Indian equities extended their winning streak as investors cheered a 25‑basis‑point rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve and signs that India–U.S. trade tensions may ease. The S&P BSE Sensex jumped 318.97 points to 83,012.68 and the Nifty 50 advanced 93.35 points to 25,423.60. After wobbling mid‑session, a late‑afternoon surge took the benchmarks well above the 25,400 level. Buying in IT and healthcare stocks – which benefit from a softer U.S. dollar – and continued strength in public‑sector banks underpinned the rally. The India VIX slid to 9.9, its lowest level in months, indicating complacency after the recent run‑up.
Key indices (18 Sept 2025 close)
| Index/Indicator | Close | Points change | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSE Sensex | 83 012.68 | +318.97 | +0.39% |
| NSE Nifty 50 | 25 423.60 | +93.35 | +0.37% |
| Nifty Bank | ~55 493.30 | +345.70 | +0.63% |
| Nifty Financial Services (FinNifty) | 26 563.55 | +68.25 | +0.26% |
| Nifty IT | 36 750.25 | +303.10 | +0.83% |
| India VIX (volatility index) | 9.9 | − | (down 19% vs. last month) |
Points changes are rounded and approximate; some sector‑index data reflect near‑end values.
Top gainers and losers (Nifty 50)
| Top gainers | Price (₹) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Life Insurance | 784.30 | +2.12% |
| Eternal Ltd | 334.60 | +1.93% |
| Sun Pharmaceutical | 1 647.90 | +1.71% |
| Infosys | 1 540.30 | +1.18% |
| Cipla | 1 577.40 | +1.14% |
| Top losers | Price (₹) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Coal India | 392.90 | −1.71% |
| Tata Motors | 708.00 | −1.55% |
| Bajaj Finance | 993.80 | −1.36% |
| UltraTech Cement | 12 574.00 | −1.16% |
| Trent | 5 138.00 | −1.14% |
Prices are end‑of‑day quotes; volumes are not shown to keep the table succinct.
Market breadth and other statistics
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Advance/Decline | ~1,606 stocks advanced, 1,426 declined, 102 unchanged on NSE. |
| 52‑week highs/lows | 170 stocks made new 52‑week highs; 48 hit 52‑week lows. |
| Circuit breakers | 291 stocks hit upper circuits; 140 hit lower circuits. |
| Foreign portfolio investors (17 Sept) | FPIs were net sellers (~₹989 cr) ahead of the Fed decision. |
| Domestic institutional investors (17 Sept) | DIIs net bought ~₹2 205 cr, providing support. |
Global cues and sector highlights
- US rate cut: The U.S. Fed trimmed rates by 25 bps and signaled at least two more cuts, boosting risk appetite globally. IT and pharma stocks outperformed as a softer dollar improves export earnings.
- Trade optimism: Reports that the U.S. may roll back its 25 % tariff on Indian goods by Nov 30 lifted sentiment. Investors expect a boost to India’s exports if duties are reduced.
- Low volatility: India VIX fell to 9.9, its lowest in months, implying complacency. Analysts warn of potential spikes if profit‑taking emerges.
- Sectoral moves: Public‑sector banks (SBI +3.08 %, PNB +3.26 %) led gains in the Bank Nifty, while private lenders such as ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank were flat to slightly negative. IT, healthcare and select metals stocks gained, while FMCG names like ITC and Tata Consumer saw mild profit‑booking.
Corporate updates & stocks to watch
- Insolation Energy: Subsidiary secured a ₹1 134 cr loan from IREDA to build a 4.5 GW solar plant. The stock could see interest due to the government’s push for renewables.
- GE T&D India: Analysts have a “Strong Buy” consensus as the company benefits from grid‑modernisation projects.
- Abbott India: Sharekhan reiterated its ‘Buy’ call, citing a 9.4 % revenue CAGR expected over FY26‑27.
- Hyundai Motor India: Shares hit an all‑time high (~₹2 735) after the company signed a three‑year wage deal with its workers’ union.
- Ugro Capital: Received RBI approval to acquire a 100 % stake in Profectus Capital (~₹1 400 cr). This could boost its loan book and market share.
- Pitti Engineering: Motilal Oswal MF sold one crore shares (~₹102 cr) via a bulk deal, which may pressure the stock in the near term.
- Action Construction Equipment: Announced plans to invest ₹400 cr to set up a tower‑crane plant in Faridabad.
- JSW Steel: Its subsidiary agreed to acquire additional economic interest in M Res NSW (Australia) for US$60 million.
- Capacit’e Infraprojects: Bagged a ₹1 518 cr order to build four ultra‑luxury residential towers in Mumbai.
- Tega Industries: Approved a preferential issue worth ₹2 000.6 cr at ₹1 994 a share.
Outlook for 19 Sept 2025
Traders will watch whether the Nifty 50 can extend its late‑session breakout. Resistance lies around 25,500; a close above this level could trigger a move toward 25,600–26,000. Immediate support is near 25,300; a drop below 25,250 might invite profit‑taking. Bank Nifty has posted eleven straight sessions of higher highs; analysts see room to test 56,000–56,500 but caution that a pullback to 55,000–54,800 is possible.
Key global events to monitor include follow‑up commentary from the Fed, U.S. housing and jobs data, and any concrete announcements on India–U.S. trade. Domestically, institutional flow patterns and INR/USD movement will be critical. With valuations stretched and volatility near historic lows, investors may prefer a selective approach; IT services, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and public‑sector banks remain favored, while consumer staples could continue to lag.
