Indian stock markets are expected to remain active on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as investors track earnings updates, global cues, and sector-specific developments. Key stocks across banking, IT, auto, and energy sectors are likely to stay in focus during the trading session.
The broader market sentiment is being shaped by corporate results, movement in global indices, crude oil prices, and expectations around interest rates. With earnings season gaining pace, several companies are set to see increased investor attention.
Market Snapshot: Key Indices to Watch
In the previous trading session, benchmark indices moved within a narrow range as investors remained cautious.
The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 showed mixed trends, with gains in select banking and IT stocks balanced by weakness in metal and energy counters. Market participants are now watching global cues and domestic earnings announcements for fresh direction.
Analysts expect the market to remain stock-specific, with individual company developments driving price action rather than broad index movements.
Top Shares to Watch on 18 February 2026
Several stocks are expected to remain in focus due to earnings, corporate announcements, or sector developments.
Reliance Industries
Reliance Industries is likely to stay in the spotlight as investors monitor updates related to its energy, telecom, and retail businesses. Movement in crude oil prices and developments in the company’s new energy projects could influence the stock.
HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank remains a key stock to watch in the banking sector. Investors are tracking loan growth trends, deposit figures, and overall credit demand. Any updates related to interest rates or banking regulations could also impact the stock.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
TCS is expected to stay in focus as the IT sector reacts to global technology spending trends. The company’s order pipeline, client spending outlook, and currency movements will be closely watched by investors.
Infosys
Infosys is another major IT stock to track. The company’s performance is often influenced by global demand for digital services and the strength of the US dollar. Any guidance updates or sector news could impact the share price.
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki shares are expected to remain active amid updates from the auto sector. Investors are watching vehicle sales data, input costs, and the company’s electric vehicle plans.
Tata Motors
Tata Motors may see movement as investors track performance in both its passenger vehicle business and its luxury brand, Jaguar Land Rover. Developments in the electric vehicle segment and global demand will also be important factors.
State Bank of India (SBI)
SBI is another banking stock likely to stay in focus. Market participants are watching credit growth, asset quality, and interest margin trends across the banking sector.
Adani Enterprises
Adani Enterprises is expected to remain in the spotlight due to ongoing developments across its infrastructure and energy businesses. Any updates related to projects, funding, or regulatory matters could influence the stock.
NTPC
NTPC shares may see action as investors track developments in the power sector. The company’s expansion in renewable energy and changes in power demand are key factors.
Bharti Airtel
Bharti Airtel is also among the top stocks to watch. Telecom stocks often react to tariff updates, subscriber growth, and sector-wide policy changes.
Sector-Wise Focus Areas
Banking and Financials
Banking stocks are likely to remain in focus due to interest rate expectations and credit demand. Investors are closely watching loan growth trends, deposit mobilisation, asset quality, and RBI policy signals. Large banks like HDFC Bank and SBI may lead sector movements.
Information Technology
IT stocks are expected to react to global market trends, especially in the United States and Europe. Key factors include the tech spending outlook, currency movements, order book updates, and global recession concerns. TCS and Infosys remain the main stocks to track in this sector.
Automobile Sector
Auto stocks could see stock-specific action based on monthly sales data, EV announcements, commodity price movements, and export demand. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors are the key counters to watch.
Energy and Power
Energy stocks are likely to respond to crude oil price changes, renewable energy announcements, and power demand trends. Reliance Industries and NTPC are among the major stocks in this segment.
Global Cues Influencing the Market
Global markets continue to influence Indian equities. Key factors include movement in US stock indices, Federal Reserve interest rate expectations, crude oil price trends, and economic data from major economies.
Any sharp movement in global markets could impact Indian stocks during the session.
Key Earnings and Corporate Updates
The earnings season is still underway, and several companies are either announcing results or issuing business updates.
Stocks with earnings announcements often see higher volatility, as investors react to revenue growth, profit margins, future guidance, and sector outlook. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks may also see strong movements based on earnings surprises.
Technical View: Market Trend
Technical analysts suggest that the Nifty may trade within a defined range in the near term.
Key levels to watch include a support zone around 21,500–21,700 and a resistance zone around 22,000–22,200. A breakout above or below these levels could set the next short-term trend.
What Retail Investors Should Watch
Retail investors should focus on earnings announcements, sector-specific news, global market trends, and key support and resistance levels.
Experts advise avoiding impulsive trades and focusing on fundamentally strong companies.
Short-Term Market Outlook
Market experts expect the near-term trend to remain stock-specific rather than broad-based.
Key factors that could influence the market include the ongoing earnings season, global interest rate expectations, crude oil price movements, and foreign institutional investor activity.
Positive earnings surprises could support the indices, while global volatility may keep markets cautious.
Bottom Line
Indian stock markets on February 18, 2026, are expected to remain driven by stock-specific action as earnings season continues. Major names like Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and SBI are among the top shares to watch.
With global cues, corporate results, and sector developments in focus, investors are likely to see selective movements rather than broad market rallies.
Financial Disclaimer: Markets and investment-related products are subject to risks and fluctuations. Readers should conduct their own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:13 pm by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:09 pm | News Categories: Business