Markets retained their upward momentum at mid-day on Thursday, with the Sensex registering a gain of 191.46 points, or 0.23 percent, to trade at 82,885.17, compared to its previous close of 82,693.71. The Nifty 50 rose by 61.85 points, or 0.24 percent, reaching 25,392.10 from its prior close of 25,330.25.
The US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to reduce benchmark interest rates to a range of 4-4.25 percent continued to bolster market sentiment. Analysts anticipate increased inflows from foreign institutional investors (FIIs) into Indian markets as a result of this development. Pranay Aggarwal, Director and CEO of Stoxkart, remarked that the Fed’s rate cut enhances global liquidity and creates a favorable environment for greater FII investments in Indian stocks.
Among the top gainers on the Nifty 50 was HDFC Life, which saw an increase of 2.48 percent, rising to ₹787.10 from ₹768.05. Eicher Motors and Infosys also performed well, rising 1.60 percent to ₹333.50 and 1.59 percent to ₹1,546.60, respectively. Additionally, Sun Pharma climbed 1.22 percent to ₹1,640.00, and SBI Life Insurance added 1.09 percent, reaching ₹1,823.60.
Conversely, Coal India experienced a decline of 1.10 percent, dropping to ₹395.35 from ₹399.75. Other notable losers included ONGC, which fell 0.89 percent to ₹234.76, and Bajaj Finance, down 0.88 percent to ₹998.60. Tata Motors shed 0.81 percent to ₹713.30, while Bharat Electronics Limited decreased by 0.75 percent to ₹409.10.
Market breadth indicated that 2,166 stocks advanced while 1,849 declined, with 179 remaining unchanged among 4,194 traded stocks. A total of 145 stocks reached 52-week highs, whereas 39 hit 52-week lows. The session saw 244 stocks in upper circuit and 118 in lower circuit.
Sectoral indices showed varied performance, with the Nifty Financial Services index gaining 115.60 points, or 0.44 percent, to reach 26,670.60, and the Nifty Bank index advancing 206.10 points, or 0.37 percent, to 55,671.65. However, the Nifty Next 50 declined by 19.60 points to 69,120.05, while the Nifty Midcap 100 fell by 36.90 points to 58,784.65.
Aggarwal emphasized that softer US yields resulting from the Fed’s decision could enhance both the rupee and equities. He suggested that improved global liquidity and lower borrowing costs might increase risk appetite and support inflows into emerging markets. He added that should the Reserve Bank of India adopt a more accommodative monetary stance, domestic borrowing costs may decrease further, benefiting corporates and fostering credit growth.
Published on September 18, 2025.
