The benchmark indices snapped a three‑session losing streak and closed at fresh record highs. The Nifty 50 ended at 26,046.95, up 0.57 %, and the Sensex settled at 85,267.66, up 0.53 %. Both indices opened with a gap‑up after GIFT‑Nifty pointed to a strong start and sustained gains through the day. Mid‑ and small‑cap indices outperformed.
Top indices
| Index | Close | Change (pts) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 26,046.95 | +148.40 | +0.57 % |
| Sensex (BSE 30) | 85,267.66 | +449.53 | +0.53 % |
| Nifty Midcap 100 | 60,283.30 | +705.25 | +1.18 % |
| Nifty Smallcap 100 | 8,505.85 | +75.40 | +0.89 % |
| Nifty Bank | 59,389.95 | +180.10 | +0.30 % |
| Nifty IT | 38,274.75 | +177.75 | +0.47 % |
Sectoral performance
Sectoral indices showed a broad‑based advance with metals and realty leading. Banking and IT posted modest gains, while FMCG and consumer durables lagged.
| Sector (key indices) | Daily performance |
|---|---|
| Metals | ~+2 % – Hindustan Zinc, Hindustan Copper and JSW Steel rallied on firm base‑metal prices. |
| Realty | ~+1.5 % – buying in Prestige Estates, Sobha and Godrej Properties. |
| Mid‑cap & Small‑cap | +1.2 % and +0.9 %, respectively; broad participation. |
| Banking/Financials | +0.3 % – PSU banks firmed up; private lenders traded steady. |
| Information Technology | +0.5 % – supported by Tech Mahindra and Infosys. |
| FMCG/Consumer durables | slightly negative – selling in Asian Paints, HUL and Titan capped gains. |
| Auto | flat to +0.2 %; two‑wheeler stocks underperformed. |
Key statistics
- Market breadth: Advance/decline ratio favoured gainers; more than two‑thirds of Nifty 50 stocks ended higher.
- Volume & volatility: Turnover remained above the monthly average; the India VIX stayed near 13, suggesting steady sentiment.
- Foreign institutional flows: FPIs were net sellers (~₹2,021 cr on 11 Dec) but selling moderated; domestic institutional investors were net buyers (~₹3,796 cr).
- 52‑week high/low: Many metal and mid‑cap shares touched new 52‑week highs.
Top gainers and losers
| Top gainers (NSE stocks) | Change (%) | Top losers (NSE stocks) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindustan Zinc | +7.46 % | Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) | –3.19 % |
| Hindustan Copper | +7.07 % | Jubilant Foodworks | –2.40 % |
| GMR Airports | +6.30 % | FDC Ltd | –2.34 % |
| JSW Energy | +5.33 % | DCM Shriram | –2.28 % |
| CCL Products | +5.97 % | KFIN Technologies | –2.08 % |
Note: The gainers and losers list reflects the top percentage movers among actively‑traded NSE stocks.
What moved the market
- Global catalysts: Wall Street notched fresh record highs after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 25 bps and signalled a measured approach to future policy. Asian markets, including Nikkei, Topix and Australia’s ASX 200, rallied, lifting sentiment. GIFT Nifty futures were up over 120 points pre‑market, indicating a strong start.
- Metals rally: Base‑metal prices rose on hopes of Chinese stimulus and supply tightness, propelling stocks like Hindustan Zinc, Hindustan Copper and Tata Steel. This lifted the Nifty Metal index and supported overall market momentum.
- Rate‑cut expectations: The Fed’s dovish tilt fuelled bets of easier liquidity, benefiting rate‑sensitive sectors such as realty and banking. Investors also anticipated that India’s inflation data (due next week) would remain within the RBI’s target, allowing the central bank to maintain its accommodative stance.
- FII flows and earnings optimism: Although FPIs have been net sellers in December, the pace of outflows slowed. Domestic investors continued to buy, and optimism around upcoming corporate earnings added support.
Stocks to watch
- Rama Steel Tubes: Approved the joint acquisition of UAE‑based Automech Group Holding for ~AED 296 million (₹728 cr). The deal diversifies its engineering and industrial services footprint.
- Kansai Nerolac Paints: Announced the sale of its entire 60 % stake in Sri Lankan unit Kansai Paints Lanka to Atire Ltd, a Sri Lankan‑based entity.
- Piramal Pharma: Received a Form 483 with four observations from the U.S. FDA after an inspection at its Lexington, Kentucky facility.
- GAIL (India): Disclosed a GST demand order of ₹143.08 cr from the Delhi tax authority; includes penalties.
- Astra Microwave: Secured a ₹171.32 cr contract from the India Meteorological Department to supply equipment for weather monitoring.
- NBCC (India): Received project management consultancy orders worth ₹255 cr from Nalco and ₹33.89 cr from SAIL Bokaro.
- Ashoka Buildcon: Its joint venture with Adani won a ₹18.2 bn contract for the Mithi River clean‑up project in Mumbai.
- DCM Shriram & Bayer Crop Science: Signed an MoU to collaborate on agri‑inputs, digital advisory services and sustainable farming initiatives.
Global cues
The Fed’s quarter‑point rate cut and a commitment to purchase additional Treasuries boosted risk assets globally. U.S. indices (Dow, S&P 500) closed at record levels. Asian indices rallied with Japan’s Nikkei 225 up nearly 1 % and China’s markets firming on policy‑support hopes. The dollar softened, crude oil stayed around $74 per barrel, and gold held gains near $2,060/oz. GIFT Nifty futures signalled continued strength in Indian equities.
Outlook and technical levels for the next session
- Nifty 50 support and resistance: Immediate support lies near 25,950–25,900 (gap‑area and 10‑day moving average). Resistance is seen around 26,150–26,300, a zone where profit‑taking may emerge. Sustained trade above 26,050 could extend the rally toward 26,300; failure to hold 25,900 may trigger a dip toward 25,750.
- Bank Nifty: Support at 59,000 and 58,700; resistance at 59,600 and 59,800.
- Expected market tone: The underlying trend remains positively biased due to strong global cues, but the market is in overbought territory after a sharp run‑up. Traders may witness intraday volatility ahead of macro data releases and weekend positions. A consolidation around the current levels with stock‑specific action in metal, power, and mid‑cap names is likely.
Overall, the market outlook for the next trading session is cautiously optimistic with positive momentum intact, provided global sentiment remains supportive and there is no adverse macro surprise.
