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Markets Decline as Risk Assets Correct; Defensive Segments Show Relative Stability

GoalFi Pulse | 24 February 2026

Author

GoalFi Social
February 24, 2026

Hello ,

Market Overview

Markets witnessed broad-based selling pressure today, led by sharp declines in IT stocks, which dragged frontline indices lower. While PSU, FMCG, and Pharma names offered selective support, overall sentiment remained cautious amid weak global cues. Midcaps showed relative resilience, but institutional selling in technology stocks kept markets under pressure, resulting in a negative close across major indices.

Market Snapshot – Key Indices Performance

Index

LTP

Change

Change %

Nifty 50

25,424.65

-288.35

1.1%

Nifty 500

23,304.60

-180.35

0.8%

Nifty Bank

61,047.30

-216.95

0.4%

Nifty Financial Services

28,295.10

-159.9

0.6%

Nifty Midcap Select

13,448.65

-29.1

0.2%

Market Insight:
Broad-based selling dragged frontline indices lower, with midcaps showing relative resilience.

Top Gainers – Nifty 50

Stock

LTP

Change

Change %

NTPC Ltd.

382.75

7.3

1.9%

Coal India Ltd.

430.95

4.95

1.2%

JSW Steel Ltd.

1,254.50

14

1.1%

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

922.85

6.65

0.7%

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

2,358.60

13.2

0.6%

Summary: PSU utilities, metals, and FMCG stocks provided limited upside support.

Top Losers – Nifty 50

Stock

LTP

Change

Change %

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

1,345.40

-95.5

6.6%

HCL Technologies Ltd.

1,339.20

-87

6.1%

Eternal Ltd.

254

-14

5.2%

Infosys Ltd.

1,275.50

-52

3.9%

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

2,573.70

-102.6

3.8%

Summary:
Heavy profit-booking in IT stocks led today’s decline, reflecting cautious global tech sentiment.

Top Gainers - N500

Stock

LTP

Change

Change %

Natco Pharma Ltd.

944.85

51.85

5.8%

Endurance Technologies Ltd.

2,685.00

130.2

5.1%

Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd.

409.4

18

4.6%

Bandhan Bank Ltd.

180.55

6.9

4.0%

Waaree Energies Ltd.

3,023.50

107.7

3.7%

Summary:
Pharma, auto ancillaries, and renewable energy stocks attracted strong buying interest.

Top Losers - N500

Stock

LTP

Change

Change %

L&T Technology Services Ltd.

3,148.60

-290.8

8.5%

Affle 3i Ltd.

1,398.50

-111.1

7.4%

LTIMindtree Ltd.

4,501.00

-330.5

6.8%

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

1,345.40

-95.5

6.6%

KPIT Technologies Ltd.

760.5

-52.2

6.4%

Summary:
Deep cuts across IT services names signal institutional selling and near-term earnings caution.

Market Outlook

Markets are expected to open on a cautious to mildly volatile note in the coming sessions as investors continue to assess global cues and the sharp correction in IT stocks.

Conclusion

Today’s session reflected a classic risk-off mood driven by heavy selling in technology stocks, pulling benchmark indices lower. While pockets of strength were visible in PSU, Pharma, and select midcaps, broader participation remained weak. Investors are advised to stay selective, maintain disciplined allocations, and focus on fundamentally strong names amid elevated volatility.

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