Stock Market Settles Higher For Second Day; Sensex Ends At 82,637, Nifty Near 25,215

Indian equity markets ended marginally higher on Wednesday, extending their gains for a second consecutive session. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,637.64, up 66.73 points or 0.08 per cent, while the NSE Nifty50 settled at 25,212.05, rising 16.25 points or 0.06 per cent. The subdued gains reflected cautious investor sentiment amid mixed global cues and selective buying across sectors.

Around 2,234 stocks advanced, 1,658 declined, while 150 remained unchanged on the broader market.

The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices posted modest gains, reflecting a mixed tone in the broader market.

Sector-wise, the metal index slipped 0.6 per cent, while realty, auto, FMCG, IT, PSU Bank, and media sectors saw gains ranging between 0.5 per cent and 1.8 per cent.

Top gainers on the Nifty included M&M, Wipro, SBI, Nestle India, and Tech Mahindra. On the flip side, Shriram Finance, Eternal, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, and Cipla were among the key laggards.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, noted, "India’s macroeconomic outlook remains strong, supported by easing inflation, lower interest rates, a healthy monsoon, and softer oil prices. A drop in inflation in eight straight months has provided a push to the market. However, investors are showing a mix of optimism and caution in the relief rally to assess the Q1FY26 corporate earnings, as an upgrade in earnings is essential in the premium valued stock market."

"Additionally, global sentiment is mixed amid tariff concerns—highlighted by the announcement of a 50 per cent duty on copper—and fading hopes of a near-term US Fed rate cut on account of sticky inflation, adding market uncertainty," Nair added.

Previous Trading Session

In the previous trading session on Tuesday, Indian stock markets posted a strong recovery, with key indices ending the day on a positive note. The BSE Sensex climbed 317.45 points (0.39 per cent) to close at 82,570.91, while the NSE Nifty50 advanced 113.50 points (0.45 per cent) to settle at 25,195.80. A broad-based rally across sectors lifted overall market sentiment, led by notable gains in banking, automobile, and FMCG stocks. The upward momentum was further supported by positive global cues and sustained confidence among domestic investors. In the broader market, 2,475 stocks ended higher, 1,422 declined, and 148 remained unchanged.

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