Mumbai– Indian stock markets ended higher on Friday, with benchmark indices climbing to their highest levels in nine months, driven by easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and renewed optimism over a potential India–U.S. trade deal.
The BSE Sensex gained 303.03 points, or 0.36%, to close at 84,058.90, after trading within a range of 83,645.41 to 84,089.35 during the session. This marked the fourth consecutive day of gains for the index. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty rose 88.80 points, or 0.35%, to settle at 25,637.80, moving between 25,523 and 25,654 in intraday trade.
“The Nifty continued its upward momentum as investor sentiment remained buoyant. With no major resistance until the 25,750–25,800 zone, the index could extend its rally,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. He added that a buy-on-dips strategy is advisable at this stage, with support seen at 25,500. A fall below that level, he warned, could lead to near-term consolidation.
The Sensex last touched the 84,000 mark in October 2024, while the Nifty had previously hit 25,639 on October 3 of the same year.
Broader markets mirrored the upbeat mood. The Nifty Midcap100 gained 0.27%, and the Nifty Smallcap100 outperformed with a 0.91% jump, indicating sustained investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.
Among sectoral indices, the Nifty Oil & Gas index led the gains with a 1.19% rise, outperforming both its sectoral peers and the benchmark indices. Barring the Nifty Consumer Durables, Realty, IT, and FMCG indices, all other sectors closed in the green.
Market volatility also eased, with the India VIX — a key indicator of market fear — declining 1.60% to settle at 12.39, reflecting increased investor confidence in market stability over the near term. (Source: IANS)
