Nifty, Sensex post strong gains led by metals, PSU banks

Indian Equity Benchmarks Post Strong Gains on Friday

The Indian equity benchmarks posted impressive gains on Friday, driven by increases in metals and PSU bank stocks.

Key Highlights:

• Sensex gained 316 points, or 0.38 per cent, to settle at 82,814.
• Nifty added 116 points, or 0.46 per cent, to close at 25,571.
• Nifty Midcap 100 index rose 0.48 per cent, while NSE Smallcap 100 declined 0.11 per cent.
• Nifty Next50 surged 0.62 per cent.

Sectoral Indices and Performance:

Most sectoral indices traded in the green except Nifty IT and media, which were down 0.98 per cent and 0.28 per cent respectively.

• Major Gainers: PSU bank stocks rose 1.68 per cent, while Nifty Metal gained 1.25 per cent.
• Major Losers: Nifty IT and media stocks declined 0.98 per cent and 0.28 per cent respectively.

Market Breadth and Trading Conditions:

The overall market breadth leaned slightly negative, with 2,043 stocks advancing against 2,511 stocks declining.

Broad-based buying was seen across sectors with strong interest also in power, capital goods and FMCG stocks, which helped a strong rebound after a volatile start to the session, analysts said.

The recovery gathered pace through the day as investors stepped in to accumulate quality names at lower levels, reversing early weakness, analysts said.

Near-Term Outlook:

However, near-term caution continues to linger amid persistent US–Iran geopolitical tensions and mixed global cues, analysts said, adding that overall trading conditions remain range-bound, with the market awaiting clearer directional triggers.

Currency and Banking Updates:

The Indian rupee traded slightly stronger, gaining 0.02 per cent, to touch 90.99 against the dollar.

Bank Nifty posted a technically strong rebound and sustained above the 61,200 region, signalling a shift in market structure from supply dominance to buyer control, market participants said.

• The 61,000 zone acts as a critical support level.
• 61,350–61,400 acts as the immediate resistance band.