A surprise 25-basis-point rate cut from the Reserve Bank of India, coupled with plans for a ₹1.45 lakh crore liquidity infusion through bond purchases and forex swaps, gave equity markets a strong boost on Friday. The move revived risk appetite across large and mid-caps, helping benchmark indices end the session on a firm note.
The Sensex closed 447 points higher, up 0.52 percent, at 85,712.37, while the Nifty 50 climbed 153 points, or 0.59 percent, to finish at 26,186.45. Mid-caps posted modest gains but small-caps slipped, reflecting a mixed broader-market tone. Overall investor wealth improved by nearly ₹1 lakh crore, with the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rising to ₹471 lakh crore.
1. RBI’s surprise rate cut lifts sentiment
Markets rallied after the RBI delivered an unexpected 25 bps rate cut despite strong GDP data and already-low inflation. Upgraded growth projections, softer inflation estimates and a sizeable liquidity boost through OMOs improved sentiment further.
“Markets have responded enthusiastically… the surprise cut and supportive liquidity measures have triggered a clear risk-on mood,” said Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments.
2. Top Nifty 50 gainers
Shriram Finance (up 3.04 percent), SBI (up 2.49 percent), and Bajaj Finserv (up 2.13 percent) topped the gainers’ list.
3. Top Nifty 50 losers
HUL (down 4.92 percent), Eternal (down 1.35 percent), and InterGlobe Aviation (down 1.27 percent) were the major laggards.
HUL traded ex-ice cream business (Kwality Wall’s India) as its demerger record date took effect today.
4. Sectoral performance: Banks, financials shine
Nifty Bank rose 0.82 percent and Financial Services gained 0.98 percent. PSU Bank jumped 1.51 percent, while Private Bank added 0.49 percent. IT (up 0.90 percent) and Auto (up 0.74 percent) also ended firmly in the green.
5. Most active stocks by volume
Vodafone Idea (98.4 crore shares), Filatex Fashions (28.62 crore shares), and Easy Trip Planners (13.56 crore shares) were the most actively traded counters on the NSE.
6. Seven BSE stocks surge over 15 percent
Kesoram Industries, Keynote Financial Services, and Rollatainers were among seven stocks that rallied more than 15 percent.
7. Advance–decline ratio
Of the 4,328 stocks traded on the BSE, 1,805 advanced, 2,342 declined and 181 remained unchanged, indicating broad-market weakness despite gains in the benchmarks.
8. Over 90 stocks hit 52-week highs
Hero MotoCorp, Aditya Birla Capital, Hindustan Copper and National Aluminium Company were among 91 stocks that touched fresh 52-week highs.
9. More than 300 stocks slip to 52-week lows
As many as 304 stocks, including UBL, REC, PFC, IREDA and Thermax, hit their 52-week lows during the session.
10. Nifty technical outlook remains positive
Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities said the 26,300–26,350 band—near the previous swing high—serves as a key resistance. A breakout above 26,350 could take the index to 26,500 and 26,700.
Support lies around the 20-day EMA at 26,000–25,950.
Rupak De of LKP Securities noted that a breakout on hourly charts and a bullish RSI crossover point to rising momentum. In the near term, the Nifty may head towards 26,300 and 26,440, with support at 26,060–26,000. Buying on dips remains the preferred strategy as long as the index stays above 26,000.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)