Stock Market Today, Feb. 21 -- Consolidation in the markets continued on Thursday as benchmark Nifty 50 Index ended 0.09% lower at 22,913.15. The Bank Nifty saw a steeper 0.49% cut to end at 49,334.55, while the IT index was the other prominent loser. Metals, Oil & Gas, and Auto sectoral index, on the other hand, saw smart gains, and even broader markets ended half a per cent higher

For the Nifty 50 Index, the 22950 level is crucial to watch. If the market moves above 22950, it could rally to the 23050-23100 range. Conversely, a breach of 22800 could change the sentiment, potentially leading to a retest of the 22725-22650 levels, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

Key support for Bank Nifty is placed at 48...