Image for representation
| Photo Credit: PTI

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty advanced in early trade on Thursday, following a firm trend in global markets along with buying in blue-chip stocks such as HDFC Bank and Infosys.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 204.04 points or 0.25% to 81,109.34 in early trade. Rising for the sixth straight session, the NSE Nifty advanced 49.55 points to 24,819.75.

Market analysts said the Indian equities opened on a positive note Thursday as oil prices continued to fall on demand concerns, and minutes from the most recent Federal Reserve meeting hinted at potential rate cuts amid signs of easing inflation and a rising unemployment rate.

“The most likely scenario now is a Fed turning dovish and starting the rate cut cycle with a 25 bp rate cut in September indicating further cuts to follow. This can keep the markets stable since the room for uncertainty is coming down,” V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said.

From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Tech Mahindra were the gainers.

On the contrary, Power Grid, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, NTPC and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone were among the laggards.

Meanwhile, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth ₹799.74 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Meanwhile, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) again bought equities worth ₹3,097.45 crore on Wednesday.

“In institutional activity, the trend of sustained buying by DIIs and sustained selling by FIIs continues. But the intensity of FII selling is declining,” Vijayakumar said, adding that retail investors are likely to continue with the buy-on-dips strategy which has been a consistently successful strategy in this bull market.

In Asian markets, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading in the green territory, while Shanghai and Seoul were quoting lower on Thursday.

US markets closed on a higher note on Wednesday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude fell 0.03% to $76.03 a barrel.

On Wednesday, the 30-share BSE Sensex gained for the second day in a row, rising 102.44 points or 0.13% to close at 80,905.30. Rising for the fifth straight session, the NSE Nifty went up by 71.35 points or 0.29% to end at 24,770.20.

A view of the BSE building in Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty climbed in early trade on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), which was in line with optimism in global markets and steady investments by retail investors.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 338.21 points to 80,762.89 in early trade. The NSE Nifty rallied 87.65 points to 24,660.30.

Among the 30 Sensex firms, Tata Consultancy Services, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, Power Grid, Infosys and Bajaj Finserv were the major gainers.

Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, JSW Steel and Tata Motors were among the laggards.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo traded higher while Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted lower.

The U.S. markets ended in positive territory on Monday.

“Much of the strength and rally at Dalal Street is in the backdrop of steady SIP flows by retail investors. Global factors will be keenly watched as local investors would be eyeing the July FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting minutes to be released on Wednesday,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,667.46 crore on Monday (August 19, 2024), according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹1,802.92 crore.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.79% to $77.05 a barrel.

In a range-bound trade, the BSE benchmark on Monday slipped 12.16 points or 0.02% to settle at 80,424.68. The NSE Nifty edged up 31.50 points or 0.13% to 24,572.65 in a volatile trade.

A screen displays stock numbers outside the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building, in Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade on Friday (August 16, 2024) following a sharp rally in global markets along with buying in IT stocks and Reliance Industries.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 805.96 points to 79,911.84 in early trade. The NSE Nifty surged 252.05 points to 24,395.80.

All the 30 Sensex firms were trading higher in early trade. Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel, Infosys and IndusInd Bank were the biggest gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading significantly higher.

The U.S. markets ended with sharp gains on Thursday (August 15, 2024).

“Globally stock markets have turned around smartly from the August 5th sell-off triggered by U.S. recession fears and the unwinding of the yen carry trade. Latest data on U.S. inflation and unemployment relief do not indicate an economy tipping into recession. On the other hand, the 2.9% annual inflation number and slightly softening labour markets set the stage for a Fed rate cut in September, which the market is pencilling in now,” said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,595.27 crore on Wednesday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were buyers as they bought equities worth ₹2,236.21 crore, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.25% to $80.84 a barrel.

“Traders are likely to adopt a risk-on approach, driven by strong cues from Wall Street, the expectation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, and robust US retail sales figures, which have eased recession concerns,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

The Indian stock markets were closed on Thursday (August 15, 2024) on account of Independence Day.

The BSE benchmark climbed 149.85 points or 0.19% to settle at 79,105.88 on Wednesday (August 14, 2024). The NSE Nifty ended marginally up by 4.75 points or 0.02% at 24,143.75.

A screen displays stock numbers outside the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on August 5 in line with extremely weak trends in global markets amid fears of a slowdown in the U.S .economy and foreign fund outflows.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 2,401.49 points to 78,580.46 in early trade. The NSE Nifty tumbled 489.65 points to 24,228.05.

From the Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Adani Ports, Maruti and Reliance Industries were the biggest laggards.

