Bulls Take Aggressive Bets on Markets as AI Buzz Brings Risk-on

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Position writers drop cues of aggressive bets by traders in markets with seller exhaustion seen

By S. JHA

Mumbai, February 19, 2026 — The ongoing India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi is ringing bells of good omens in the markets. AI stocks are trending. The likes of E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies ruled the street yesterday.

Nifty gave a close above 25800 in a decisive breakout per chartists. Position writers have also chosen a wide range — 25,600 to 26,000. Put and call writers have laid the path for eventful days leading to the monthly expiry.

IT stocks remain a drag on the market. But old businesses are buzzing. FMCG stocks trended up. Godfrey Phillips, the cigarette maker, spurted 20% yesterday. ITC also buzzed along with Tata Global Beverages in the last hour of trades yesterday.

The US-Iran tension may also cast a shadow over the markets. Reports said that a massive mobilisation of fighter jets is underway in the Middle East. A war in the Gulf will weigh down the market per market participants.

“Index futures climbed 86 points with nearly 2 percent rise in Open Interest, confirming aggressive long additions,” said Angel One in its market commentary shared with clients. It emphasised a bullish price structure for Nifty.

“Daily candle formed a pronounced lower wick, reflecting seller exhaustion and delivering the strongest close in five sessions above 25,800,” added the Delhi-based brokerage firm. It also noted that “India VIX (volatility) declined for a second straight session, reinforcing the bullish undertone.”

“Technically, the index has closed above the 61.8% retracement of last week’s decline, indicating that the recent correction may be over and opening the door for a retest of the 26000 mark,” added the brokerage firm.

It also stressed that “given the strong setup in heavyweight banking stocks, Nifty appears well positioned to move toward the all-time high zone of 26300–26400 in the near term.”

Angel One also stated that “significant writing was observed in 25700-25600 Put strikes, hinting at nearby support zone. On the flip side, 26000 CE strikes has highest pile-up of positions, suggesting an immediate resistance zone.”

(Disclaimer: This article makes no recommendation for any kind of trades in the stock market.)