Stock Market Today: Nifty Recovers to 25,528, Sensex 82,775; Infosys Down 1.68%, HDFC Bank Up 1.44%

Overview

• Sensex traded at 82,775 while Nifty recovered to 25,528 after February 13’s sharp selloff erased Rs. 6.5 lakh crore in investor wealth.

• RBI tightened capital market lending norms, triggering nearly 10% declines in brokerage and financial services stocks.

• Banking and energy stocks like HDFC Bank, PowerGrid, and Coal India supported the recovery despite weakness in IT shares.

Indian stock market today, on February 16, showed signs of recovery amid the bearish trend that has lasted since last week. Sensex was down traded 149 points or 0.18% at 82,775 at press time. Nifty, on the other hand, rose 57.50 points or 0.23% to 25,528.60. This recovery followed a bruising Friday (Feb 13) crash, which erased Rs. 6.50 lakh crore in investor wealth. It brought BSE-listed firms down to roughly Rs. 465.50 lakh crore from Rs. 472 lakh crore.

Here’s everything that happened in stock market today based on a BusinessLine report.

RBI Tightens Grip on Capital Market Lending 

The Reserve Bank of India announced tighter norms for bank lending. The new rules target proprietary trading and leveraged client positions to curb systemic risk. The news sent shockwaves through the brokerage and financial services sector. Shares of major players, including BSE, Angel One, Groww, Nuvama, and Motilal Oswal Financial Services, dipped nearly 10%.

However, these RBI norms may enable banks to participate more actively in corporate takeovers, mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts. They are expected to boost market liquidity in the long-term.

Sectoral Performance and Banking Resilience

Nifty Bank index reflected resilience in the stock market today. After opening with a gap-down at 59,948, the index quickly bounced to the 60,400 level, up 0.4%. HDFC Bank shares led the upward trend with a gain of 1.44%.

Energy and utility sectors rallied. The top gainers on Sensex from these sectors included PowerGrid, which rose 2.45%. It was followed closely by Coal India share price and NTPC stock, increasing 2.04% and 1.32%, respectively. ONGCalso soared 1.25%.

Meanwhile, the IT sector faced selling pressure, with Infosys stock dropping 1.68%. Other top losers in the stock market were State Bank of India, Hindustan Unilever, Tech Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Titan, UltraTech Cement, ICICI Bank, and Tata Consultancy Services.

Share Market News: Key Corporate Developments

EaseMyTrip declared its intent to raise Rs. 500 crore to fuel its expansion and maintain capital discipline.

Kwality Wall's India made its debut on the NSE and BSE following its demerger from Hindustan Unilever. However, initial share prices attracted cautious market attention, trading below market expectations as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Axita Cotton's board approved the allotment of bonus shares in a 1:10 ratio. Hence, offering additional value to existing shareholders.

Precious Metals and Commodities

Gold and silver prices opened lower in early Asian trading after disappointing US inflation data. COMEX gold prices today traded around $5,040 per ounce in the early trade, within a broader range of $4,900 to $5,200 per ounce.

COMEX silver rate today stood around $77 per ounce, ranging between $70 to $85 per ounce. Market experts attributed the pressure on precious metals to the strength of the US dollar against major global currencies.

Crude oil futures traded flat amid reports of second-round talks between the US and Iran scheduled for this week. April Brent oil futures stood at $67.70, down 0.07%. Meanwhile, WTI crude traded at $62.70, down 0.08%. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, February crude oil futures traded at Rs. 5,703, down 0.35% from the previous close of Rs. 5,723.

Also Read: Cheap Growth Stocks to Buy in 2026: 3 Bargain Picks for Your Portfolio

FII-DII Activity and Currency Movements

Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded Indian shares worth Rs. 7,395 crore on February 13. However, Domestic Institutional Investors continued their buying spree. They injected Rs. 5,554 crore into the market, providing crucial support.

This FII exit has put the Indian Rupee under slight pressure, with the currency slipping to 90.67 against the US dollar. Following recent US inflation data, currency experts anticipate further volatility. Immediate support stood near 90.90, while resistance hovered around 90.25.

Market Outlook

The Indian stock market today is expected to experience continued volatility. Nifty 50 battles to stay above the critical 25,400-25,450 support zone. A breach below support could drag the index to 25,300-25,100 levels, while crossing resistance might trigger a pullback toward 25,800-25,900. Investors should keep an eye on how the market digests the RBI's new crypto market lending rules for the next directional move.

Also Read: Best SBI ETFs for Indian Investors in 2026

FAQs

1. Which stocks are in focus today?

Many major stocks are in focus today. Infosys fell 1.68% due to selling pressure in IT shares. HDFC Bank gained 1.44% and helped support the banking index. PowerGrid rose 2.45%, while Coal India and NTPC also posted gains. Brokerage firms like BSE and Angel One dropped nearly 10% after the RBI’s new lending rules.

2. What happened in the Indian stock market today?

The Indian stock market showed signs of recovery after Friday’s sharp crash. Sensex traded at 82,775 while Nifty stood at 25,528.60 during mid-morning trade. The rebound came after a heavy selloff that erased Rs. 6.5 lakh crore in investor wealth. Markets reacted to RBI’s tighter lending norms and mixed global cues.

3. Why is Sensex going up?

Sensex is rising mainly due to gains in banking and energy stocks. HDFC Bank, PowerGrid, Coal India, and NTPC supported the index. Domestic Institutional Investors also bought shares worth Rs. 5,554 crore, which provided stability. Despite foreign selling, buying interest in select sectors helped the index recover from early losses.

4. How is Nifty performing?

Nifty recovered to 25,528.60, gaining 57.50 points or 0.23%. The index is trying to stay above the key support zone of 25,400-25,450. Analysts say that if Nifty falls below this level, it could test 25,300 or lower. A move above 25,600 may push the index toward 25,800-25,900 levels.

5. What is the latest share market news?

The biggest news is the RBI’s decision to tighten bank lending rules for capital market exposure. This move sharply affected brokerage and financial services stocks. FIIs sold Rs. 7,395 crore worth of shares, while DIIs bought Rs. 5,554 crore. Gold traded near $5,040 per ounce, and Brent crude hovered around $67.70.