Indian equity markets are expected to remain range-bound in the coming week from February 23 to February 27, 2026, as investors eye a mix of global geopolitical developments and key domestic and international data points. After a volatile week, benchmark indices managed to close with modest gains, reflecting cautious optimism amid rising uncertainty.
Stock Market Forecast Next Week from 23rd to 27th February 2026: Sensex, Nifty Weekly Prediction
The Nifty 50 closed 0.40% higher at 25,571 last week, while the Sensex closed 0.23% higher at 82,814. Markets oscillated between gains and losses during the week, with global risk factors leading to decline but selective buying by domestic institutional investors supported the market.
Key triggers to drive market sentiment next week
Market participants will closely keep a close eye on progress on the India-US trade deal as well as geopolitical developments, especially tensions in the Middle East. Furthermore, India's Q3 GDP data, US initial jobless claims and the conclusion of the India AI Impact Summit are expected to impact sentiment.
Siddharth Khemka, Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. said, “Markets are likely to consolidate next week tracking the signing of the India-US trade agreement, India's Q3 GDP data, US initial jobless claims and the conclusion of the AI summit as well as geopolitical developments.”
Nifty Next Week Prediction for February 23 to 27, 2026
From a technical perspective, analysts believe that the broad structure of the market remains intact despite short-term volatility. Nifty continues to trade above its 200-day exponential moving average (EMA), indicating a constructive long-term trend.
Dr. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer, Master Capital Services Ltd. said, “The price is facing sharp resistance in 25,850-25,900 zone, which is expected to act as a strong barrier in the coming week. Sustained move above 25,900 could lead to bullish movement towards 26,100.”
On the downside, immediate support for Nifty is seen around 25,400 levels. A decisive break below this zone could pull the index to 25,100, where a gap zone is placed. Unless a clear breakout occurs, experts suggest that the index may continue to trade within a set range.
Sensex Weekly Prediction: Cautious but stable
It is expected that Sensex will also mirror the consolidation phase of Nifty. While global risk aversion—particularly concerns about a potential US attack on Iran—triggered selling pressure at higher levels, domestic institutional flows helped limit downside risks.
Institutional activity last week was mixed, with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) becoming net sellers of around Rs 638 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided strong support, buying equities worth about Rs 4,335 crore, which helped stabilize the market.
Bank Nifty remains relatively strong
Bank Nifty outperformed broader markets, gaining 1.64% for the week and marking its third consecutive weekly gain. The index closed near record highs, largely supported by PSU banking stocks.
“The index continues to trade comfortably above its 21-day and 55-day EMAs, indicating sustained bullishness,” Dr Singh said. Immediate support is placed in the 60,650-60,550 zone, while resistance is seen near 61,700. A sustained move above this level could extend the rally to 62,300.
For now, analysts recommend a “buy on dips” strategy for select sectors while waiting for decisive breakouts in benchmark indices to signal the next directional move.
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