Markets are experiencing modest gains at midday on Friday, with the Sensex trading at 78,213.90, up by 225.22 points or 0.29 percent, and the Nifty 50 at 24,262.35, higher by 65.60 points or 0.27 percent, as of 12:52 PM. After a weak start, the indices have rebounded, with consumer staples and healthcare sectors offsetting continued pressures in technology and financial stocks.
Gainers and Losers
Hindustan Unilever emerged as a notable gainer, increasing by 4.48 percent to ₹2,235.00 from a previous close of ₹2,139.10, on a trading volume of 33.76 lakh shares worth ₹75,000.28 lakhs, marking one of the highest traded values of the session. Nestle India rose 2.23 percent to ₹1,285.50, up from ₹1,257.40, with a volume of 13.81 lakh shares. Apollo Hospitals also saw a gain of 1.83 percent, climbing to ₹7,691.00 from ₹7,553.00. Power Grid Corporation increased by 1.68 percent to ₹317.50 from ₹312.25, with over 65.79 lakh shares changing hands. Tech Mahindra, previously lagging, recovered some losses and is now up 1.40 percent at ₹1,511.80, compared to its prior close of ₹1,491.00.
On the downside, HDFC Life faced continued pressure, decreasing by 2.70 percent to ₹614.45 from ₹631.50, with a volume of 53.16 lakh shares valued at ₹32,524.54 lakhs. Wipro remained in the spotlight following its Q4 earnings result, trading down by 2.68 percent at ₹204.62, down from ₹210.26, on exceptionally high trading volumes of 5.45 crore shares worth ₹1,11,594.06 lakhs, the highest trade value for the session. L&T fell by 1.11 percent to ₹4,074.20 from ₹4,119.80. HCL Technologies decreased by 1.02 percent to ₹1,435.40 from ₹1,450.20, while Hindalco dropped by 1.00 percent to ₹1,029.55 from ₹1,039.90.
The market breadth on the BSE is favorable for advances, showing 2,768 stocks rising against 1,361 declining and 199 remaining unchanged, out of a total of 4,328 stocks traded. Additionally, 157 stocks reached 52-week highs, while 18 hit 52-week lows. There are currently 230 stocks in the upper circuit and 104 in the lower circuit.
Peace Hopes Support Sentiment
The tone of the session is influenced by easing geopolitical concerns, especially regarding US-Iran diplomatic engagements, which have led to a moderation in crude oil prices and alleviated near-term inflation fears. Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, commented that while these developments have provided some market support, uncertainty surrounding the durability of any ceasefire is preventing investors from making significant commitments. Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) activity remains sporadic, constrained by currency risk and ongoing concerns over the current account deficit.
Technically, the Nifty is encountering substantial resistance between the 24,300 and 24,400 marks. The index has traded in line with Thursday’s price movements, and analysts are on the lookout to see if afternoon trading can sustain a move above this range. The 24,000 threshold is regarded as key psychological support, with a stronger demand base identified near 23,800. Until a definitive directional breakout occurs, the markets are anticipated to remain range-bound and sensitive to news throughout the latter half of the session.
In commodities, MCX Gold is trading above ₹1,53,000, with buying interest observed at lower levels, while MCX Crude is maintaining above the ₹8,600 support level. The Indian rupee is stabilizing near ₹92.8 to the dollar. Equity markets will remain accessible until 3:30 PM, with the afternoon session likely to be closely monitored for any shifts in institutional flows or global influences that could dictate market momentum.
Published on April 17, 2026.
