Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 maintained positive momentum on Monday, February 23, 2026, as global markets reacted to a landmark legal shift in US trade policy. The domestic rally was primarily fueled by a 6-3 US Supreme Court ruling that struck down sweeping tariffs previously imposed under emergency powers. The BSE Sensex climbed **479.95 points**, or **0.58%**, to settle at **83,294.66**. During intraday trade, the index displayed even greater strength, surging over **670 points** to reach a high of **83,486.15**. The NSE Nifty 50 advanced **141.75 points**, or **0.55%**, closing at **25,713**. Technical analysts identify the **25,800–25,830** zone as the immediate hurdle for the index. A decisive move above this resistance could trigger a rally toward the **26,000** psychological level, while **25,600** remains a crucial support floor. Market volatility, as measured by the India VIX, eased slightly by **1.57%** to settle around the **14.13** mark. This cooling of the "fear gauge" suggests a temporary reduction in trader anxiety, although the broader market breadth remained cautious with approximately **2,400** declining stocks against **1,900** advances on the BSE. Banking and consumer-facing sectors led the gains. The Nifty PSU Bank index rose **1.36%**, supported by a rally in State Bank of India which hit a 52-week high. High-weightage financial stocks like HDFC Bank and Axis Bank also saw significant buying interest. Conversely, the Nifty IT index fell **1.42%** as concerns over AI-driven service disruptions continued to weigh on tech heavyweights like Infosys and Wipro. The global landscape remains complex following the US court verdict. While the ruling invalidated broad tariffs, the US administration immediately responded by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act to implement a **15%** global tariff. This "Plan B" has created fresh uncertainty, though the initial court-driven relief provided a tailwind for emerging market equities. In other asset classes, gold prices surged by **1.8%** to reach nearly **₹1.59 lakh** per 10 grams on the MCX, driven by a weakening US dollar and safe-haven demand. The Indian rupee showed slight appreciation, trading near **90.90** against the dollar, while the 10-year benchmark bond yield slipped to **6.70%**. Investors are now pivoting their focus toward domestic fundamentals and upcoming renegotiations of trade pacts. While the current trend is bullish, the persistence of the rally depends on the Nifty's ability to clear overhead resistance amid evolving international trade dynamics.