Sun Pharma and Hindustan Unilever were trading in the positive territory.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading sharply lower while Shanghai quoted higher.

The U.S. markets ended significantly lower on August 2.

“The rally in the global stock markets has been driven mainly by consensus expectations of a soft landing for the U.S. economy. This expectation is now under threat with the fall in U.S. job creation in July and the sharp rise in the U.S. unemployment rate to 4.3%. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also are a contributing factor,” said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹3,310 crore on August 2, according to exchange data.

“Anxiety remains high, especially after August 2nd’s unexpectedly weak U.S. July jobs report, suggesting that volatility will be the hallmark of the day,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.35% to $77.08 a barrel.

Amid widespread selling pressure, the BSE benchmark plunged 885.60 points or 1.08% to close at 80,981.95 on August 2. The broader Nifty of NSE dropped 293.20 points or 1.17% to end at 24,717.70.

Image for representational purposes only.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Benchmark BSE Sensex declined for the fourth day in a row on July 24 due to selling in financial and banking shares and the government’s move to hike securities transaction tax and short term capital gains tax.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 280.16 points or 0.35% to settle at 80,148.88 with 19 of its components closing lower and 11 with gains. During the day, it tumbled 678.53 points or 0.84% to 79,750.51.

The NSE Nifty dropped 65.55 points or 0.27% to 24,413.50.

From the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finserv declined by 2% after its first-quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.

Bajaj Finance, Hindustan Unilever, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Adani Ports, Axis Bank and State Bank of India were the other big laggards.

However, Tech Mahindra, ITC, NTPC, Tata Motors and Sun Pharma were among the gainers.

Conglomerate ITC surged to 52-week highs before closing higher by 0.42% in its second straight day of gains after the budget proposed no new tax on tobacco products.

“The budget event has gone by leaving a mixed bias while reshuffling of capital gain tax is only a short-term negative surprise. The broad market seems to be losing momentum due to lack of further traction,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services said.

Key benchmark indices ended marginally lower in volatile trade on July 23 as the government proposed to hike the securities transaction tax on futures & options in the Budget for 2024-25.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower. European markets were trading lower. The US markets ended marginally lower on Tuesday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,975.31 crore on July 23, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude jumped 0.75% to $81.62 a barrel.

man checks stock market news on the big screen as Sensex opened in the red when counting began on June 4.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty began the trade on an optimistic note on June 5 after facing heavy drubbing in the previous trade as value-buying at lower levels led to an uptrend in the markets.

Making a strong comeback after the June 4 sharp decline, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 948.83 points to 73,027.88 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 247.1 points to 22,131.60.

While the NDA is comfortably above the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has fallen short of the magic number for the first time since 2014 and is critically dependent on its allies for government formation.

The Election Commission has declared results for all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, with the BJP winning 240 seats and the Congress 99.

“Despite the reduced majority, we expect the policy agenda of Modi 2.0 (investment-led growth, capex, infrastructure creation, manufacturing, etc.) to continue, although with some tweaks. We also expect some populist measures to address rural stress and lift sentiments at the margin, given the nature of the verdict,” as per a report by Motilal Oswal Research.

Among the 30 Sensex companies, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Asian Paints, HCL Technologies, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ITC were the biggest gainers.

Larsen & Toubro, Power Grid, NTPC and State Bank of India were among the laggards.

“The market will take some time to absorb the unexpected election results. Stability will return to the market soon but volatility will continue till there is clarity on the cabinet and the key portfolios,”said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

One positive of the sharp market correction is that the excessive valuations have moderated a bit and this will facilitate institutional buying once clarity emerges on the formation and composition of the cabinet, he added.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Hong Kong were quoting with gains while Tokyo and Shanghai traded lower.

U.S. markets ended in positive territory on June 4.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.04% to $77.49 a barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹12,436.22 crore on June 4, according to exchange data.

Markets had the worst trading day in four years on June 4 as the BJP fell short of the magic number for the first time since 2014.

The BSE benchmark Sensex nosedived 4,389.73 points or 5.74% to settle at a more than two-month low of 72,079.05 on June 4. In the day trade, the barometer tanked 6,234.35 points or 8.15% to hit a nearly five-month low level of 70,234.43.

The NSE Nifty tumbled 1,982.45 points or 8.52% to 21,281.45 during the day. Later, it ended at 21,884.50, a sharp decline of 1,379.40 points or 5.93%.

