Indian benchmark indices continued their upward momentum, buoyed by the Reserve Bank of India's firm policy stance and supportive global cues. The Sensex added 256 points to close at 82,444, while the Nifty scaled past the 25,100 mark, settling at 25,103.20.
All 13 major sectoral indices ended in the green, signaling broad-based buying and revived investor sentiment across the board. The rally reflects confidence in domestic macro fundamentals amid a stable rate environment.
The key reason for Monday's market performance was the surprising RBI 50-basis-point cut in the repo rate, along with a 100-basis-point cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). This bold policy shift is expected to inject substantial liquidity into the banking system, thus spurring banks' earnings recovery. Banks are likely to utilize this excess liquidity to service increasing demand for credit or invest in government and corporate paper, two channels that stand to increase interest income. At the same time, lenders are likely to cut deposit rates, which would serve to reduce their cost of funds overall.
The near-term effect was felt in rate-sensitive industries. Heavyweight financials and private banks also rose by about 1%, with the Bank Nifty hitting an all-time high, crossing 57,000 for the first time. Kotak Bank and Bajaj Finance, for example, each rose 3%. The auto industry also rose significantly, with Hyundai shares rising 7% to an all-time high, being aided by the rate cut and strong electric vehicle (EV) sales momentum. Significantly, the Nifty Realty index surged 4.7%. The broadness of the rally was highlighted by an advance-decline ratio squarely in the favour of buyers.
Apart from domestic policy, favorable international factors were a major driving force behind the market's rise. Optimistic worldwide sentiment was powered by robust U.S. jobs numbers, which served to ease fears of an economic slowdown. In addition, advances in U.S.-India trade talks, seeking an interim pact that targets tariff cuts in the agriculture and auto industries, were a further boon.
Asian equities, such as the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index, which rose 0.7%, replicated the Wall Street-positive close. The Chinese and Hong Kong equities also recorded a rise on expectations of positive trade talks between the U.S. and China, as the Hang Seng index rose 1.6%. The European equities were generally flat, with investors waiting for the results of these sensitive trade negotiations lined up in London.
Moreover, a few corporate events made the headlines during the session. Shares of Bajaj Finance jumped more than 4% following the firm setting the record date for its 1:2 stock split and 4:1 bonus share issue. State Bank of India (SBI) disbursed a huge dividend of ₹8,076.84 crore to the government for FY25. In the infrastructure division, L&T's Heavy Civil Infrastructure business won a major order from JSW Energy for a 1500 MW pumped storage project in Maharashtra. MCX shares also reached a life high, rising almost 4%, after Sebi approved the launch of electricity derivatives, a major milestone in India's energy trading history.
Indian equity markets showed positive momentum by midday, with the Sensex rising over three hundred points and the Nifty crossing the twenty-five thousand mark. This rally was primarily driven by strong gains in banking and financial stocks, reflecting robust investor confidence.
The Nifty Bank index reached an all-time high, led by key contributors such as Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and Bajaj Finance. Broader market segments like MidCap and SmallCap indices also experienced healthy advances, indicating widespread participation in the rally.
Sector-wise, PSU Banks, Private Banks, and IT stocks posted gains, while Realty shares saw a slight decline. The mixed sector performance highlights selective profit booking amid overall positive sentiment.
Market optimism was further supported by positive global cues, including hopes for progress in upcoming US-China trade talks. Domestically, the Reserve Bank of India’s recent rate cut and liquidity measures have bolstered financial stocks, adding to the upbeat mood.
Market breadth remained positive with a majority of stocks advancing and several hitting new 52-week highs. Despite some profit booking in select sectors, the broad-based strength reflects healthy market dynamics at midday.
At noon, the benchmark indices are holding firm gains, buoyed by strength in banking and auto stocks. The Nifty 50 is trading above the 25,100 mark (0.45%) up 113 points, while the Sensex has climbed over 82539.85 (0.43%) or up by 350 points.
Here are the top gainers and losers as of mid-day trade:
Bajaj Finance is leading the Nifty50 charge today on positive investor sentiment driven by the announcement of a stock split and bonus shares. Strong quarterly performance and supportive monetary policies have further boosted the stock.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is on the run today as it leads gains in the banking sector amid the Nifty Bank index hitting a record high, supported by strong investor interest and robust trading volumes. Positive sentiment is further boosted by recent liquidity-friendly moves from the Reserve Bank of India, including a rate cut and reduced cash reserve ratio
Momentum behind Shriram Finance continues as it is positively reacting to the Reserve Bank of India's recent rate cut, which has increased investor interest in NBFC stocks. Strong institutional buying and favorable liquidity conditions have further supported the stock’s gains.
