Indian markets closed sharply lower on February 24, 2026, as a steep IT sector sell-off triggered by AI disruption fears and renewed US tariff uncertainties erased recent gains. Broad-based selling across autos and technology, coupled with cautious central bank signals, pushed benchmarks into bearish territory amid heightened volatility.

Indian markets extended gains to close at fresh highs on February 24, 2026, as relief from a US court ruling invalidating key tariffs boosted sentiment. PSU banks and healthcare led the rally, while positive wage outlook and an ambitious PSU IPO pipeline added to the bullish undertone, despite heightened banking scrutiny.

Indian markets are set for a muted-to-soft opening on February 23, 2026, as fresh U.S. global tariffs and mixed Asian cues weigh on sentiment. While domestic cyclicals and PSU banks show resilience, early focus remains on corporate developments and selective technical picks amid subdued pre-market analyst activity.