Indian equity benchmarks on Friday recorded robust gains, with the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 advancing sharply in line with positive global trends, despite fresh geopolitical tensions and concerns over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Sensex climbed over 0.8 per cent, touching an intra-day high above 77,200, while the Nifty rose nearly 0.85 per cent to trade close to the 24,000 mark. Both indices had opened higher, extending early momentum through the session.
Sector-wise, banking, realty, auto, energy and metal stocks led the rally, whereas the IT segment remained under pressure.
Stocks such as Infosys, Sun Pharma, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies and Hindustan Unilever were among the notable laggards.
Analysts noted that the correction in equities remains limited compared to the volatility seen in energy markets, indicating expectations of a gradual easing in energy prices over the coming months.
While some impact on growth and inflation is anticipated, the broader outlook for equities remains constructive, particularly with a strong earnings season on the horizon.
Globally, Asian markets traded higher, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 rising over 1 per cent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gaining around 0.7 per cent, and South Korea’s KOSPI advancing nearly 1.5 per cent.
Other regional indices also remained in positive territory.
In the United States, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closed higher, reflecting continued investor optimism.
Crude oil prices edged up, with Brent Crude rising above $97 per barrel and WTI Crude nearing $100, amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
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