Stock market today: Trade setup for Nifty 50, gold, silver rates, FII-DII data to USD vs INR; 8 stocks to buy or sell

By Admin

18 Feb, 2026

The Indian stock market extended its positive momentum on Tuesday, with benchmark indices closing firmly in the green. With supportive FII-DII flows, stable currency movement, and sector-specific action, traders are now closely watching key technical levels in the Nifty 50, Bank Nifty, gold, silver, and USD vs INR for the next directional move.

Nifty 50 & Sensex Outlook

The Nifty 50 ended 42 points higher at 25,725, while the BSE Sensex gained 173 points to close at 83,450. The Bank Nifty surged 224 points to finish at 61,174.

Key Support & Resistance Levels

According to market experts:

• Crucial support zones: 25,600 / 83,000 and 25,500 / 82,700
  
  

• Immediate resistance: 25,800 / 83,700
  
  

• Breakout above 25,800–25,950 may push Nifty toward 26,000
  
  

• A fall below 25,500 could make the uptrend vulnerable
  
  

For Bank Nifty:

• Resistance at 25,800
  
  

• Failure to cross may drag the index back toward 25,500
  
  

Sector-wise, the PSU Banks Index outperformed with a 2.11% rally, while the Metal index was the top loser, shedding over 1%.

Market experts suggest the session may begin on a steady to slightly positive note, though selective profit-booking and mixed global cues could keep the market range-bound.

Gold & Silver Rates Today

Gold and silver opened with a downside gap and traded in a narrow range. The lack of trigger is attributed to stock market holidays in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam due to Lunar New Year celebrations. Trading activity in these markets will resume from February 24, 2026.

Anuj Gupta, a SEBI-registered expert, stated:

• Gold range: $4,850 – $5,200 per ounce
  
  

• COMEX Silver range: $70 – $85 per ounce
  
  

He advised investors to closely monitor the US Dollar (USD), as it remains the dominant factor influencing precious metal prices.

FII-DII Data

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) both ended as net buyers:

• FIIs bought Indian shares worth ₹995 crore
  
  

• DIIs bought shares worth ₹187 crore
  
  

This positive institutional participation supported the market’s upward move.

USD vs INR Outlook

The Indian Rupee closed 2 paise higher at 90.72 against the US Dollar, supported by positive domestic equities and softer crude prices.

Outlook:

• Immediate support near 90.90
  
  

• Resistance around 90.25
  
  

• The rupee remains range-bound amid limited intervention and awaiting direction from the dollar index or fresh capital flows.
  
  

Experts believe meaningful movement may depend on stronger US dollar trends or secondary market inflows.

IT Stocks in Focus

IT stocks are expected to remain under watch. The sector has been under pressure amid concerns over AI-driven disruptions to traditional IT service models. Although some frontline names showed a tentative rebound, sentiment remains fragile.

8 Stocks to Buy or Sell Today

Market experts have recommended the following intraday stocks:

1. Sun TV

Buy at ₹589.75
Target ₹640
Stop Loss ₹567

2. Sapphire Foods India

Buy at ₹217.64
Target ₹233
Stop Loss ₹210

3. BPCL

Buy at ₹375
Target ₹388
Stop Loss ₹368

4. Fortis Healthcare

Buy at ₹906
Target ₹940
Stop Loss ₹890

5. Prestige Estates

Buy at ₹1522
Target ₹1565
Stop Loss ₹1500

6. Tata Motors PV

Buy at ₹382.85
Target ₹410
Stop Loss ₹373

7. Paytm

Buy at ₹1169
Target ₹1240
Stop Loss ₹1145

8. DCX Systems

Buy at ₹185.40
Target ₹200
Stop Loss ₹180

Market Strategy for Today

• Maintain bullish bias above 25,600 on Nifty
  
  

• Watch 25,800 breakout for fresh upside momentum
  
  

• Track USD movement for gold and silver direction
  
  

• Monitor institutional flows for continuation of strength
  
  

With strong institutional buying and sector rotation supporting the rally, the Indian market may continue its upward trajectory   but traders should remain cautious of resistance levels and global triggers.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations mentioned are those of individual analysts or broking companies. Investors are advised to consult certified financial experts before making any investment decisions.