Sensex gains 107 points, Nifty at 25,044 as PSU Banks surge 3%
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Indian benchmark indices ended Monday's session on a positive note despite a volatile, range-bound day, with the BSE Sensex rising 107.25 points, or 0.13%, to settle at 81,106.65, while the Nifty50 advanced 58.25 points, or 0.23%, to close at 25,044.65. Strong buying interest in PSU bank and pharmaceutical stocks provided the key lift, helping benchmarks shrug off intermittent profit-booking after the recent rally.
Sector Highlights: PSU Banks Lead, IT Lags
The Nifty PSU Bank index was the standout performer, surging more than 3% on robust buying in state-owned lenders. The Nifty Bank index also posted gains, keeping financial stocks broadly in favour. The Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare indices closed higher, supported by broad-based advances in healthcare counters.
In contrast, information technology stocks bore the brunt of selling pressure. The Nifty IT index was the session's worst-performing sectoral gauge, with weakness in IT and metal names capping the overall market advance, according to market analysts.
Top Gainers on the Nifty
Among Nifty50 constituents, State Bank of India (SBI), Trent, and Nestle India emerged as the top gainers, contributing significantly to Monday's positive close. Investor sentiment remained mixed through the session, but select heavyweight sectors proved decisive in sustaining a green finish.
Broader Market Performance
The broader market mirrored the benchmark gains. The Nifty MidCap 100 index rose 0.55%, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 added 0.1%, signalling improved risk appetite across market capitalisation segments.
Technical Outlook and Key Levels to Watch
Market experts note that immediate resistance for the Nifty lies in the 25,150–25,200 zone. A sustained breakout above this range could reinforce bullish momentum and open room for further upside. On the downside, 24,800 is identified as the immediate support; holding above this level is seen as crucial to sustaining the ongoing recovery. 'A decisive breakdown could invite renewed selling pressure and near-term profit-booking. Momentum indicators continue to reflect strong bullish strength, although some caution is warranted,' market watchers noted.
Looking ahead, participants will closely track India and US inflation data for fresh cues on the interest-rate trajectory, while crude oil prices, global risk sentiment, institutional fund flows, and upcoming corporate developments remain key near-term monitorables.