Markets End Higher On Sectoral Gains; PMIs, Global Sentiment Boost Mood

The Indian equity market closed on a strong note Wednesday, buoyed by buying interest in banking, financials, auto, and healthcare sectors, supported by positive global cues linked to progress in the US-Japan trade deal.

The Sensex climbed 539.83 points or 0.66 per cent to settle at 82,726.64. Opening at 82,451.87, higher than the previous close of 82,186.81, the 30-share benchmark extended gains during the session to touch an intraday high of 82,786.43, driven by strong performances from Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, and ICICI Bank.

The broader Nifty 50 also ended on firm footing, rising 159 points or 0.63 per cent to close at 25,219.90.

“The day was characterised by robust performance across key sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, Automobiles, Healthcare, and Information Technology. In contrast, pockets of weakness persisted in Realty, Media, Consumer Goods, and Metals, reflecting a sectorally bifurcated landscape,” noted Ashika Institutional Equities in a post-market commentary.

Globally, investor confidence received a lift from encouraging signals tied to the US-Japan trade agreement. This has spurred hopes for more bilateral pacts in the near term.

Among the top gainers on the Sensex were Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj FinServ, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Eternal, Asian Paints, and SBI.

Meanwhile, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, and Ultratech Cement closed in the red.

Out of the Nifty 50 pack, 37 stocks advanced while 13 declined.

Sectorally, Nifty Bank rose 454 points or 0.80 per cent. Nifty Auto gained 203 points or 0.85 per cent, while Nifty IT added 92.60 points or 0.25 per cent. Nifty FMCG edged lower by the end of trade.

The rally extended to broader indices as well. Nifty Next 50 jumped 159 points, Nifty 100 added 142 points or 0.55 per cent, and Nifty Midcap 100 gained 203 points or 0.34 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 ended almost unchanged.

In currency markets, the rupee traded in a tight range near 86.40 against the dollar. It showed a marginal movement of 0.01 per cent. The dollar index remained steady around 97.40 as investors awaited signals from the upcoming US interest rate decision.

“Domestic capital markets gained 0.65 per cent, while Fed Chair Powell’s recent speech kept the dollar range-bound. Attention now shifts to next week’s U.S. interest rate decision, which will be a key directional trigger. Rupee is expected to trade within a range of 85.80–86.70, stated Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

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