Market benchmarks **Nifty 50** and **BSE Sensex** extended their recovery into a third consecutive session on **February 18, 2026**, as positive sentiment returned to the banking and metal sectors. The **Nifty 50** closed up **0.37%** at **25,819.35**, while the **Sensex** rose **283.29 points** to settle at **83,734.25**. Investor confidence was bolstered by state-owned lenders, with the **PSU Bank index** surging **1.3%**. Metal stocks followed suit, gaining **1.33%** amid reports of potential global tariff easing. In contrast, the **IT sector** faced selling pressure, with the **Nifty IT index** declining **1.2%**. Top Brokerage Recommendations **Motilal Oswal** has highlighted **Delhivery** as a high-conviction pick with a target of **420** to **570**, representing a **36% upside**. The firm also maintains a positive outlook on **Britannia Industries**, targeting **7,150** (a **20% upside**) following strong margin expansion in the third quarter. **Anand Rathi** technical research suggests immediate buys on **Bharti Airtel** at a target of **2,100** and **Coal India** with a target of **470**. Analysts note that **Bharti Airtel** is finding strong support at its short-term mean, while **Coal India** is entering a reversal phase after a healthy correction. **Nuvama** and **Citi** remain constructive on large-cap leaders. **Citi** has raised its target price on **R R Kabel** and maintained a buy on **Hyundai Motor**, while **Nuvama** recently upgraded **Prestige Estates** and **Brigade Enterprises** to capture gains in the real estate cycle. Key Market Data Points * **Rupee Status**: The Indian rupee appreciated by **6 paise** to close at **90.66** against the US dollar. * **Breadth**: Market breadth favored gainers, with **2,224 stocks advancing** against **1,903 declines** on the BSE. * **Foreign Inflow**: Renewed confidence in India's **7.4% GDP growth projection** for **FY26** has seen a revival in FII net buying. * **Corporate Moves**: **SBI Funds Management** has announced a landmark **$1.5 billion IPO** slated for March. Sector and Economic Outlook Industrial activity is gaining momentum with a projected growth of **6.2%** for **FY26**. The services sector continues to lead the economy, now contributing **60%** of Gross Value Added. Recent budget provisions for **2026** have introduced a **Rs 40,000 crore** outlay for electronics manufacturing, benefiting semiconductor and tech hardware players. However, volatility remains elevated as investors track the **U.S. Federal Reserve** minutes for interest rate guidance. Financial experts suggest a **buy-on-dips** strategy, focusing on blue-chip names like **ICICI Bank**, **Reliance**, and **Hindustan Aeronautics**, which have shown resilient **5-year CAGR** performance. Analysts expect **Nifty** to face resistance at **26,000**, with strong support established in the **25,400–25,500** range.