MUMBAI: Benchmark BSE Sensex rebounded nearly 318 points on Thursday, driven by buying in HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, L&T, and Bajaj Finance amid foreign fund inflows.
The 30-share Sensex climbed 317.93 points or 0.41 per cent to close at 77,606.43 on the monthly derivatives expiry day, after touching an intraday high of 77,747.46. The NSE Nifty advanced 105.10 points or 0.45 per cent to 23,591.95.
Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Power Grid, Zomato, SBI, HDFC Bank, and Titan were the top gainers.
Tata Motors plunged over 5.5 per cent after former US President Donald Trump vowed to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imported cars. Sun Pharma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Tech, and M&M were also among the laggards.
“Domestic indices remained optimistic throughout the day, buoyed by foreign fund inflows and buying in blue-chip stocks. However, the proposed 25 per cent tariff on auto imports rattled auto stocks and triggered concerns in the pharma sector. Despite these headwinds, broader markets showed resilience, supported by expectations of double-digit earnings growth in FY26, aided by easing inflation and lower interest rates,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments.
FIIs bought equities worth Rs2,241cr
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs2,240.55 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
The BSE smallcap index surged 0.90 per cent, while the midcap index climbed 0.46 per cent. Sectorally, utilities gained 2.09 per cent, services rose 1.61 per cent, realty added 1.38 per cent, oil & gas advanced 1.32 per cent, energy climbed 1.22 per cent, and power gained 1.16 per cent. Auto and telecom stocks, however, ended in the red.
Asian markets ended mixed, with Shanghai and Hong Kong closing higher, while Seoul and Tokyo slipped. European markets were trading lower, mirroring the weak US market close on Wednesday.
“The shift in FII stance, coupled with strength in banking and financial majors and rotational support from heavyweights, is sustaining the market’s momentum. However, concerns over US tariffs are adding occasional volatility,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research at Religare Broking.
Brent crude dipped 0.23 per cent to $73.62 per barrel.
On Wednesday, the Sensex had tumbled 728.69 points or 0.93 per cent to 77,288.50, while the Nifty had declined 181.80 points or 0.77 per cent to 23,486.85.
