The Indian equity markets ended the week on a positive note, with the Sensex rising by 266 points to 83,580 and the Nifty climbing 50 points to 25,693. However, the broader markets saw a mixed performance, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index slipping by 0.02% and the NSE Smallcap 100 declining by 0.27%.
In sectoral trading, consumer staples emerged as the top gainers, with Nifty FMCG surging by 2.27% and Nifty Consumer Durables rising by 0.96%. Private banks and realty sectors also showed strength, each gaining 0.63%. On the flip side, Nifty IT recorded the most significant loss, dropping by 1.47%, while Nifty Pharma fell by 0.72%.
Market analysts noted that the Indian equity markets traded cautiously as investors absorbed the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to maintain interest rates. The central bank’s emphasis on stability in light of improving global trade conditions, particularly after recent US tariff adjustments, influenced market sentiment positively.
Regulatory clarity provided additional support to the markets following the RBI’s announcement allowing banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), thereby enhancing long-term funding prospects for the real estate and credit sectors. Domestically, a modest recovery in the Indian rupee, driven by reduced corporate dollar demand, alleviated immediate currency concerns, contributing to market resilience.
Bank Nifty closed the session with a measured rebound, indicating robust buying interest and short covering at lower levels after defending the 59,600–59,650 demand zone. Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking Ltd., expressed optimism, anticipating a continuation of the consolidation trend with a positive bias as long as the Nifty remains above the 25,400 level.
