Sensex, Nifty 50 end higher after a rangebound trade— 10 key highlights from Indian stock market today

In a day marked by cautious optimism and subdued volatility, Indian benchmark indices managed to close in the green on Thursday. The BSE Sensex rose 145 points to end at 79,215, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 41 points to settle at 24,126, extending gains for the third consecutive session. While trade remained largely rangebound through the day, select sectors provided support, driven by stock-specific action and positive global cues.

Here are the 10 key highlights from the Indian stock market today:

1. Benchmark Indices Close Higher

After a flat opening, both Sensex and Nifty moved in a narrow band throughout the session, with late buying in banking and auto stocks pushing indices higher. The Sensex rose 0.18%, while the Nifty added 0.17%.

2. Banking and Auto Sectors Drive Gains

Banking and automobile stocks led the gains, with the Nifty Bank index climbing over 0.5%. ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and SBI were top contributors. Meanwhile, auto majors like M&M and Maruti Suzuki saw buying interest amid expectations of strong Q1 numbers.

“There’s selective buying visible in high-quality banking names and auto counters ahead of the earnings season. Investors are betting on continued credit growth and recovery in rural demand,” said Mehul Kothari, AVP - Technical Research at Anand Rathi.

3. IT Stocks Witness Mild Correction

After a strong rally in recent sessions, IT stocks saw mild profit-booking. Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech ended in the red, while TCS remained flat. Analysts suggest the sector may remain volatile in the run-up to Q2 results amid global uncertainty.

4. Midcap and Smallcap Indices Stay Resilient

The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 continued to outperform, gaining 0.4% and 0.6% respectively. Broader markets remained buoyant, driven by strong retail participation and thematic plays in capital goods and defense.

5. Volatility Index Remains Subdued

The India VIX, a key measure of market volatility, declined by 2.8% to settle at 12.85, indicating a calm undertone in the market. Lower volatility suggests investor confidence remains steady amid macroeconomic stability.

6. FMCG Stocks in Consolidation Mode

FMCG heavyweights like HUL, ITC, and Nestle traded rangebound amid muted demand signals. Sector analysts say input cost pressure has eased, but rural demand remains mixed, capping upside in the near term.

7. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) Turn Net Buyers

As per provisional data from NSE, FIIs were net buyers to the tune of ₹538 crore, providing a sentiment boost. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were also net buyers with inflows worth ₹412 crore.

“FII inflows have returned modestly, tracking global risk-on sentiment and India’s relatively stable macro outlook. However, sustainability will depend on the US Fed’s policy trajectory,” said Ravi Singh, Head of Research, Share India.

8. Rupee Strengthens Against Dollar

The Indian rupee appreciated by 6 paise to close at 83.48 per dollar, aided by easing crude oil prices and positive inflows. Forex traders expect the rupee to remain within a narrow band in the near term.

9. Crude Oil Prices Steady

International Brent crude futures hovered around $86 per barrel, slightly lower due to softening demand outlook from China and strong US inventory build-up. Cooling oil prices are positive for India’s import bill and inflation outlook.

10. Investor Sentiment Turns Cautiously Optimistic

Market sentiment remains optimistic but cautious ahead of the upcoming Q1 earnings season, the Union Budget, and global central bank commentary. Traders are likely to maintain stock-specific strategies.

Analyst Outlook

Despite the day’s narrow trading range, analysts maintain a bullish medium-term outlook on Indian equities, supported by robust domestic fundamentals, GST collection trends, and corporate profitability.

“The market is consolidating near all-time highs, which is healthy. Any dips should be used as buying opportunities, especially in sectors like banking, auto, and capital goods,” said Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives at SAMCO Securities.

“Investors should brace for a stock-specific earnings-led rally as Q1 results start rolling in next week,” added Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Investor Takeaway

For retail investors, this phase of consolidation is an opportunity to rebalance portfolios. Experts suggest focusing on quality large caps, staying invested in SIPs, and tracking key upcoming events — especially the Union Budget 2025 and Q1 corporate earnings.

With macro indicators stable and liquidity supportive, India’s equity markets remain in a favorable zone — though near-term volatility around global cues and central bank commentary should not be ignored.