Sensex, Nifty 50 | Stock Market Highlights: Indian equity benchmarks began the week on a positive note, tracking firm global markets and improving geopolitical sentiment. Early trade on Monday saw buying interest across sectors, as investors reacted to gains in US equities and optimism surrounding potential de-escalation in the Middle East.
Sensex ended 639 points higher at 77,304, while the Nifty 50 settled 195 points higher at 24,093. Broader markets outperformed benchmark indices, with the midcap and smallcap indices advancing over 1.5% each.
All sectors were also trading in the green with gains led by metals, pharma, IT, auto, and FMCG indices. On Sensex, Sun Pharma and Reliance Industries were the top gainers, while Axis Bank was the top laggard after Q4 results. Only 8 stocks were in the red in the index.
Global Markets Today
Market sentiment was supported by strong cues from overseas markets. Asian indices traded in the green. Global markets moved higher while oil prices trimmed gains after signs of renewed diplomatic progress between the US and Iran eased geopolitical concerns.
Brent crude rose about 2.5% to $101.59 per barrel, while US crude gained around 2.3% to $96.60, reflecting supply concerns linked to shipping disruptions in the region. Reports indicated Iran may ease its chokehold on the Strait without addressing its nuclear programme, while seeking relief from US sanctions, though the proposal faces resistance.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.4% to 60,537.36 after hitting a record high, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2%. Taiwan’s Taiex rallied 1.8%, supported by strong demand for AI-linked tech stocks. China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.1%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2%, while India’s Sensex gained 0.8%.
In Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.3% and France’s CAC 40 added 0.1%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.1%. US futures were marginally lower.
Focus now shifts to key central bank decisions this week, including the Federal Reserve, ECB, Bank of Japan and Bank of England.
The rally was aided by developments on the geopolitical front. Reports suggested that Iran, through mediation efforts involving Pakistan, had presented a fresh proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and working toward ending ongoing hostilities. Discussions around nuclear negotiations are expected to be deferred to a later stage, indicating a phased approach to easing tensions.
With global risk appetite improving and domestic markets taking cues from international trends, investors will now watch for further clarity on geopolitical developments and upcoming macroeconomic triggers through the week.
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