Market Pulse: Resilience Amidst Geopolitical Fog Indian benchmarks concluded the trading week on a positive note, successfully navigating a landscape of high volatility. The **Nifty 50** advanced **116.90 points** to settle at **25,571.25**, while the **S&P BSE Sensex** climbed **316.57 points** to finish at **82,814.71**. This recovery reflects a market attempting to find its footing after recent sharp corrections. Despite the gains, the indices remain within a consolidation phase as investors weigh domestic strength against mounting global risks. Institutional Flux and Global Pressures The institutional landscape remains characterized by a cautious "wait-and-watch" approach. Recent data shows **Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)** as net sellers, offloading approximately **880.49 crore** in the latest sessions. However, **Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs)** continue to act as a significant buffer, absorbing selling pressure despite minor profit-booking of **596.28 crore** on Friday. The primary global overhang is the escalating tension in the Middle East. With **Brent crude** hovering near **$71–$72 per barrel**, fears regarding disruptions in the **Strait of Hormuz** are keeping the energy market on edge. Additionally, a new **10% U.S. import surcharge** announced on February 20 has added a layer of complexity for export-oriented sectors, although it represents a reduction from previous 18% tariff expectations. Sectoral Divergence Performance across sectors shows a clear divide between domestic-driven growth and global-facing headwinds. **Banking and PSU Strengths** The **Nifty PSU Bank index** has been the standout performer, surging **5.5%** over the week to reach fresh all-time highs. This rally is underpinned by robust **Q3 FY26** earnings, with the sector projected to surpass the **2 lakh crore** profit milestone this fiscal year. **State Bank of India (SBI)** and **NTPC** (up **2.62%**) led the large-cap charge. **IT and Technology Pressure** Conversely, the **IT sector** remains the primary laggard, declining nearly **2.5%** this week. High-profile names like **Tech Mahindra** and **Infosys** faced downward pressure. The sector is struggling with dual concerns: potential margin compression from new U.S. trade policies and ongoing uncertainty surrounding AI-driven shifts in the software service model. Technical Outlook for the Week Ahead The **Nifty 50** is currently battling a cluster of short-term moving averages between **25,580** and **25,680**. **Support Levels** Immediate support is established in the **25,400–25,300** zone. A breach below this could trigger a slide toward the **25,100** mark, where the **200-day EMA** provides a long-term safety net. **Resistance Levels** On the upside, **25,675** acts as the first major hurdle. A sustained close above **25,900** is required to shift the neutral bias back to a definitive bullish trend. **Safe Haven Assets** Reflecting the broader uncertainty, **Gold** has surged to **1.57 lakh per 10g** on the MCX. This three-day rally indicates a flight to safety as participants hedge against geopolitical instability and currency fluctuations.