The NIFTY 50 closed higher on February 20, 2026, ending the session at 25,571.25 with a gain of 116.90 points or 0.46%. The broader market showed resilience following a weak previous session, with notable strength in metals, financial services and FMCG counters.
Hindalco, NTPC and Larsen & Toubro were among the top contributors to the day’s upmove. However, select stocks such as Kwality Walls, Eternal (Zomato) and Infosys weighed on the downside with moderate declines.
The index opened with a positive bias and maintained steady momentum throughout the day. Buying interest in metal names supported the broader trend, particularly driven by gains in Hindalco.
Financial services stocks, including SBI Life also contributed to intraday stability. On the other hand, technology and select diversified names faced selling pressure, resulting in a mixed sectoral performance.
| Company Name | LTP | Change (₹) | % Change | Volume (Lakhs) | Value (₹ Crores) |
| Hindalco | 934.75 | 29.10 | 3.21 | 58.56 | 543.63 |
| NTPC | 372.80 | 9.60 | 2.64 | 167.37 | 621.20 |
| Larsen & Toubro | 4,380.10 | 99.60 | 2.33 | 25.42 | 1,108.46 |
| SBI Life | 2,080.00 | 37.00 | 1.81 | 9.21 | 191.18 |
| Hindustan Unilever | 2,318.30 | 39.00 | 1.71 | 17.16 | 397.36 |
| Company Name | LTP | Change (₹) | % Change | Volume (Lakhs) | Value (₹ Crores) |
| Kwality Walls | 27.60 | -0.99 | -3.46 | 127.91 | 35.94 |
| Eternal (Zomato) | 268.20 | -3.55 | -1.31 | 193.17 | 521.29 |
| Infosys | 1,353.00 | -17.50 | -1.28 | 126.34 | 1,711.49 |
| Tech Mahindra | 1,464.00 | -15.30 | -1.03 | 16.00 | 233.86 |
| Grasim | 2,835.00 | -29.30 | -1.02 | 5.98 | 170.35 |
Metal stocks outperformed with Hindalco leading the rally, supported by strong volume-driven buying. Power and capital goods segments also contributed positively, helped by gains in NTPC and Larsen & Toubro.
FMCG stocks such as Hindustan Unilever added to the market’s strength with steady upward movement. In contrast, technology stocks lagged, with declines in Infosys and Tech Mahindra weighing on sectoral sentiment.
Read More: Mutual Funds Trim Exposure in Metals, IT, PSU Banks, Cables and Oil & Gas Sectors in January.
The NIFTY 50 closed higher on February 20, 2026, supported by a strong recovery in metals, power and FMCG sectors. Hindalco, NTPC and Larsen & Toubro emerged as the major gainers driving the index upward.
Meanwhile, Kwality Walls and Eternal (Zomato) topped the losers’ list, contributing to pockets of weakness in technology and high-beta segments. Despite selective declines, overall sentiment remained positive, helping the index end the week on a firmer note.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Feb 20, 2026, 4:02 PM IST
Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and mutual funds, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
Know MoreWe're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