In the biggest single-day fall in four years, benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty plunged by nearly 6 per cent on Tuesday as vote counting trends showed the BJP may not have a clear majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Reversing its Monday’s sharp gains of over 3 per cent, the 30-share BSE Sensex nosedived 4,389.73 points or 5.74 per cent to close at a more than two-month low of 72,079.05. In the day trade, the barometer tanked 6,234.35 points or 8.15 per cent to hit a nearly five-month low level of 70,234.43.

The NSE Nifty tumbled 1,982.45 points or 8.52 per cent to 21,281.45 during the day. Later, it ended at 21,884.50, a sharp decline of 1,379.40 points or 5.93 per cent. Sensex and Nifty had previously declined by around 13 per cent on March 23, 2020, when lockdown was imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heavy profit booking in PSUs, public banks, power, utilities, energy, oil and gas, and capital goods shares dragged the markets into the deep negative.

“The unexpected outcome of the general election sparked a wave of fear selling in the domestic market, reversing the recent substantial rally. Despite this, the market maintains its expectation of stability within the coalition, led by BJP as the major election winner, thereby mitigating substantial downside in the medium term.

“This is likely to lead to a major shift in political policy with a focus on social economics, which will have a positive effect on the rural economy,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

Vote counting trends showed that the BJP was poised to be the single largest party but could be well short of an absolute majority, leaving it dependent on its NDA partners to form government.

When the Narendra Modi government came to power on May 16, 2014, Sensex had rallied 261.14 points or 0.90 per cent to settle at 24,121.74, and Nifty jumped 79.85 points or 1.12 per cent to 7,203. The BSE benchmark had hit the 25,000-mark in intra-day trade on that day.

On May 23, 2019, the Sensex declined 298.82 points or 0.76 per cent to settle at 38,811.39, while the Nifty ended 80.85 points or 0.69 per cent lower at 11,657.05. The BSE benchmark had hit the 40,000-mark for the first time ever, while the Nifty breached the 12,000-level on that day.

Among the 30 Sensex companies, NTPC plunged over 15 per cent, while State Bank of India tanked more than 14 per cent, Larsen & Toubro tumbled over 12 per cent and Power Grid dived more than 12 per cent. Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Reliance Industries and JSW Steel were the other big laggards.

On the other hand, Hindustan Unilever jumped 6 per cent while Nestle climbed 3 per cent. Tata Consultancy Services, Asian Paints and Sun Pharma also emerged as the gainers.

All the sectoral indices, except for FMCG, closed in the red.

Adani group shares also declined. Adani Ports & SEZ tanked over 21 per cent, Adani Enterprises by nearly 20 per cent, Adani Power by 17 per cent, Adani Energy Solutions by 20 per cent and Adani Green Energy by over 19 per cent.

“Markets have reacted sharply to the initial trends of the NDA leading on around 290 seats which look way behind the exit polls which were projecting around 350-370 seats. With the NDA still looking to form a government, though with the important support of coalition partners, markets look jittery about the prospects of strong decision making.

“Markets believe that the reformistic approach, which was a hallmark of the previous two terms, might take a backseat in the third term. However, our sense is that it is still early to jump to conclusions and should ideally wait for a clearer picture,” said Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research, StoxBox.

In the broader market, the BSE midcap gauge tanked 8.07 per cent and smallcap index plunged 6.79 per cent.

Among the indices, utilities dived 14.40 per cent, power tumbled 14.25 per cent, oil and gas by 13.07 per cent, services by 12.65 per cent, capital goods by 12.06 per cent, energy by 11.62 per cent and metal by 9.65 per cent.

As many as 3,349 stocks declined while 488 advanced and 97 remained unchanged on the BSE. Also, 292 stocks hit their 52-week low, while 139 reached their one-year peak.

On the NSE, 2,438 stocks declined while 242 advanced and 70 were unchanged. The number of stocks to hit a 52-week high stood at 83 while 271 stocks fell to their 52-week low.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo settled lower while Shanghai and Hong Kong ended with gains. European markets were trading lower. US markets ended on a mixed note on Monday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 1.88 per cent to USD 76.89 a barrel.

Markets jumped sharply on Monday after exit polls predicted a massive win for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls. The BSE benchmark soared by 2,507.47 points or 3.39 per cent to settle at a new closing peak of 76,468.78 on Monday, marking its biggest single-day gain in three years. The NSE Nifty climbed 733.20 points or 3.25 per cent to finish at 23,263.90.

All the 30 Sensex companies were trading in the green. Power Grid, NTPC, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra, IndusInd Bank and Axis Bank were the biggest gainers from the Sensex pack.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Investors’ wealth jumped ₹12.48 lakh crore in morning trade on June 3 as the benchmark equity index Sensex hit its lifetime high after exit polls predicted a massive win for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 2,777.58 points or 3.75% to hit a record peak of 76,738.89 in early trade.

