The stock market continued its winning streak for the third consecutive session on Thursday, with strong performances in defense and PSU stocks ahead of the interim budget. The BSE Sensex rose by 226.85 points or 0.30% to close at 76,759.81, while the NSE Nifty gained 86.40 points or 0.37% to end at 23,249.50 in a volatile session due to the monthly derivatives expiry.
Top Gainers:
- Bharti Airtel surged 2.78% to ₹1,644.00, driven by positive sentiment in the telecom sector.
- Power Grid rose by 2.59% to ₹295.25 amid optimism in energy stocks.
- Bajaj Finance added 1.82% to close at ₹7,899.30.
- Nestlé India gained 1.73% to ₹2,218.75.
- Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) saw a 1.51% increase, ending at ₹2,970.30.
Top Losers:
- Tata Motors experienced the steepest decline of 7.37% to ₹697.00 due to profit booking and concerns over demand outlook.
- ITC Hotels fell by 4.98% to ₹169.70.
- Bajaj Finserv slipped 2.12% to ₹1,751.50.
- Adani Ports dropped by 1.86% to ₹1,076.80.
- Zomato ended lower, declining by 1.66% to ₹218.80.
The market gains were driven by positive momentum in banking and PSU stocks as investors anticipated key policy measures in the upcoming interim budget.
