New Delhi: Indian stock markets closed higher on Friday, led by a strong rally in information technology (IT) stocks. Improved global sentiment, supported by a softer-than-expected US jobs report and lower crude oil prices, boosted investor confidence and lifted benchmark indices.
The BSE Sensex rose 261.79 points, or 0.34%, to close at 77,763.91, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 95.15 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,270.85.
IT stocks led the gains, with HCLTech emerging as the top Sensex performer, surging 5.80%. Tech Mahindra climbed 1.81%. Among other major gainers, Bajaj Finserv advanced 2.13%, Bharti Airtel rose 1.81%, and Sun Pharma gained 1.77%.
Among sectoral indices, Nifty Realty was the top performer, rising 2.19%. IT, FMCG, metal and pharma stocks also posted healthy gains.
Commenting on the session, Gaurav Garg of Lemonn Markets Desk said, “Sectoral trends remained mixed during the session, with Realty emerging as the top-performing sector, followed by Healthcare, Pharma, IT, Cement and Midcap Healthcare, reflecting strong buying interest across defensive and technology stocks. Metal, REITs, Chemicals and Financial Services also ended in positive territory with modest gains.”
He added that PSU Bank stocks witnessed the highest selling pressure, while media, auto, construction, banking, FMCG and mid & small financial services indices also ended lower. According to him, the Private Bank index remained largely flat, indicating selective buying within the financial sector.
Among the laggards, Axis Bank fell 1.56%, State Bank of India declined 1.13%, Mahindra & Mahindra slipped 1.11%, and Larsen & Toubro lost 0.83%. In the broader market, the Nifty Midcap 100 edged down 0.19%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 ended 0.04% higher. India VIX dropped 3.98%, indicating relatively calm market sentiment.
Garg said, “The Indian stock market witnessed a mixed trading session today, with the Nifty remaining range-bound and consolidating during the first half as investors awaited fresh market triggers. In the latter half of the session, mild profit booking emerged following the recent rally, leading to some intraday volatility. Despite the selling pressure, buying at lower levels helped the index recover and end the day on a positive note.”
He added that lower crude oil prices, a stable rupee and continued institutional buying supported market sentiment, while improving global risk appetite further boosted investor confidence.
Looking ahead, Garg said, “Going forward, market participants will closely monitor the upcoming June-quarter earnings season, as corporate results and management commentary are expected to drive stock-specific movements and shape the market’s near-term direction.”
