Stock market investors in India are closely tracking key counters on 18 February 2026 as market momentum builds around select large-cap and PSU stocks. After recent volatility in global markets, traders are focusing on fundamentally strong companies showing price action, sector strength, and steady investor interest.
Among the top stocks to watch in India today, three names are drawing the most attention — Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Infosys, and Dabur India Ltd.
These companies represent three major sectors of the Indian economy — capital goods, information technology, and FMCG. Their movement today could influence broader market sentiment.
Below is a detailed look at why these stocks matter today and what investors should watch.
Why These Stocks Matter on 18 February 2026
The Indian equity market is currently reacting to:
- Ongoing global economic updates
- Domestic policy signals
- Sector-specific developments
- FII and DII investment activity
- Technical breakout levels in key stocks
When heavyweight stocks show movement, they often impact the Nifty 50 and Sensex direction. BHEL, Infosys, and Dabur have recently seen renewed investor interest.
For traders and long-term investors, tracking these stocks helps in understanding overall market momentum.
BHEL: PSU Capital Goods Stock in Focus
Why BHEL Is a Stock to Watch Today
BHEL has been attracting attention due to:
- Strong order book visibility
- Government focus on infrastructure and power projects
- PSU stock momentum in recent sessions
- Renewed interest in capital goods sector
As a major public sector engineering company, BHEL benefits directly from government spending in power, railways, and heavy industry.
Sector Tailwinds Supporting BHEL
The government’s push on:
- Power generation capacity expansion
- Renewable energy projects
- Transmission and infrastructure upgrades
has created strong long-term visibility for capital goods companies.
Investors are watching whether BHEL can sustain its recent upward trend and hold key technical support levels.
What Traders Are Monitoring
- Volume activity during market hours
- Breakout above recent resistance zones
- Broader PSU index movement
Short-term traders may react quickly to price momentum, while long-term investors will look at order inflows and execution strength.
Infosys: IT Major Reflects Global Tech Sentiment
Why Infosys Is Gaining Attention
Infosys, one of India’s top IT exporters, is sensitive to:
- US economic signals
- Global tech demand
- Currency movement
- Client spending trends
Any movement in the US markets or technology sector globally often impacts Indian IT stocks.
IT Sector Outlook in 2026
The IT sector is currently balancing:
- Cost optimisation deals
- AI and digital transformation projects
- Margin pressure concerns
- Global demand recovery signals
Infosys is often considered a bellwether for the sector. When Infosys moves, other IT stocks tend to follow.
What Investors Should Watch
- Management commentary from recent interactions
- Deal wins or large contract announcements
- Rupee movement against the US dollar
- Technical support and resistance levels
If global cues remain stable, Infosys could provide support to the broader market today.
Dabur: FMCG Stability in Volatile Markets
Why Dabur Is on Traders’ Radar
Dabur India Ltd represents the defensive FMCG segment. When markets face uncertainty, investors often move towards stable consumer companies.
Dabur’s appeal comes from:
- Strong rural distribution network
- Established brand portfolio
- Seasonal product demand
- Stable revenue visibility
FMCG Trends in Early 2026
The FMCG sector is seeing:
- Gradual rural demand recovery
- Stable urban consumption
- Input cost monitoring
- Premium product push
Defensive stocks like Dabur can attract buying interest when volatility increases in high-risk sectors.
Technical and Fundamental Factors
Market participants are checking:
- Short-term price consolidation
- Delivery volumes
- Quarterly performance trends
- Margin outlook
FMCG stocks often act as shock absorbers during uncertain market phases.
Broader Market Sentiment Today
Key Factors Driving Indian Markets
Indian markets today are reacting to:
- Global equity trends overnight
- Commodity price movement
- Crude oil levels
- Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) flows
- Domestic institutional buying
When capital goods, IT, and FMCG stocks move together, it often signals balanced participation across sectors.
Sector Rotation in Play
Markets in 2026 are showing signs of sector rotation:
- PSU and infrastructure stocks gaining traction
- IT reacting to global cues
- FMCG offering stability
This rotation helps maintain index strength even during global uncertainty.
Risk Factors Investors Should Keep in Mind
Even though these stocks are in focus, investors should remember:
- Global market volatility can impact sentiment
- Sudden policy announcements may change sector outlook
- Currency fluctuations affect IT earnings
- Commodity prices impact FMCG margins
- Infrastructure execution delays can affect capital goods companies
Short-term price movement does not always reflect long-term fundamentals.
Technical Outlook: What Charts Suggest
Market analysts often look at:
- Moving averages
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Volume breakouts
- Trendline patterns
If these stocks hold above key support levels, momentum may continue. A breakdown below support could trigger profit booking.
Investors should avoid making decisions purely based on one trading session.
Why “Top Stocks to Watch in India Today 2026” Is Trending
Search interest around “top stocks to watch in India today” rises when:
- Markets show volatility
- Earnings season updates continue
- Sector leadership changes
- Global news impacts domestic equities
Retail investors actively search for daily stock focus lists to understand where momentum is building.
BHEL, Infosys, and Dabur represent three important pillars of the Indian economy, making them natural candidates for today’s watchlist.
Expert View: Balanced Approach Is Key
Market experts often advise:
- Diversification across sectors
- Avoiding panic buying or selling
- Monitoring global and domestic cues
- Focusing on company fundamentals
Capital goods offer growth potential, IT reflects global integration, and FMCG provides defensive strength.
This combination gives investors a snapshot of India’s broader economic direction.
Conclusion: Stocks to Watch as Market Momentum Builds
As trading unfolds on 18 February 2026, BHEL, Infosys, and Dabur remain key stocks to monitor. Each stock represents a different theme shaping the Indian market:
- Infrastructure and PSU momentum – BHEL
- Global tech recovery – Infosys
- Defensive consumption strength – Dabur
Their movement today could influence overall market direction and investor sentiment.
For Indian investors tracking daily market trends, keeping an eye on these stocks provides insight into sector rotation, institutional activity, and broader economic confidence.
Markets may remain dynamic, but informed tracking of leading stocks helps investors stay prepared.
Also Read: India AI Impact Summit 2026: How Sundar Pichai’s Visit Signals a New Era in Tech Growth
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:46 pm by News Estate Team | Published by: News Estate Team on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:46 pm | News Categories: News
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