Indian Stock Market Pre-Market Outlook 18 Feb 2026 | Nifty Above 25,700, IOC & HUL in Focus
Updated: 18 January 2026
Category: Pre Market | Market Analysis
By CapitalKeeper Research Desk
Nifty Holds Above 25,700 as Banking Strength Continues; Energy & FMCG Stocks in Focus
Indian stock market pre-market outlook for 18 Feb 2026. Nifty, Bank Nifty, Sensex technical analysis using RSI, MACD & volume. Global cues, support-resistance levels, and stock ideas on IOC and Hindustan Unilever.
The Indian stock market enters the trading session of 18 February 2026 with strong momentum carried from the previous day’s closing. Benchmark indices ended the session on a positive note, reflecting strength across banking, financials, and selective sectoral themes. The broader market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as institutional flows, global cues, and technical indicators continue to shape short-term direction.
Nifty closed at 25,725.40, holding comfortably above the crucial 25,600 support zone. Bank Nifty closed at 61,174.00, indicating sustained strength in private and PSU banking stocks. Sensex ended the session at 83,450.96, while Fin Nifty settled at 28,287.40, showing resilience in financial services.
Today’s pre-market setup suggests a mix of consolidation and opportunity. Key sectors such as oil & gas and FMCG are showing fresh setups supported by improving technical structures and stable global cues.
Market Snapshot – Previous Session Summary
| Index | Closing Value | Trend | Key View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 25,725.40 | Bullish | Holding above key support |
| Bank Nifty | 61,174.00 | Strong Bullish | Banking sector leading |
| Sensex | 83,450.96 | Positive | Sustained buying |
| Fin Nifty | 28,287.40 | Stable | Consolidation zone |
The broader structure continues to indicate that dips are being bought, suggesting underlying institutional confidence.
Global Market Cues
Global markets are providing neutral-to-positive signals for Indian equities. Asian markets are trading with mild gains, while US indices closed mixed with sector rotation dominating sentiment. Crude oil prices are stabilizing, which is positive for energy-linked stocks and oil marketing companies.
Key global factors influencing today’s session:
- Stable US bond yields
- Controlled inflation outlook globally
- Positive cues from Asian markets
- Strong dollar stability
- Commodity price consolidation
These factors indicate that the Indian market could open flat to slightly positive, with stock-specific moves dominating.
Technical View – Nifty Outlook
Nifty is trading in a strong upward channel and holding above major support zones.
Support Zones:
- 25,600 – Immediate support
- 25,350 – Strong positional support
Resistance Zones:
- 25,950 – Immediate resistance
- 26,100 – Breakout zone
RSI Analysis:
RSI on the daily timeframe is near the 60–65 zone, suggesting strength but not yet overbought. This indicates room for further upside if buying momentum continues.
MACD Analysis:
MACD remains in bullish territory with a positive crossover, supporting the ongoing uptrend. Momentum indicators suggest continuation rather than reversal.
Volume Trend:
Volume participation has been rising gradually, indicating healthy accumulation rather than speculative spikes.
Overall, the trend remains bullish above 25,600. Any dip toward this level could attract fresh buying.
Bank Nifty Outlook
Bank Nifty continues to show strong relative strength compared to broader indices.
Key Levels:
- Support: 60,500
- Resistance: 61,800 – 62,200
Private banks are driving the rally, and strong financial participation is supporting the index. RSI is near 62, indicating controlled bullishness.
MACD is firmly in positive territory, confirming trend continuation.
Sector Watch – What to Focus Today
Oil & Gas Sector
Oil marketing companies are showing strong technical structures as crude price stability improves margins. Momentum indicators are turning positive, suggesting possible short-term moves.
FMCG Sector
Defensive buying is returning to FMCG stocks. Large-cap names are showing accumulation patterns, often signaling institutional positioning.
Financial Services
Fin Nifty continues to remain strong with steady support from NBFCs and banks.
Stock on Radar
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC)
- CMP: 176
- Target: 199
- Stop Loss: 171
IOC is showing signs of accumulation near support levels. The stock has formed a base pattern after a consolidation phase.
Technical Analysis:
- RSI is around 58 and trending upward
- MACD is nearing a bullish crossover
- Volume is gradually increasing
This indicates strong buying interest at lower levels. If the stock sustains above 178–180, a quick rally toward 190–199 is possible.
The oil marketing sector is also gaining traction due to stable crude prices and improving refining margins.
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HINDUNILVR)
- CMP: 2320
- Target: 2590
- Stop Loss: 2270
Hindustan Unilever is showing a strong technical base formation after a prolonged consolidation phase.
Technical Analysis:
- RSI is recovering from the neutral zone
- MACD has started flattening, indicating potential bullish crossover
- Volume spikes visible near support
The stock is moving near a strong demand zone. If momentum continues, a positional move toward 2500–2590 is possible in the coming weeks.
FMCG stocks often outperform during market consolidation phases, making this an attractive defensive opportunity.
Institutional Activity Insight
Institutional flows remain a key factor driving market sentiment. Recent sessions have shown:
- DIIs supporting dips
- FIIs showing selective buying in banking and financial stocks
This balance is keeping the market stable despite global uncertainties.
RSI, MACD & Volume – Market-Wide Reading
RSI (Market-Wide)
Most indices are in the 55–65 range. This suggests:
- Strength present
- No extreme overbought conditions
MACD Trend
MACD remains positive across major indices, supporting trend continuation.
Volume Analysis
Rising volume in:
- Banking
- Energy
- FMCG
This signals sector rotation rather than market-wide exhaustion.
Trading Strategy for Today
Intraday View:
- Buy on dips near support zones
- Avoid chasing gap-up openings
Positional View:
- Banking and FMCG remain strong
- Energy sector showing early accumulation
Risk Management:
- Maintain strict stop-loss
- Avoid over-leverage
- Focus on quality large caps
Key Triggers to Watch Today
- Movement in crude oil prices
- US market reaction
- Rupee movement
- Banking stock performance
These factors will decide whether Nifty breaks above 26,000 or consolidates near current levels.
Short-Term Market Sentiment
Overall sentiment remains moderately bullish with controlled risk.
- Strong support below current levels
- Institutional accumulation visible
- Technical indicators supportive
However, markets may see intermittent profit booking at higher levels.
FAQ Section
Is Nifty still in an uptrend?
Yes. As long as Nifty stays above 25,600, the structure remains bullish.
Which sectors look strong today?
Banking, Oil & Gas, and FMCG sectors are showing momentum.
Is this a good time to buy IOC?
IOC is near a strong support zone with improving technical indicators, making it attractive for short-term positional trades.
Why is HINDUNILVR gaining attention?
It is showing base formation and accumulation, indicating possible positional upside.
What is the biggest risk for today’s session?
Profit booking near resistance levels and global volatility.
Final Market Outlook
The Indian stock market continues to display resilience supported by banking strength and improving sector rotation. As long as Nifty sustains above the 25,600–25,700 zone, the broader trend remains positive.
Energy and FMCG stocks are slowly entering momentum phase, and selective opportunities are emerging. Traders should remain disciplined, follow technical levels, and avoid emotional trading.
The structure suggests a gradual move toward higher levels, but controlled volatility may persist throughout the session.
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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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