The Nifty 50 extended its winning streak to a third consecutive session on February 18, 2026, closing at **25,819.35**. This represents a gain of **93.95 points** or **0.37%**. The index successfully reclaimed key support levels, demonstrating resilience despite early-session volatility. Broad-based buying across the Metal, FMCG, and PSU Bank sectors fueled the rally. Market participants witnessed a significant wealth addition of nearly **₹2 lakh crore** as the total market capitalization of BSE-listed firms rose to approximately **₹472 lakh crore**. Nifty 50 Technical Outlook The index is currently testing immediate resistance in the **25,900 – 25,950** zone. Technical analysts suggest that a sustained move above this range could pave the way for a psychological target of **26,000**, with further upside potential reaching toward **26,300** in the short term. On the downside, the **25,700 – 25,650** zone is acting as immediate support. The broader structure remains constructive as long as the index holds above the **25,500** demand base. Banking Sector Breakouts Public Sector Banks (PSBs) emerged as top performers, with the Nifty PSU Bank index rising **1.31%**. Key breakouts in mid-tier state-run lenders have signaled fresh bullish momentum. **Bank of Maharashtra (MAHABANK)** The stock hit a new **52-week high** of **₹69.21** during intraday trade, eventually settling at **₹69.00**. This reflects a daily gain of **2.52%**. The bank has seen a cumulative appreciation of **4.28%** over the last three days, supported by high trading volumes of over **31 million shares**. **Bank of India (BANKINDIA)** Shares surged to a **52-week high** of **₹173.29** before closing at **₹172.40**, up **1.29%**. The stock has maintained strong upward momentum, gaining over **6%** within the last week. Momentum indicators like the RSI and MACD remain in bullish territory, suggesting continued strength. Market Drivers and Sentiment Sectoral performance was led by **Nifty Metal (up 1.33%)** and **Nifty FMCG (up 1.21%)**. Top individual gainers included Kwality Walls, which jumped **4.94%**, and HDFC Life, which rose **3.37%**. In contrast, the **Nifty IT index (down 1.23%)** was the sole laggard among major sectors. Selling pressure in heavyweights like Wipro and Tech Mahindra capped the overall gains of the benchmark index. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in the previous session with an inflow of **₹995.21 crore**, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also remained positive, contributing **₹187.04 crore** to the market liquidity. Global cues remained largely supportive. While major Chinese and Hong Kong markets were closed for the Lunar New Year, the Japanese Nikkei gained over **700 points**, providing a positive backdrop for the late-session surge in Indian equities.