Indian equities rebounded strongly on February 16, with benchmark indices surging and investor wealth swelling by nearly ₹3 lakh-crore in a single session, supported by banking gains, global cues and short covering.
The Sensex rose 650 points, or 0.79 percent, to close at 83,277.15, while the Nifty 50 advanced 212 points, or 0.83 percent, to settle at 25,682.75.
Market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies climbed to over ₹468 lakh-crore from about ₹465 lakh-crore in the previous session.
BSE 150 MidCap Index: up 0.64 percent
BSE 250 SmallCap Index: down 0.16 percent
Nifty Bank: up 1.27 percent
Nifty PSU Bank: up 1.50 percent
Nifty Private Bank: up 1.19 percent
The rally was largely driven by frontline stocks, particularly in banking and financials.
The benchmarks had fallen over 1 percent last week amid concerns over AI-led disruptions and global uncertainties. The correction pulled down valuations of several quality stocks, triggering short covering on Monday.
Heavyweights such as HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank and Bharti Airtel contributed significantly to the Sensex gains.
Banking stocks led the advance, lifting the broader indices. Improved loan growth trends and stable asset quality supported sentiment in the sector.
The power sector also witnessed buying interest on expectations of sustained demand momentum.
After a range-bound start, renewed interest in financials and power counters helped markets edge higher through the session.
The rupee closed steady at 90.66 against the dollar. The domestic currency has appreciated about 1.5 percent so far in February, aided by exporter dollar sales and foreign portfolio inflows.
Range-bound crude oil prices ahead of US–Iran talks further supported domestic equities by easing concerns over imported inflation and current account pressures.
Lower-than-expected US consumer inflation strengthened hopes of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve later this year.
US consumer price inflation rose 0.2 percent in January, compared with 0.3 percent in December. On a year-on-year basis, inflation eased to 2.4 percent from 2.7 percent in the previous month.
The softer print led to a decline in US 10-year bond yields, improving risk appetite in emerging markets such as India.
Investors are now watching the release of Federal Open Market Committee minutes, US GDP data and PCE inflation figures for further clarity on the rate trajectory.
Technically, the Nifty 50 is hovering around a key breakout zone.
A sustained move above 25,630 could open the path towards 25,800 and 25,900.
Immediate support is seen at 25,550, with stronger support near 25,500.
For the Sensex:
A decisive breakout above 83,000 could trigger a rally towards 84,000 and 84,500.
On the downside, 82,500 remains a major support zone.
As long as key support levels hold, the broader market structure remains stable, with potential for further upside if momentum continues.
The rally reflects a mix of global optimism, domestic stability and technical positioning. However, gains were not uniform across segments, with smallcap stocks underperforming.
Sustained follow-through buying, stability in global cues and clarity on US monetary policy will determine whether this rebound evolves into a broader uptrend in the coming sessions.