Market Update: Indian Equities Extend Gains Indian benchmark indices climbed for a second consecutive session on Monday, February 23, 2026. The **BSE Sensex** rose **480 points** to close at **83,295**, representing a **0.6%** increase. Similarly, the **NSE Nifty 50** gained **141 points** to settle at **25,713**, an uptick of **0.5%**. Investor sentiment was buoyed by a landmark ruling from the US Supreme Court, which struck down several broad-based tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legal shift is expected to ease the effective tariff burden on Indian exports, potentially dropping rates from **25%** toward a more manageable **10% to 15%** range. Sectoral Performance and Global Context The banking and infrastructure sectors led the rally. **PSU Banks** saw a significant jump of over **2%**, while **Adani Ports** emerged as the top individual gainer, rising **2.8%**. Other notable performers included **Kotak Mahindra Bank**, which added **2.2%**, and **UltraTech Cement**, up **1.6%**. Conversely, the **IT sector** faced a sharp decline of **1.1%**. Major firms including **Infosys** and **HCL Tech** fell between **0.7%** and **1.8%** following cautious brokerage reports and renewed concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on traditional service models. Trade Policy and Capital Flows While the legal ruling provided immediate relief, fresh uncertainty emerged as the US administration signaled a new **15%** global baseline tariff to replace invalidated measures. This has led to the rescheduling of interim trade deal negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, originally set for late February. Institutional activity showed a shift in participation. **Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)**, who were heavy net sellers in January, turned into net buyers during early February, contributing to the current market resilience. **Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs)** continue to provide a floor for the market, balancing global volatility with consistent inflows. Key Indicators * **Sensex:** 83,295 (**+0.6%**) * **Nifty 50:** 25,713 (**+0.5%**) * **BSE MidCap:** 2.0% increase * **BSE SmallCap:** 2.5% increase * **Indian Rupee:** 90.88 per USD * **Brent Crude:** $71.44 per barrel Broader market participation remained healthy, with the advance-decline ratio favoring gainers. Investors are now looking toward upcoming Q4 GDP data and global inflation prints to determine if this upward momentum can be sustained against a backdrop of shifting international trade rules.