Sensex Extends Gains Amid IT And PSU Buying

BSE Sensex rose 173.81 points to 83,450.96 and the Nifty 50 gained 42.65 points to 25,725.40 on February 17, 2026, as markets pared early losses to close modestly higher. Buying in PSU banks and IT stocks, supportive Q3 earnings, and a stabilising rupee underpinned gains, while sectoral breadth remained mixed. Analysts signalled cautious rotation and potential renewed FII inflows amid improving earnings outlook.