NewKerala.com

Markets Rally: Nifty Gains 156 Pts, Sensex Up 504 on FII Inflows & Easing Tensions

Indian stock markets recovered from early weakness to close significantly higher, with the Nifty gaining 156 points and the Sensex rising over 500 points. The rally was driven by easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a return of foreign institutional investors to net buying. The FMCG sector was the top performer, surging 2.65%, while all major sectoral indices ended in positive territory. Analysts note that while the improved sentiment provided support, the ongoing quarterly earnings season will be crucial for future market direction.

Key Points: Stock Market Closes Higher: Nifty Up 156, Sensex Gains 504

  • Nifty gains 156 pts
  • FMCG sector leads with 2.65% surge
  • Geopolitical tensions ease
  • FII flows turn positive
  • Brent crude trades below $100
2 min read

Markets close higher, Nifty gain 156 pts, Sensex up by 504 pts, FMCG leads with 2.65% gain

Indian markets closed higher with Nifty gaining 156 points. FMCG led the rally. Experts cite easing Middle East tensions and FII inflows as key drivers.

"The domestic market closed...higher, supported by improving prospects of a Middle East resolution and a reversal in FII flows. - Vinod Nair"

Mumbai, April 17

The domestic stock markets recovered from a weak start on Friday and closed higher, supported by improving geopolitical sentiment and a return of foreign institutional investor inflows.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended at 24,353.55, gaining 156.80 points or 0.65 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 78,493.54, up by 504.86 points or 0.65 per cent.

Market experts said the positive momentum was driven by easing tensions in West Asia and a reversal in FII flows into net buying territory.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, "The domestic market closed the day higher, supported by improving prospects of a Middle East resolution and a reversal in FII flows into net buying. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon helped keep crude below USD 100 per barrel, easing pressure on import-dependent economies."

He added that the rupee strengthened during the session, aided by Reserve Bank of India measures and softening geopolitical tensions.

Sectorally, all indices on the NSE ended in positive territory. Nifty FMCG led the gains with a sharp rise of 2.65 per cent, supported by price hikes, strong business updates and valuation comfort. Nifty Media surged 1.39 per cent, while Nifty Metal gained 1.06 per cent. Nifty PSU Bank rose by 0.70 per cent, and Nifty Realty index jumped more than 1 per cent. Nifty Auto also edged higher by 0.20 per cent.

In the commodities market, Brent crude prices remained on a downward trend, trading at USD 96 per barrel at the time of filing this report, providing some relief to inflation concerns. Gold prices remained largely flat at Rs 1,53,173 per 10 grams for 24 karat, while silver prices rose by 1.46 per cent to Rs 2,52,220 per kg.

Meanwhile, global cues remained mixed. Most Asian markets ended lower, with Japan's Nikkei 225 index declining by more than 1 per cent to 58,919. Singapore's Straits Times index fell by 0.20 per cent to 4,997, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined by 0.75 per cent to 26,198. Taiwan's weighted index slipped 0.89 per cent to 36,804, and South Korea's Kospi index fell 0.55 per cent to 6,191.

Experts noted that while improving geopolitical conditions supported markets, the ongoing Q4 earnings season will remain a key factor for market direction and FY27 outlook.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some good news for my portfolio! The FIIs coming back is a major relief. The drop in crude prices is the real hero here – our petrol prices might just get some breathing room.
R
Rohit P
While the gains are welcome, we shouldn't get too excited. The article says Asian markets were down. Our market is moving on global sentiment, not strong domestic fundamentals. Let's see what the earnings season brings.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the divergence from other Asian markets. The resilience is impressive, but the reliance on geopolitical calm is a bit worrying. Long-term stability needs more than just ceasefire news.
V
Vikram M
FMCG up 2.65%! This shows companies are able to pass on price hikes and consumers are still buying. Strong signal for the rural economy as well. Good day for HUL, ITC investors like me!
K
Karthik V
The strengthening rupee is the unsung hero. Helps control inflation and makes foreign travel/education plans slightly less painful. Kudos to RBI for managing it well amidst global volatility.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50