Sensex, Nifty extend gains to fifth straight session
Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 closed higher for a fifth consecutive session on Thursday, supported by banking and midcap stocks, lower crude oil prices, and optimism around a US Iran peace deal that tempered global risk concerns.
Market overview
| Index | 18 Jun 2026 Close | Move & % Change | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensex | 77,409.98 | +254.36 pts (+0.33%) | Traded in a 539-point range, extended winning streak to five sessions. |
| Nifty 50 | 24,168.00 | +82.30 pts (+0.34%) | Held above 24,150, supported by banks and select largecaps. |
| Nifty Bank | 57,964.00 | +379 pts (approx. +0.7%) | Outperformed headline indices with 11 of 14 stocks higher. |
| Nifty Midcap | 62,379.00 | +256 pts (approx. +0.4%) | Broader markets outperformed, aiding overall sentiment. |
- Fifth straight positive session for Sensex and Nifty.
- Intraday Sensex high at 77,492.33, low at 76,953.00.
- Market breadth on NSE broadly neutral, advance decline ratio near 1:1.
- FIIs net bought equities worth ₹101.59 crore on Wednesday, as per exchange data.
Key drivers and macro cues
- Brent crude fell 2.23% to $77.78 per barrel, easing inflation worries.
- US President Donald Trump signed an MoU with Iran to end a three month war.
- Geopolitical easing supported risk sentiment in Indian equities.
- Hawkish US Fed remarks kept investors cautious on future rate hikes.
- Moderation in Indian bond yields is seen as offsetting some inflation concerns.
- Market participants await more clarity on the US Iran peace agreement.
- “Energy-driven inflationary pressures may prompt central banks to consider rate hikes” Vinod Nair, Geojit Investments.
Key movers on indices
| Top Gainers | Sector | Notable Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Max Healthcare Institute | Healthcare | Among top Nifty and Sensex gainers. |
| InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) | Aviation | Featured among biggest winners in largecaps. |
| Trent | Retail | Listed as a major gainer on Sensex and Nifty. |
| Bharat Electronics | Defence | Among top gainers in Sensex basket. |
| State Bank of India | Banking | Helped Nifty Bank outperform. |
| HDFC Bank | Banking | Supported headline indices through banking strength. |
| Adani Enterprises | Diversified | Among leading Nifty gainers. |
| Top Losers | Sector | Notable Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Infosys | IT | Among biggest laggards on Sensex and Nifty. |
| Tata Consultancy Services | IT | Declined as Nifty IT turned top losing sector. |
| Tech Mahindra | IT | Featured among largecap laggards. |
| Maruti Suzuki India | Auto | Listed among key losers on benchmarks. |
| Tata Consumer Products | FMCG | Declined within Sensex constituents. |
| Hindustan Aeronautics | Defence | Among notable losers in largecaps. |
| Coal India | Mining | Featured in the laggard list. |
- Nifty IT index snapped a three day gaining streak and was the worst performing sector.
- Banking heavyweights offset weakness in IT and select defensives.
Stock specific action
| Stock | Sector | Notable Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Bata India | Footwear | Gained over 16%, biggest single day rise in 20 years after new MD & CEO appointment. |
| HFCL | Telecom equipment | Rose 5% after winning a ₹2,666 crore order from RVNL. |
| Kirloskar Ferrous | Metals | Jumped 7% on a $13.5 million pig iron supply contract. |
| JBM Auto | Auto ancillaries | Gained 2% after subsidiary received ₹750 crore investment from Motilal Oswal. |
| Redington | IT distribution | Climbed 9% amid reports of Apple price hikes on rising chip costs. |
| Bajaj Auto | Auto | Recovered to close higher after fixing 24 June as record date for buyback. |
| Nykaa | Consumer/retail | Rose over 6% after guiding to triple revenue by FY30. |
| Gokaldas Exports | Textiles | Gained 7% on India UK FTA set to start 15 July 2026. |
- Company specific triggers drove strong moves in several mid and smallcap names.
- Consumer, retail and textile counters saw focused buying interest.
Sectoral and global context
| Sector/Index | **Direction (approx.) | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty Bank | up 0.7% | 11 of 14 constituents higher, supported headline indices. |
| Nifty IT | down | Turned top losing sector after three sessions of gains. |
| Textiles | up | India UK FTA effective 15 July 2026 lifted export focused names. |
| Consumer & retail | up | Positive company guidance and leadership changes boosted select stocks. |
- Asian markets were mixed, with Japan and South Korea higher, China and Hong Kong lower.
- European markets traded mixed during Indian hours.
- US markets closed lower on Wednesday amid Fed related concerns.
Technical and market breadth snapshot
- Nifty 50 held above 24,150, indicating near term support at that zone.
- Sensex traded in a 539 point intraday band, suggesting range bound action with positive bias.
- Broader market outperformance continued, led by midcaps.
- Neutral advance decline ratio signalled selective participation despite index gains.
Recent performance reference
- On Wednesday, Sensex closed at 77,155.62, up 347.14 pts (+0.45%).
- Nifty 50 ended at 24,085.70, up 96.55 pts (+0.40%).
- Thursday’s close extended the ongoing five session winning streak for both indices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sensex and Nifty rise for the fifth straight session?
– Gains were driven by banking and midcap strength, lower Brent crude prices, and optimism around the US Iran peace deal, which eased some geopolitical and inflation concerns despite hawkish US Fed commentary.
Which sectors supported and dragged the market on 18 June 2026?
– Banking, consumer, retail and textile stocks supported the market, while IT stocks dragged, with Nifty IT turning the top losing sector after a three day rally.
What were the key stock specific moves in this session?
– Bata India jumped over 16% on a new MD & CEO, HFCL, Kirloskar Ferrous, JBM Auto, Redington, Bajaj Auto, Nykaa and Gokaldas Exports all gained on company or policy specific triggers.
Disclaimer
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