a firm start. If the early momentum is sustained, the Nifty could log gains for the fourth straight session after rising for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.

Asian markets were trading higher early Thursday, led by Japan’s Nikkei, which climbed more than 400 points. Strong overnight cues from Wall Street added to the positive mood, keeping hopes alive for an upbeat start in Indian equities.

The 3 Key Positive Catalysts For Thursday’s Session

  • FII buying returns: Sentiment has improved as foreign institutional investors (FIIs) stepped up purchases. FIIs were net buyers for the second straight session on Wednesday, logging their highest single-day buying since February 9.

  • Earnings season support: A stronger-than-expected results season, along with a more upbeat outlook for corporate profits, is helping underpin confidence.

  • Firm global cues: Positive leads from Wall Street overnight are adding to the risk-on mood and supporting early optimism for Indian equities.

Bharat Electronics Ltd

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441.155.79 (1.32 %)

Updated - 20 February 2026
445.40day high
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433.70day low
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VOLUME (BSE)

Stocks to Watch on Thursday: Cochin Shipyard, HUL, BEL and Others 

The stock-specific actions are likely to continue, and here is the list of stocks to watch out for on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Company

Key Announcement

Why It Matters

Cochin Shipyard Ltd

Wins contract worth over ₹2,000 crore from CMA CGM, France, to build six feeder container vessels

Strong order inflow, revenue visibility

Hindustan Unilever Ltd

Approves ₹2,000 crore capex to expand Beauty & Wellbeing and Home Care manufacturing

Growth expansion, long-term demand play

Bharat Electronics Ltd

Board meeting on Feb 27 to consider second interim dividend FY26

Dividend trigger, PSU investor interest

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd

US FDA approval for Bosentan tablets (pulmonary arterial hypertension)

Export revenue boost

Bharat Forge Ltd

MoU with VVDN Technologies for auto, defence and data centre solutions

Defence & electronics diversification

Dr Reddy's Laboratories

$32.15 million deal with Mercury Pharma to acquire Progynova brands

Portfolio expansion in global markets

Institutional Flows – FIIs and DIIs

On February 18, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, having bought equities worth ₹1,154.34 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), on the other hand, bought shares totalling ₹440.34 crore during the same session.

FIIs have emerged as net buyers for two consecutive trading sessions. 

Wednesday’s Market Action

On Wednesday, the Indian stock market ended higher in a choppy session, extending gains for the third consecutive session, staging a gradual recovery, led by decent buying across most sectors.

The Sensex rallied 283.29 points, or 0.34%, to close at 83,734.25, while the Nifty 50 settled 93.95 points, or 0.37%, higher at 25,819.35.

Wall Street Closed Higher on Wednesday 

The US stock market ended higher on Wednesday, supported by gains in technology shares after recent concerns around artificial intelligence eased. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.26% to 49,662.66, the S&P 500 advanced 0.56% to 6,881.31, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.78% to 22,753.64. 

Among major movers, Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Tesla traded higher, while storage-related firms also posted gains.

The US dollar was off recent lows and hanging on to a bounce after the US Fed meeting showed policymakers did not seem to be in a rush to cut interest rates and that several were open to hikes if inflation proved sticky.

US Fed Meeting Minutes: Signals Flexible Policy Path Ahead

The minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting led by Jerome Powell showed policymakers voted 10–2 to keep the federal funds rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% after three cuts in 2025, citing resilient growth but persistent inflation risks. 

Officials signalled flexibility, keeping both rate cuts and hikes possible depending on inflation trends, while noting a stabilising labour market and steady economic outlook into 2026, though uncertainty around artificial intelligence remains a key factor ahead of the March meeting.

Commodities – Gold, Silver and Crude Oil 

Gold slipped to around $4,960 per ounce on Thursday, remaining choppy after retreating from late-January record levels as markets continued to assess the latest FOMC minutes.

Spot silver eased 0.5% to $76.83 per ounce, declining for the 4th consecutive trading session

WTI crude oil futures jumped by 0.5% to trade at $65 on Thursday. Oil futures edge lower in the morning Asian session on a likely technical correction after futures rose sharply overnight.

About the Author

SEBI Registered Research Analyst (INH000006396).


Founded in 1986, Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ) brings decades of experience in India’s equity markets. DSIJ's research combines fundamental analysis with price action, guided by disciplined risk management and capital preservation. They follow a structured, data-driven approach designed to help investors and traders make informed decisions beyond short-term market noise. 

Published Date : 19 Feb 2026

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Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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