Market Alert: Geopolitical Tensions Trigger Sharp Sell-off Indian equity markets faced a severe downturn on **February 19, 2026**, as escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran shattered investor confidence. The benchmark **BSE Sensex** plunged by **1,236.11 points**, or **1.48%**, to close at **82,498.14**. Simultaneously, the **NSE Nifty 50** dropped **365 points**, or **1.41%**, ending the session at **25,454.35**. This correction marks the sharpest single-day decline in over two weeks, effectively wiping out gains from the previous three trading sessions. The sell-off was broad-based, with all **30 Sensex stocks** ending in the red. Global Triggers and Crude Impact The primary driver of the slump is the heightened risk of conflict in the Middle East. Reports of a potential military strike have pushed **Brent crude** prices toward **$71 per barrel**, a significant jump that threatens India’s inflationary outlook. Higher energy costs have put immediate pressure on oil marketing companies, while raising concerns over India’s rising import bill. The volatility has also been felt in the currency market, where the **Indian Rupee** remains under pressure due to the strengthening US Dollar. Sector Performance and Resilience While the broader market struggled, specific pockets showed remarkable resilience. Defensive sectors and high-growth technology firms attracted buying interest despite the surrounding gloom. **Newgen Software Technologies** emerged as a standout performer, surging **20.3%** to reach an intraday high of **618**. The stock has now rebounded roughly **35%** from its recent **52-week low**, supported by strong trading volumes and a recovery in the IT services segment. **Netweb Technologies** also defied the market trend, jumping over **10%** during the session to hit **3,525**. The stock has maintained a strong upward trajectory for three consecutive days, outperforming its peers in the computing and software consulting space. **Tata Investment Corporation** provided another point of strength, gaining over **5%** in intraday trade. The stock touched a peak of **672.8**, benefiting from sustained buying momentum in the non-banking financial sector despite the wider market retreat. Looking Ahead Market participation remains cautious as the **India VIX**, a measure of market volatility, spiked by **10%** today. Institutional activity shows a divide, with **Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)** trimming exposure in IT and heavyweights, while **Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs)** attempt to provide a floor to the falling prices. Investors are now closely monitoring the **Strait of Hormuz** for any disruptions to global energy supplies. In the absence of immediate positive domestic triggers, the market is expected to remain range-bound with a high sensitivity to news flowing from the Middle East and upcoming **US Federal Reserve** minutes.