Indian equity markets opened marginally higher on Wednesday. The Nifty opened near 25,750, while the Sensex recorded gains of around 100 points in early trade. Shortly after the opening, volatility emerged, with the Sensex trading near 83,428. Trading remained within a limited range, with overall market conditions appearing balanced in early sessions.
On 18 February, domestic markets began the session with modest gains, though fluctuations persisted during the initial hours. The Nifty hovered around 25,750, and the Sensex moved within a narrow band. Early trade indicated selective buying activity.
Preliminary data showed advances in approximately 1,292 shares, while 921 shares declined and 176 remained unchanged, indicating sector- and stock-specific movements rather than broad-based participation.
Buying interest was visible in metal and healthcare stocks on the Nifty. Hindalco Industries and Tata Steel registered gains among metal stocks. In the healthcare segment, Apollo Hospitals and Cipla traded higher. Larsen & Toubro also traded with gains in early trade.
Among major stocks, ONGC and Coal India witnessed pressure. In the IT sector, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies and TCS recorded marginal declines, reflecting sector-specific movement.
Infosys introduced its AI First Value Framework, stating that it could help tap a potential opportunity of $300 billion to $400 billion by 2030. The company said the framework is aimed at leveraging increasing demand for artificial intelligence-based services.
Dilip Buildcon was declared the L1 bidder for flood protection works worth Rs 702 crore under a Gujarat government project.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited received a Letter of Acceptance from SAIL for a captive power plant order valued between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 1,500 crore.
Dabur India announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for its India business.
Eternal expanded its strategic partnership with OpenAI to strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities across its platforms.
Analysts said market direction will depend on global cues, crude oil price movements and foreign investor activity, along with corporate announcements and sector-specific developments. Markets continued to trade within a limited range with stock-specific action visible.
