Indian Stock Market Pre-Market Outlook 17 Feb 2026: Nifty at 25,682 | Banking Momentum Continues | ICICI Bank & Poonawalla in Focus
Updated: 17 February 2026
Category: Pre Market | Market Analysis
By CapitalKeeper Research Desk
Indian stock market pre-market analysis for 17 February 2026. Nifty closed at 25,682, Bank Nifty at 60,949. RSI, MACD, and volume-based outlook with global cues, key support-resistance levels, and stock ideas including ICICI Bank and Poonawalla.
Market Overview: Positive Sentiment Carries Forward
The Indian stock market enters the trading session of 17 February 2026 on a firm note after a strong closing in the previous session. The broader sentiment remains constructive, supported by strength in banking stocks, steady global cues, and selective buying in financial services.
Previous Session Closing Data:
- Nifty 50: 25,682.75
- Bank Nifty: 60,949.10
- Sensex: 83,277.15
- Fin Nifty: 28,306.25
Markets witnessed a strong recovery in the last session, driven by financial stocks and selective buying across sectors. The uptrend suggests continued bullish participation, though traders must remain cautious at higher levels due to resistance zones and profit booking possibilities.
Global Market Cues: Supportive but Watchful
Global cues remain moderately positive and supportive for domestic equities. Asian markets are showing stability, while US markets continue to trade near highs. The global macro environment currently indicates steady risk appetite.
Key Global Triggers:
- Stability in US indices supporting risk sentiment
- Cooling inflation concerns globally
- Positive movement in financial stocks worldwide
- Crude oil prices relatively stable
These cues may help Indian markets open flat to slightly positive, with stock-specific action likely to dominate the day.
Technical View: Nifty Outlook Using RSI, MACD & Volume
Nifty is currently trading in a strong uptrend structure after reclaiming important levels. The price action indicates bullish strength but also signals that the market is approaching short-term resistance.
Support & Resistance Zones:
- Immediate Support: 25,450 – 25,500
- Strong Support: 25,200
- Immediate Resistance: 25,800
- Major Resistance: 26,000
RSI Analysis:
The Relative Strength Index on the daily chart is hovering near the 62–65 zone. This indicates bullish momentum but not yet in the extreme overbought territory. The RSI trend suggests buyers still have control.
MACD Analysis:
MACD is trading above the signal line with expanding positive divergence. This indicates continued bullish strength and supports the possibility of an upward move if resistance levels are crossed.
Volume Analysis:
The last session showed strong buying volume, particularly in banking and financial stocks. This confirms institutional participation and validates the ongoing uptrend.
Bank Nifty Outlook: Strong Momentum Continues
Bank Nifty remains the backbone of the current market rally. The index closed near 61,000, indicating strong momentum in private sector banks.
Key Levels:
- Support Zone: 60,300 – 60,000
- Resistance Zone: 61,500 – 62,000
RSI on Bank Nifty is trending upward, indicating sustained strength. MACD is also bullish, suggesting continuation of the upward move.
Banking stocks are likely to lead the next phase of market movement.
Fin Nifty Trend: Financial Sector Leadership
Fin Nifty closing at 28,306 signals that the financial space is gaining traction. Insurance, NBFC, and private banks are seeing steady accumulation.
The structure suggests that dips are being bought, which is a classic bullish sign.
Stock in Focus 1: Poonawalla Fincorp
Trade Setup:
- Buy at: 462
- Target: 502
- Stop Loss: 458
Technical Analysis:
Poonawalla Fincorp is showing strong price action with steady accumulation. The stock has formed a bullish continuation pattern on the daily chart.
- RSI trending upward around 60
- MACD turning positive after consolidation
- Volume increasing near breakout zone
If the stock sustains above 460 levels, the probability of a strong upward move increases significantly.
A move toward 500+ looks achievable if momentum continues.
Stock in Focus 2: ICICI Bank
Trade Setup:
- Buy at: 1411
- Target: 1435
- Stop Loss: 1400
Technical Analysis:
ICICI Bank continues to show strength and is one of the key drivers of Bank Nifty’s performance.
- Strong trend continuation pattern
- RSI stable near 65 indicating strong momentum
- MACD positive with widening gap
- Consistent volume support
The stock is trading near its resistance breakout zone. If it sustains above 1410 levels, a quick move toward 1435 is possible.
Banking sector leadership makes ICICI Bank one of the strongest candidates for intraday and short-term trades.
Institutional Activity Outlook
Institutional flows remain a key factor in current market direction. Continued DII buying and sector rotation are supporting the market structure.
FIIs may continue selective buying in:
- Banking
- Financial services
- Infrastructure
This rotation-driven rally suggests stock-specific action will dominate the market.
Sectoral Trends to Watch
Banking Sector
Still showing strong leadership. Private banks are outperforming PSU banks.
NBFC Sector
Stocks like Poonawalla are gaining traction due to improving credit growth expectations.
Financial Services
Fintech and lending companies are attracting strong interest.
Short-Term Market Strategy
The market structure remains bullish, but traders must remain cautious near resistance levels.
Trading Strategy:
- Buy on dips approach remains favorable
- Focus on banking & financial stocks
- Avoid chasing at higher levels
- Follow strict stop losses
Momentum remains intact, but volatility may increase at higher levels.
Key Signals for the Day
Bullish signals:
- Nifty holding above 25,500
- Bank Nifty above 60,000
- Positive RSI trend
- Strong MACD crossover
Caution signals:
- Resistance near 26,000
- Possibility of profit booking
- Global uncertainty spikes
Pre-Market Sentiment Summary
The overall sentiment remains bullish with controlled optimism. Banking and financial stocks are the main drivers of the current rally, and selective midcap participation is also visible.
Markets may open steady with stock-specific action dominating early hours.
Quick Market Snapshot Table
| Index | Closing Value | Trend | Support | Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty | 25,682.75 | Bullish | 25,500 | 26,000 |
| Bank Nifty | 60,949.10 | Strong Bullish | 60,000 | 62,000 |
| Sensex | 83,277.15 | Positive | 82,500 | 84,000 |
| Fin Nifty | 28,306.25 | Bullish | 27,900 | 28,800 |
FAQs
Is the market bullish for 17 Feb 2026?
Yes, the overall trend remains positive as Nifty holds above key support levels with strong banking momentum.
Which sector looks strongest now?
Banking and financial services are currently leading the rally.
Is this a good time to buy banking stocks?
Selective buying on dips is advisable, especially in strong performers showing technical strength.
What should traders be cautious about?
Resistance near 26,000 on Nifty and sudden profit booking at higher levels.
Final Thoughts
The market is entering a strong phase led by banking and financial stocks. Technical indicators support continuation of the uptrend, but traders must remain alert to resistance zones.
Poonawalla and ICICI Bank present strong setups with favorable risk-reward ratios. With momentum, volume, and technical structure aligned, the market may continue its upward journey — provided key support levels hold firm.
Stay disciplined, trade with stop losses, and focus on high-probability setups.
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Ranjit Sahoo
Founder & Chief Editor – CapitalKeeper.in
Ranjit Sahoo is the visionary behind CapitalKeeper.in, a leading platform for real-time market insights, technical analysis, and investment strategies. With a strong focus on Nifty, Bank Nifty, sector trends, and commodities, she delivers in-depth research that helps traders and investors make informed decisions.
Passionate about financial literacy, Ranjit blends technical precision with market storytelling, ensuring even complex concepts are accessible to readers of all levels. Her work covers pre-market analysis, intraday strategies, thematic investing, and long-term portfolio trends.
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