Bajaj Finserv is trading in the green following the announcement of the record date for its stock split and bonus share issue, which has boosted investor enthusiasm. Strong quarterly results and supportive RBI monetary measures have further enhanced market confidence in the stock.
Trent is surging on the renewed investor interest driven by its strong retail presence and ongoing store expansion, particularly in its fast-growing value fashion segment. Positive market sentiment is also supported by expectations of sustained growth despite recent challenges in sales momentum.
ICICI Bank is lagging as investors book their profits after a sharp run up in the stock price. Despite strong fundamentals, cautious sentiment is causing traders to scale back their positions following the recent rally.
Titan is trailing on disappointing quarterly results that raised concerns about growth momentum. Market uncertainty and cautious outlook in the consumer sector have also contributed to the decline.
Dr. Reddy's is trading in the red mainly due to concerns over pricing pressures in key markets and a recent lukewarm response to earnings reports. investors are also reevaluating pharmaceutical stocks amid broader market adjustments.
HDFC Life ‘s shares are in the red reflecting a cautious outlook driven by decline in sales, marking the first revenue contraction in several years. Additionally, cautious sentiment around the insurance sector and recent technical signals have contributed to the stock’s weakness.
The subdued price movement in Apollo Hospitals Enterprises reflecting short-term technical weakness. This comes even as the company reported strong quarterly earnings. The stock’s decline appears to be driven by broader sector volatility and a cautious stance by investors, indicating that near-term sentiment is outweighing fundamentals for now.
Indian benchmark indices started Monday's trading session on a strong note, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) surprise monetary easing actions. The SENSEX jumped 383 points to 82,572, while the NIFTY rose 128 points to close at 25,132.
At 9:30 AM, the Sensex was up 82598.35 (0.50%) , while the Nifty was up 25160.10 (0.63%).
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made a more aggressive-than-expected policy announcement, lowering the repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.5%. This was supplemented by a shocking 100 bps cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), scheduled for four equal tranches until November 2025, expected to inject a further ₹2.5 trillion of liquidity into the financial system by December 2025.
Importantly, the MPC also changed its stance on monetary policy from "Accommodative" to "Neutral" after only one policy. The overall objective of the central bank is clearly as follows: to stimulate private domestic spending and investment using policy instruments so as to increase growth momentum. The MPC cut its inflation projection for FY26 by 30 bps to 3.70% from 4.00% and kept the FY26 real GDP projection unchanged at 6.5%.
Across Asia, markets opened on an optimistic note, driven by positive U.S. economic data and hopes of renewed trade talks between the United States and China. Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi indices gained close to 1%, reflecting investor optimism over a potential softening of trade tensions. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also recorded modest gains, buoyed by strong performances in the technology and consumer sectors.
In Europe, stock markets began trading on a positive note, supported by news of a recent U.S.-UK trade agreement and expectations of further easing in global trade tensions. The pan-European STOXX 600, along with leading indices such as Germany's DAX and the UK's FTSE 100, opened higher. However, the European Central Bank’s subdued tone regarding future interest rate cuts tempered the momentum, resulting in moderate gains rather than a sharp rally.
Wall Street futures indicated a calm opening for U.S. markets, as investors processed mixed signals from economic indicators and geopolitical events. S&P 500 futures held steady after the index closed at its highest level since February, signalling cautious optimism. Market participants are closely monitoring upcoming trade talks and corporate earnings announcements, which are expected to influence market direction in the coming days.
Gold futures started trading at about $3,333.40 per ounce but retreated to close at about $3,314.74, losing around 1.85%. The retreat followed recent monthly peaks as investors sold for profits due to weakening geopolitical tensions and a strengthening U.S. dollar.
24-carat gold prices fell to about ₹98,350 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold fell to about ₹90,150 per 10 grams in India. Major trading hubs such as Mumbai and Chennai also recorded similar falls, breaking the recent bull run on account of safe-haven buying. The price correction is pointing towards consolidation following a strong upsurge, with investors keenly observing global economic indicators and geopolitical events for further cues.- for this one-line title.
Crude oil prices opened a tad lower with caution before the U.S.-China trade negotiations. WTI crude was trading at about $64.50 per barrel, declining around 0.12%, whereas Brent crude was hovering at $66.42, dropping 0.08%. Markets were vigilant with respect to OPEC production and diplomatic tensions.
US Dollar vs Indian Rupee (USD/INR) exchange rate opened at approximately ₹86.02 and closed at approximately ₹85.41, lower by about 0.7% compared to yesterday. The dollar was initially stronger during the session but weakened later in the day, as mixed economic news and continued geopolitical events shaped the market. The USD remained relatively modestly volatile against the INR overall, with traders following trade negotiations and global market signals closely for further guidance
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