Indian equity markets staged a firm rebound from the previous session’s losses, supported by broad-based buying across sectors. Benchmark indices recovered from intraday lows to close near the day’s highs, signalling renewed investor confidence.
Index performance
Sensex: Up 316.57 points (+0.38%) at 82,814.71
Nifty 50: Gained 116.91 points (+0.46%) to close at 25,571.25
BSE 150 MidCap: +0.44%
BSE 250 SmallCap: −0.19%
While frontline indices strengthened, the mixed performance in broader markets reflected selective risk-taking.
Market capitalisation
Total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rose to approximately ₹467 lakh crore, adding nearly ₹2 lakh crore to investor wealth in a single session.
What drove the rally?
Short covering in heavyweights: Fresh demand surfaced in heavyweight stocks across multiple sectors, particularly in names such as Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, and Bajaj Finance, attracting accumulation and helping lift the benchmark indices.
Better-than-expected Q3 earnings sentiment: The recently concluded Q3 earnings season marginally exceeded expectations. Revenues of NSE 200 companies (excluding financials and oil marketing companies) grew 11.9% year-on-year, improving confidence in corporate earnings momentum for upcoming quarters.
Valuations turn attractive: Recent market corrections brought large-cap valuations down to a more reasonable 19–20x price-to-earnings, improving the risk-reward equation and drawing incremental investor interest.
Rupee stability: Likely intervention by the central bank helped prevent the rupee from breaching the critical 91 per dollar level, even as crude oil prices climbed above $72 per barrel amid renewed US-Iran geopolitical tensions.
Sectoral buying support: Strong buying interest in banking, metals, and FMCG stocks provided breadth to the rally and reinforced confidence in domestic cyclicals.
Sector & stock highlights
Nifty Metal Index: Up over 1%, leading sectoral gains
Nifty Bank Index: Rose more than 400 points
IT stocks: Underperformed in a volatile session
Stock movers
ABB India: Shares surged 7% after reporting record-high order inflows and revenue for FY2025, pointing to sustained demand visibility.
Novartis India: Jumped up to 17% after its Swiss parent announced plans to sell its entire 70.68% stake to a consortium for $159 million.
NTPC: Advanced 3% following the commissioning of the second 165 MW phase of its 1,200 MW Khavda-II solar project.
Commodities update
MCX gold: Ended higher at ₹1,56,141, up ₹1,322 (+0.85%)
MCX silver: Rose sharply to ₹2,49,390, gaining ₹7,997 (+3.31%)
Market takeaway
Today’s session reflects a constructive market tone, with sector rotation favouring domestic growth, infrastructure, and industrial themes. Near-term market direction is likely to remain sensitive to global developments, particularly escalating geopolitical tensions that have pushed crude oil prices to a six-month high.
Other key headlines
The stock exchange announced an additional 15% margin requirement on 18 F&O stocks starting March to curb excessive leverage.
Waaree Energies is reportedly in discussions with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish a gigafactory.
Bajaj Finserv’s alternative investment arm plans to raise up to $1 billion to expand into non-traditional asset classes beyond its core businesses.
Source: Livemint, Economic Times, Bloomberg, Perplexity Finance
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