BIZ DESK
After an up and down session, domestic benchmark equity indices ended on a firm note today, supported by strong buying in power, utilities, and oil stocks. The Sensex climbed 369 points, or 0.44 per cent, to close at 84,997, while the Nifty advanced 118 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 26,054 — crossing the 26,000 level for the first time in 2025.
The broader market also participated in the rally, with the BSE Mid-Cap index rising 0.7 per cent and the Small-Cap index gaining 0.5 per cent, reflecting broad-based optimism among investors.
Sector-Wise Performance
Power & Utilities:
The power sector led today’s rally. The BSE Power index jumped 2.7 per cent, while Utilities climbed 2.6 per cent, supported by strong gains in NTPC and PowerGrid amid sustained demand outlook and improved tariff realizations.
Oil & Gas:
The Oil and Gas index advanced over 2.5 per cent, aided by buying interest in ONGC, Reliance Industries, and Indian Oil Corporation. Rising crude prices and expectations of better refining margins boosted sentiment.
Banking & Financials:
Financial counters traded mixed, with PSU banks showing strength. The Bankex added nearly 0.4 per cent as investors remained optimistic about steady credit growth and healthy Q2 earnings.
IT & Tech:
The Information Technology index edged up 0.3 per cent, tracking positive global cues from U.S. tech stocks. However, profit-booking capped gains in frontline stocks such as Infosys and TCS.
Auto:
The Auto index was the only laggard of the day, slipping 0.5 per cent as concerns over sluggish festive-season demand weighed on two-wheeler and passenger vehicle stocks like M&M and Bajaj Auto.
Metal & Realty:
Both Metal and Realty indices ended higher by around 1 per cent, supported by firm global commodity prices and strong housing demand indicators.
Top Gainers and Losers
Top Gainers:
Adani Ports (+2.8%), NTPC (+2.6%), and PowerGrid (+2.6%) were among the top gainers on the Sensex, driven by renewed institutional buying.
Top Losers:
Bharat Electronics Limited (-1.5%), Eternal (-1.2%), and Mahindra & Mahindra (-1.1%) featured among the major laggards.
Market Breadth Remains Positive
The overall market sentiment at the Bombay Stock Exchange remained positive. Out of the total traded stocks, 2,482 advanced, 1,668 declined, and 175 remained unchanged, indicating strong underlying market breadth despite intra-day volatility.