Stocks Market to Watch Today: IDFC First Bank, UPL, Novartis India and NHPC are likely to remain in focus in Monday’s trade as investors track company updates, sector signals and broader market cues.
Indian equity markets are expected to open with cautious momentum on 23 February 2026, amid mixed global trends and stock-specific developments. Traders are closely watching banking, pharma, agri-chemicals and power sector counters for near-term opportunities.
Here is a detailed look at the key stocks to watch today and why they matter for investors.
IDFC First Bank Share Price in Focus After Key Business Updates
IDFC First Bank is likely to attract attention in early trade as investors monitor developments in the private banking space.
Why IDFC First Bank Matters Today
The banking sector remains sensitive to:
- RBI policy signals
- Credit growth trends
- Deposit mobilization data
- Asset quality updates
Private lenders have seen steady loan growth in recent quarters. However, rising competition for deposits and margin pressure remain key themes.
Key Factors Investors Are Watching
- Loan growth momentum
- Net interest margin (NIM) stability
- Retail vs corporate loan mix
- Asset quality indicators
Banking stocks often react sharply to even small changes in guidance or analyst commentary. With volatility in global markets, traders may see movement in banking counters including IDFC First Bank.
Sector View: Private Banks
Private sector banks continue to play a major role in India’s credit expansion story. Any shift in liquidity conditions or bond yields could impact valuations in the near term.
Investors should also track overall market sentiment, as banking stocks often move in line with benchmark indices.
UPL Shares Under Watch Amid Agri-Chemical Sector Developments
UPL is another stock to watch today as the agri-chemicals sector reacts to global demand signals and commodity price trends.
Why UPL Is Important Now
UPL is closely linked to:
- Global crop protection demand
- Raw material price movement
- Export markets
- Currency fluctuations
Agri-chemical companies are sensitive to global agricultural cycles. Any shift in international demand or pricing can affect stock performance.
What Could Drive Movement Today
- Updates related to international operations
- Changes in input cost trends
- Global market cues
- Investor sentiment toward export-oriented businesses
UPL has seen volatility in recent quarters due to global pricing pressure. Market participants will watch whether buying interest returns at current levels.
Sector Outlook: Agri-Chemicals
The agri-chemical space remains cyclical. Recovery signs in global agriculture demand could support sentiment. However, near-term caution continues in export-heavy companies.
Short-term traders may see opportunities if volumes rise significantly during the session.
Novartis India Stock in Spotlight in Pharma Segment
Novartis India could see activity as pharma stocks respond to regulatory and global healthcare developments.
Pharma Sector Remains Defensive Play
Pharma stocks often attract investors during uncertain global markets because:
- Healthcare demand remains steady
- Earnings visibility is stronger
- Defensive positioning helps during volatility
Why Novartis India Is Being Tracked
Investors are watching:
- Any regulatory updates
- Business restructuring signals
- Product portfolio developments
- Industry-wide pricing trends
Pharmaceutical companies also react to global developments, especially in regulated markets.
Key Numbers to Track
- Export revenue exposure
- Domestic sales growth
- Margin stability
Even small updates can impact pharma counters quickly, especially mid-cap names.
NHPC Shares in Focus as Power Sector Gains Attention
NHPC is expected to remain active as the power sector continues to draw investor interest.
Why Power Stocks Are Important Right Now
India’s power demand has remained strong due to:
- Industrial growth
- Urban electricity consumption
- Infrastructure expansion
Hydropower companies like NHPC are closely linked to seasonal generation patterns and policy support.
What Investors Are Monitoring
- Project execution updates
- Capacity addition plans
- Renewable energy push
- Government policy direction
Power and renewable energy stocks have seen renewed interest as India focuses on energy transition goals.
Long-Term Theme: Clean Energy
Hydropower remains part of India’s clean energy roadmap. Any positive development in project approvals or capacity expansion may influence stock movement.
Market Context: What’s Driving Dalal Street Today
Broader market direction will also depend on:
- Global equity trends
- US bond yields
- Crude oil prices
- Rupee movement
- Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) activity
When global markets show volatility, stock-specific triggers become more important.
Investors should also track:
- Nifty and Sensex opening trend
- Banking index movement
- Mid-cap participation
- Trading volumes
How Traders Can Approach Today’s Session
While IDFC First Bank, UPL, Novartis India and NHPC are among the key stocks to watch today, investors should:
- Avoid impulsive trades
- Check company disclosures carefully
- Track official exchange filings
- Watch overall market trend before taking positions
Short-term price movement does not always reflect long-term value.
Key Risks to Keep in Mind
- Sudden global market correction
- Policy surprises
- Commodity price volatility
- Currency swings
- Unexpected company announcements
Risk management remains critical in volatile sessions.
What This Means for Retail Investors
For retail investors, stock-specific news often creates short-term volatility. However, long-term decisions should be based on:
- Company fundamentals
- Earnings growth
- Debt levels
- Sector outlook
Watching daily movers can help understand market direction, but disciplined investing remains essential.
Stocks to Watch Today: Quick Snapshot
| Company | Sector | Why in Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IDFC First Bank | Banking | Sector sentiment, credit trends |
| UPL | Agri-chemicals | Global demand, export cues |
| Novartis India | Pharma | Defensive sector play |
| NHPC | Power | Renewable energy focus |
Final Word
As trading begins on 23 February 2026, IDFC First Bank, UPL, Novartis India and NHPC are among the key market movers to watch.
Each of these stocks represents a different sector theme — banking growth, global agriculture demand, defensive pharma positioning and India’s power transition story.
Investors should monitor official exchange updates and broader market signals before making decisions.
The session could remain stock-specific, with movement driven by sector rotation and investor positioning.
Stay tuned for live market updates as Dalal Street reacts to these key counters today.
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