Sensex, Nifty Edge Up as AI Summit Fuels Tech Sector Momentum

Indian equity markets opened with mild gains, extending a steady recovery over recent sessions. The Nifty IT index was the top performer, rising 1%, while private banking stocks saw minor declines. Analysts identified key support and resistance levels for Nifty and Bank Nifty, noting that domestic institutional investor inflows are providing crucial market stability. Trading activity is measured with selective profit-booking, as major Asian markets remain closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Key Points: Sensex, Nifty Gain Mildly Amid AI Summit, Mixed Sectoral Trade

  • Nifty IT leads with 1% gain
  • DII inflows provide market stability
  • Private banking sector declines
  • Asian markets closed for Lunar New Year
2 min read

Sensex, Nifty open with mild gains amid intense AI discussions

Indian markets open higher with Nifty IT leading gains. Analysts note support levels and DII inflows as key stabilizers amid global AI disruption concerns.

"Robust and consistent DII inflows remain the key stabilising force underpinning the market - Analysts"

Mumbai, Feb 19

The Indian equity markets traded in green with mild positive bias early on Thursday, extending the steady multi-session recovery seen in the last three days, as the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' continues in New Delhi with intense discussions around AI.

As of 9.30 am, Sensex added 35 points, or 0.04 per cent, to reach 83,769, and Nifty gained 30 points, or 0.12 per cent to settle at 25,850.

Main broad-cap indices performed in line with the benchmark indices, as the Nifty Midcap 100 added 0.20 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.34 per cent.

Sectoral indices traded mixed with Nifty IT being the major gainer up 1 per cent. Nifty metal gained 0.60 per cent. Nifty private bank was the top loser, down 0.15 per cent.

Immediate support for Nifty is placed at 25,650-25,700 zone, while resistance is anchored at 25,950-26,000 range, market watchers said.

Also, immediate support for Bank Nifty is seen in the 61,250-61,350 range, while 61,750-61,850 continues to act as a major resistance zone, analysts said.

Analysts said that the rally in recent sessions were driven by sustained strength in banking and financials, along with momentum in select energy, metal, and consumer segments.

Robust and consistent DII inflows remain the key stabilising force underpinning the market, helping absorb volatility and support dips. However, near-term sentiment is expected to stay measured, with selective profit booking emerging in high-valuation pockets and lingering uncertainty in the IT sector amid global AI-led disruption concerns, they added.

On account of Lunar New Year, major markets across Asia will continue to remain closed on Thursday. In mainland China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange will remain closed till February 23, while Hong Kong Stock Exchange will remain shut till February 19.

The US markets ended in the green overnight as Nasdaq gained 0.78 per cent. The S&P 500 added 0.56 per cent, and the Dow Jones gained 0.26 per cent.

On February 18, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold equities worth Rs 1,154 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers of equities worth Rs 440 crore.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Mild gains are fine, but the real story is FIIs selling over 1100 crore while DIIs bought only 440 crore. That's a worry. Our domestic investors need to step up more to counter foreign outflows. The reliance on DIIs can't last forever.
P
Priya S
As a small investor, these small, steady gains give me more confidence than wild swings. Midcap and Smallcap indices doing better than Sensex is a positive sign for broader market participation. Hope the AI buzz brings sustained growth!
R
Rohit P
Private banks down, metals and IT up. Seems like a sector rotation play. The support and resistance levels mentioned are crucial. If Nifty breaks 26,000, we could see a fresh rally. Fingers crossed! 🤞
K
Karthik V
While the AI summit is great, we need to be cautious. The article itself says there's "lingering uncertainty in the IT sector amid global AI-led disruption." Are we celebrating too soon? Our IT companies need a solid strategy, not just hype.
M
Meera T
It's interesting to see the market move independently with major Asian markets closed for Lunar New Year. Shows our economy's resilience. The focus should be on building our own tech ecosystem with the AI summit, not just following global trends.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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