Markets@10: Slight gains for indices, midcaps up; rupee falls further

The market opened with a modest gain today, experiencing minor fluctuations throughout the session. Midcap and smallcap indices advanced by over half a per cent, while the Bank Nifty climbed by 0.75 per cent. Realty and metal stocks also saw gains.  

Indoco Remedies shares surged 8 per cent after signing a distribution agreement with a new company in the UK. 

Pricecol shares jumped 7 per cent following a deal to acquire a plant from Sundaram Auto Components.  

Solar Industries shares increased by 6 per cent after securing a significant overseas order.  

Reports of a potential GST hike on tobacco products pressured shares in the sector, with ITC falling 3 per cent, Godfrey Philips down 2.5 per cent, and VST Industries slipping 1.5 per cent.  

Swiggy shares rose by 5 per cent in anticipation of upcoming financial results.  

MOIL shares gained 7 per cent, bolstered by a record-breaking sales performance in November.  

Adani Group shares advanced by up to 3.5 per cent during today’s trading.  

The rupee started the day weaker, with the dollar opening at ₹84.71, a one-paise drop. It later rose to ₹84.74.  

Gold update

Gold is trading at $2,641 per ounce in the global market. In Kerala, gold jewellery prices rose by ₹320 per sovereign to ₹57,040.  

Crude oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude reaching $71.97 per barrel.