Trade Setup 26 Feb: Markets likely to remain range-bound, with selective sectoral buying
Nifty ends 57 points higher at 25,782; breakout beyond 25,300–25,700 range may determine next directional move amid mixed sector trends.
Trade Setup 26 Feb: Markets likely to remain range-bound, with selective sectoral buying
After a volatile session, Nifty settled 57 points higher at 25,782 on February 25, 2026. Analysts say a decisive move beyond 25,300–25,700 will signal the index’s next trend amid mixed sector performance.
The Nifty 50 index ended higher on February 25, 2026, gaining 57 points to close at 25,782, though well below its intraday high. The session was marked by sharp swings as initial gains were largely erased by profit-booking.
The benchmark opened with an 88-point gap-up and climbed to 25,652 in early trade. Heavy selling dragged the index down over 200 points to a low of 25,428 before settling in a range-bound pattern in the latter half of the session.
Among large-cap stocks, Bajaj Auto, HCLTech, and Tata Steel led gains, while SBI, Reliance Industries, and Adani Ports lagged. Sector trends were mixed: metals, pharma, and autos outperformed, whereas PSU banks, FMCG, and realty faced selling pressure. Midcap and smallcap indices outperformed, with Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 0.58% and 0.94%, respectively.
Market participants are awaiting the release of India’s new GDP series on Friday, which could provide direction on domestic growth. Analysts remain cautious:
Siddhartha Khemka (Motilal Oswal): Markets likely to remain range-bound, with selective sectoral buying.
Nagaraj Shetti (HDFC Securities): Sell-on-rise strategy advised; resistance in 25,700–25,800, support at 25,400–25,350.
Rupak De (LKP Securities): Sideways movement expected; key support at 25,300, holding above this keeps rebound possible.
Nandish Shah (HDFC Securities): Index confined to 25,300–25,700 short-term; breakout to determine next trend.
Sudeep Shah (SBI Securities): Critical support at 25,400–25,350; breach could push Nifty towards 25,150–24,950. Immediate resistance lies at 25,600–25,650.
Technically, the Nifty continues to oscillate between its 200-day moving average near 25,341 and 21-EMA around 25,610, reflecting trader indecision. Analysts suggest that a decisive breakout on either side of the 25,300–25,700 range will set the tone for the next directional move.
