Nifty Index are likely to remain range-bound in the near term. - 18.02.2026

 *Special Report* 
Aetram Research India : *Near term Nifty Index Outlook* - 18.02.2026

*Nifty Index are likely to remain range-bound in the near term.*

The market has remained range-bound for nearly 4-5 months, oscillating between phases of greed and fear. The Nifty repeatedly fails to sustain above 26300, while declines continue to attract buying interest at lower levels, including during the Budget session. On a relative basis, Indian equities continue to underperform Asia, the US, and Europe.

*Sector Leadership Concerns*

A key structural issue remains the lack of strong sector leadership:

• IT sector remains under pressure.
• Reliance Industries is not contributing meaningfully to index momentum.
• Banking is carrying disproportionate responsibility.
• Capital goods, auto, and pharma sectors have largely stagnated.

*Nifty Technical Levels*

• Immediate Support: 25350 (closing below could trigger further weakness).
• Major Resistance: 26300 (decisive breakout required for strength).
• Bias: Range-bound with volatile and slightly bearish undertone.
• Broader markets are expected to outperform large caps and top 100 stocks.

*Final Takeaway*
* The headline indices are likely to remain range-bound in the near term. This is a stock-pickers market, with better opportunities emerging in PSUs, financials, and metals rather than in large-cap index heavyweights.