20 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian equity markets are set for a flat-to-positive opening as GIFT Nifty traded about 10 points higher during early hours, indicating a mildly optimistic start for domestic benchmarks. The early signal comes after a volatile previous session, with investors staying cautious amid mixed global cues and ongoing concerns around interest rates, foreign fund flows, and corporate earnings visibility.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the trading setup for today’s session, including key levels, global triggers, sectoral trends, and strategy.
How GIFT Nifty Is Setting the Tone
GIFT Nifty’s modest uptick suggests that the Nifty 50 may open slightly higher or near flat. However, market participants caution that early gains could be tested as the session progresses, especially if selling pressure emerges from institutional investors.
Traders are likely to remain selective, focusing on stock-specific opportunities rather than broad-based buying.
Recap of Previous Session
In the last session, Indian markets witnessed profit booking after recent gains. The Sensex closed lower, dragged by selling in IT and select heavyweight stocks. Broader markets also underperformed, reflecting risk aversion among traders.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were marginal net sellers, adding to the cautious undertone, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided partial support.
Global Cues to Watch
Global markets remain mixed:
- US markets ended on a subdued note as investors assessed inflation trends and interest rate expectations.
- Asian markets traded cautiously in early hours, tracking Wall Street’s muted performance.
- Crude oil prices remained range-bound, offering some relief to import-sensitive economies like India.
- US bond yields stayed elevated, keeping risk assets under pressure.
These factors suggest that while panic selling is unlikely, aggressive buying may also remain limited.
Key Technical Levels for Nifty 50
From a technical perspective, analysts suggest the following levels to track:
- Immediate resistance: 25,650 – 25,700
- Support zone: 25,450 – 25,400
- Trend view: As long as Nifty holds above key support, the broader trend remains sideways to positive.
A decisive move above resistance could invite fresh momentum buying, while a break below support may trigger intraday selling pressure.
Bank Nifty Outlook
The banking index is expected to remain range-bound, with private banks showing selective strength while PSU banks may see consolidation.
Traders are advised to watch heavyweight banking stocks closely, as they can influence overall market direction during the session.
Sectoral Trends to Watch
- IT stocks: May remain under pressure due to concerns over global demand and currency movement.
- Auto and FMCG: Likely to see selective buying on dips, supported by domestic demand outlook.
- Metal stocks: Could remain volatile, tracking global commodity prices.
- Energy and oil & gas: Stable crude prices may provide support.
Trading Strategy for Today
Market experts suggest a buy-on-dips approach with strict stop-losses, given the mixed global backdrop. Intraday traders should avoid aggressive positions in the first hour and wait for clearer direction.
For positional traders, stock-specific opportunities in fundamentally strong names are preferred over index-heavy bets.
What Could Move Markets Today
Key factors that may influence today’s trade include:
- FII and DII activity during market hours
- Movement in global indices and crude oil prices
- Any commentary related to interest rates or liquidity
- Stock-specific news and corporate updates
Conclusion
With GIFT Nifty up 10 points, Indian markets are likely to begin today’s session on a cautious but stable note. While downside appears limited for now, sustained upside will depend on global cues and institutional flows. Traders are advised to stay disciplined, track key levels closely, and avoid overleveraging in a range-bound market.
Summary
GIFT Nifty trading 10 points higher signals a flat-to-positive start for Indian markets today, with investors focusing on key technical levels, global cues, and selective sectoral opportunities.