The BSE Sensex advanced 182.34 points, or 0.22%, to close at 81,330.56, while the Nifty 50 gained 88.55 points, or 0.36%, to close at 24,666.90.
Here’s how analysts read the market pulse:
Market optimism is gaining momentum, driven by a sharp decline in both global and domestic risks, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, adding that in this environment, the broader markets are on an upswing, supported by a strengthening recovery in local demand, as reflected in the March quarter corporate earnings.
Nair said that this has sparked a rally in mid-cap and small-cap stocks, which had underperformed earlier due to premium valuations, earnings downgrades, and moderation in foreign institutional investor (FII) and Retail inflows.
“Currently, Midcaps are witnessing renewed interest, fuelled by marginal upgrades in recent earnings and the potential for a stronger rebound in FY26. Contributing factors include a consistent decline in inflation, rising disposable incomes, increased government spending, and falling interest rates. Meanwhile, a pause in global trade tensions is boosting sentiment in international markets, with metals gaining traction amid easing concerns over an economic slowdown,” said Nair.
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US markets
The S&P 500 was little changed in volatile trading on Wednesday, pausing after a strong start to the week fueled by cooling inflation data and a U.S.-China tariff truce. Investors shifted focus to global trade developments.
Eight of the S&P 500’s 11 major sectors were in the red, though a 0.5% gain in the information technology sector helped limit overall declines.
Megacap and growth stocks mostly edged higher, with Nvidia climbing 2.1%. Advanced Micro Devices rose 5.4% after announcing a new $6 billion share buyback program.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump secured $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia during his Gulf visit, as several U.S. tech firms unveiled AI-related deals in the Middle East.
European stocks
European shares eased on Wednesday after a four-day rally fuelled by the U.S.-UK and U.S.-China trade deals that relieved some concerns over the global trade war, while downbeat corporate earnings also weighed.
The continent-wide STOXX 600 index closed 0.2% lower, its first loss in five sessions.
The rise had started on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Britain, and continued after Beijing and Washington agreed to a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs imposed on each other in April.
Tech View
The Nifty traded within a narrow range today, following two days of high volatile moves, said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, adding that the short-term trend remains positive, as the index continues to remain above critical moving average.
After a sharp rally, this sideways movement appears to be a healthy consolidation, De said, “suggesting the market is catching its breath before the next move.”
“As long as the index stays above the crucial support level of 24,400, the bulls are likely to maintain their grip. In the near term, the index might move towards the 24,850–25,000 range. However, a drop below 24,400 could delay this upward trajectory and lead to further consolidation,” said De.
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Most active stocks in terms of turnover
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (Rs 3,983 crore), GRSE (Rs 3,786 crore), Cochin Shipyard (Rs 3,712 crore), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Rs 3,624 crore), BSE (Rs 2,308 crore), Tata Motors (Rs 2,194 crore) and Bharat Dynamics (Rs 1,630 crore) were among the most active stocks on BSE in value terms. Higher activity in a counter in value terms can help identify the counters with highest trading turnovers in the day.
Most active stocks in volume terms
Vodafone Idea (Traded shares: 37.57 crore), YES Bank (Traded shares: 20.18 crore), Suzlon Energy (Traded shares: 9.77 crore), Tata Steel (Traded shares: 6 crore), Reliance Power (Traded shares: 5.19 crore), Canara Bank (Traded shares: 4.67 crore) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (Traded shares: 4.36 crore) were among the most actively traded stocks in volume terms on NSE.
Stocks showing buying interest
Shares of GRSE, HBL Power, Authum Investment & Infrastructure, PTC Industries, Railtel Corp, SBFC Finance and Ircon International were among the stocks that witnessed strong buying interest from market participants.
52 Week high
Over 88 stocks hit their 52 week highs today while 30 stocks slipped to their 52-week lows.
Stocks seeing selling pressure
Stocks which witnessed significant selling pressure were Raymond, Syrma SGS Technology, Metropolis Healthcare, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, REC Ltd, Raymond Lifestyle and Poly Medicure.
Sentiment meter bullish
The market sentiments were bullish. Out of the 4,125 stocks that traded on the BSE on Wednesday, 1,181 stocks witnessed declines, 2,802 saw advances, while 142 stocks remained unchanged.
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(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