Also read | GDP growth surges to 8.2% on manufacturing gains

Following the huge rally in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies climbed ₹12,48,952.68 crore to hit an all-time peak of ₹4,24,61,833.82 crore ($5.10 trillion) during the morning trade.

Exit polls on June 1 predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a third straight term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to win a big majority in the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

“The exit poll numbers are very strong for the incumbent government,” Narendra Solanki, Head Fundamental Research – Investment Services, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, said.

“Overall it’s positive for the markets in short as well as long term. Also, the recent released good GDP growth data should provide support to existing positive momentum,” he added.

India’s economy grew by 8.2% in the fiscal year that ended in March, cementing the country’s position as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

“The GDP numbers which came on Friday were better-than-expected with 8.2% growth. This will provide fundamental support to the market,” said V. K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Also read | How do markets look at election results?

All the 30 Sensex companies were trading in the green. Power Grid, NTPC, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra, IndusInd Bank and Axis Bank were the biggest gainers from the Sensex pack.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were quoting with gains while Shanghai traded lower. The U.S. markets ended mostly higher on May 31. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹1,613.24 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.

The BSE benchmark climbed 267.75 points or 0.36% to settle at 74,221.06 on May 22. The NSE Nifty advanced 68.75 points or 0.31% to finish at 22,597.80. File

Benchmark equity indices rallied on May 23, with the Sensex and Nifty hitting their lifetime peaks, after the RBI approved the highest-ever dividend of ₹2.11 lakh crore to the government and supported by buying in blue chips Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank.

The 30-share BSE Sensex regained the 75,000 level. It climbed 951.22 points or 1.28% to reach its all-time high of 75,172.28.

The NSE Nifty went up by 308.45 points or 1.36% to 22,906.25 — its record peak.

Among the Sensex firms, Larsen & Toubro, Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finserv, State Bank of India and Reliance Industries were the major gainers.

PowerGrid, Sun Pharma, NTPC and JSW Steel were the laggards.

The Reserve Bank of India will pay a record ₹2.1 lakh crore dividend to the government for the fiscal ended March 31, more than double of budgeted expectation, helping shore up revenue ahead of a new government taking office.

The RBI board, at its 608th meeting on May 22, approved the transfer of surplus, the central bank said in a statement.

“There are positives and negatives for the market today. The biggest positive is the record ₹2.11 lakh crore dividend from the RBI to the government,” said V.K. Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

This means the government can reduce its fiscal deficit and step-up infrastructure spending, he added.

“Brent crude dipping below $82 is positive for India’s macros,” Mr. Vijayakumar said. Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.15% to $81.79 a barrel.

The negative for equity markets is the U.S. Fed meeting minutes, which indicate concern over the stubbornness of inflation, he noted.

In Asian markets, Tokyo traded in the green while Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted lower.

Wall Street ended in negative territory on May 22.

“The Nifty index has surged to a record high after the Reserve Bank of India [RBI] announced a substantial ₹2.1 lakh crore dividend to the government. This development is a significant macroeconomic positive for the market, with direct implications for the fiscal deficit and bond yields,” Santosh Meena, head of research at Swastika Investmart Ltd., said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹686.04 crore on May 22, according to exchange data.

The BSE benchmark climbed 267.75 points or 0.36% to settle at 74,221.06 on May 22. The NSE Nifty advanced 68.75 points or 0.31% to finish at 22,597.80.

Image used for representative purpose only. File.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Benchmark equity indices bounced back in early trade on May 10 amid firm global market trends and buying in ITC and Reliance Industries.

Recovering from the sharp decline in the previous trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 203.52 points to 72,607.69 in early deals. The NSE Nifty went up by 83.7 points to 22,041.20.

From the Sensex basket, ITC, Axis Bank, NTPC, JSW Steel, Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries were the biggest gainers.

Infosys, HDFC Bank, HCL Technologies and Larsen & Toubro were the laggards.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading with gains while Shanghai quoted lower.

Wall Street ended in positive territory on Thursday.

“Gains in overseas markets are likely to help local benchmark indices register gains in early trade on Friday after yesterday’s sharp sell-off,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd said in his pre-opening market comment.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.55% to USD 84.34 a barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 6,994.86 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.

Declining for the third day running, the BSE benchmark dropped 1,062.22 points or 1.45% to settle at 72,404.17 on Thursday. The NSE Nifty dived 345 points or 1.55% to 21,957.50.