📈 Pre-Market Market Outlook – 18 February 2026

Indian equity markets continue to show resilience with strong buy-on-dip sentiment. After reclaiming key levels, indices are forming higher highs, indicating a short-term bullish bias. Here’s a structured sector-wise and derivatives overview for today. 🔎 Index Technical View 📊 Nifty 50 Formed a bullish candle on daily chart Holding above 25,650 is crucial Upside Targets: 25,850 → 26,000 Support Levels: 25,600 → 25,500 Expected Range: 25,500 – 26,000 (Immediate) 📊 S&P BSE Sensex Buy-on-dip visible near 83,200 Higher high formation continues Upside Targets: 83,800 → 84,200 Support: 83,200 → 82,900 📊 Bank Nifty Strong recovery from 60,600 levels Support near 10 DEMA Upside Targets: 61,500 → 61,765 Support: 61,000 → 60,750 Expected Trading Range: 60,750 – 61,765 🧮 Derivatives & Institutional Data Put/Call Ratio (PCR): ~1.00 (Neutral to Positive Bias) Max Call OI: 26,000 → 26,200 Max Put OI: 25,500 → 25,600 Broader Range: 25,300 – 26,200 💰 Institutional Activity FIIs: Net Buyers (~₹995 Cr) DIIs: Net Buyers (~₹187 Cr) FIIs Long-Short Ratio improving → Bullish undertone 🔥 Sector-Wise Trading Opportunities ❄️ Air Conditioner (AC) Sector – Positive Bias Media reports suggest 10–15% price hike this quarter, improving margin outlook. Stocks in Focus: Blue Star Voltas Havells India Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Whirlpool of India 🛡 Defence Sector – Strong Momentum Long-term defence collaboration and JV announcements boosting sentiment. Stocks in Focus: Bharat Electronics Limited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Paras Defence and Space Technologies 🏦 PSU Banking Sector – Bullish Attractive valuations + strong quarterly numbers + institutional buying. Stocks in Focus: Union Bank of India Bank of India Canara Bank 💻 IT Sector – Recovery Play Fresh buying expected after recent correction. AI-driven business announcements supporting sentiment. Stocks in Focus: Infosys HCL Technologies 🛢 Oil Marketing Companies – Positive Falling crude prices improve margins outlook. Stocks in Focus: MRPL Oil India Limited 🚧 Infrastructure & Capital Goods – Strong Order Flow Stocks in Focus: Larsen & Toubro BHEL NBCC 🌍 Global Cues US markets closed marginally positive ahead of FOMC minutes Asian markets trading higher Brent crude below $67 Dollar Index stable India VIX around 12–13 (Low volatility environment) 📌 Overall Market Strategy Market bias remains positive with consolidation Buy on dips strategy preferred above key support levels Focus on sector rotation: Defence, PSU Banks, AC stocks, IT recovery plays Avoid over-leveraging ahead of global data events ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not SEBI registered investment advisors. Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.