The Indian equity market closed with decent gains on August 25, supported by buying in heavyweight IT and banking counters.
The Sensex ended at 81,635.91, up 329 points or 0.40 percent, while the Nifty 50 settled at 24,967.75, higher by 98 points or 0.39 percent. The broader market was mixed, with the BSE Midcap index up 0.10 percent and the Smallcap index slipping 0.02 percent.
The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms climbed to ₹455 lakh crore from ₹453.65 lakh crore in the previous session, adding more than ₹1 lakh-crore in investor wealth.
1. Market drivers
Equities rose on positive global cues after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated at Jackson Hole on Friday that rate cuts may come as early as September. Sentiment was further buoyed by domestic signals of potential GST reforms, though concerns over Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and stretched valuations capped gains.
Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, said: “Optimism was driven by expectations of a Fed rate cut in September and a decline in the US 10-year yield. IT stocks outperformed on the back of favourable global sentiment.”
2. Top gainers in the Nifty 50
Infosys (up 3.08 percent), TCS (up 2.88 percent), HCL Tech (up 2.64 percent), and Wipro (up 2.32 percent) were the biggest gainers.
3. Top losers in the Nifty 50
Adani Enterprises (down 0.95 percent), Apollo Hospitals (down 0.93 percent), and Nestle India (down 0.87 percent) were the major laggards.
4. Sectoral trends
Nifty IT surged 2.37 percent, while Realty (up 0.75 percent), Metal (up 0.65 percent), and Consumer Durables (up 0.57 percent) also ended higher. Media (down 1.67 percent) was the worst-performing sector. Nifty Bank slipped 0.02 percent, PSU Bank fell 0.25 percent, while the Private Bank index closed almost flat, up 0.02 percent.
5. Most active stocks by volume
Vodafone Idea (116.6 crore shares), Ola Electric Mobility (26.20 crore shares), and YES Bank (25.5 crore shares) topped activity charts on the NSE.
6. Sharp movers on the BSE
Thirteen stocks, including Swashthik Plascon, Reliable Data Services, Emami Paper Mills, and Growington Ventures India, gained more than 15 percent. Conversely, Affordable Robotic & Automation, Nexus Surgical, and Centenial Surgical Suture were among 12 stocks that fell over 10 percent.
7. Market breadth
On the BSE, 1,947 stocks advanced, 2,239 declined, and 200 remained unchanged, reflecting weak market breadth despite benchmark gains.
8. Stocks at 52-week highs
164 stocks, including Maruti Suzuki India, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor Company, HDFC Asset Management, and Cummins India, touched 52-week highs during the session.
9. Stocks at 52-week lows
84 counters, including R K Swamy, Hindusthan National Glass & Industries, Bajaj Steel Industries, and Agarwal Industrial Corporation, hit 52-week lows.
10. Technical outlook
Rupak De of LKP Securities said the Nifty remains in positive territory as long as it holds above 24,800.
“In the near term, particularly on Tuesday, the market may consolidate sideways as traders await Trump’s decision on additional 25 percent tariffs on August 27. The Nifty is expected to remain in the 24,800–25,150 range before making a decisive move,” he noted.
(By arrangement with livemint.ccom)
