Sensex, Nifty Rise After RBI Holds Rates, Boosts Growth Outlook

At the closing bell, Sensex gained 266 points, or 0.32 per cent, to settle at 83,580. Nifty surged 50 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close at 25,693.

The broader markets showed divergence from benchmark indices, as Nifty Midcap 100 index lost 0.02 per cent, while the NSE Smallcap 100 shed 0.27 per cent.

Sectoral indices traded mixed, as consumer staples were the top gainers, with Nifty FMCG surging 2.27 per cent and Nifty Consumer Durables rising 0.96 per cent. Private banks and realty surged 0.63 per cent each.

Nifty IT was the top loser, down 1.47 per cent, as Nifty Pharma fell 0.72 per cent.

Analysts said Indian equity markets traded with a range-bound bias as investors digested the central bank's decision to keep interest rates unchanged.

The central bank reinforced its preference for stability amid improving global trade visibility following recent US tariff adjustments, they said.

The markets later drew support from regulatory clarity after the RBI's indication that banks would be permitted to lend to REITs, enhancing long-term funding visibility for the real estate and credit ecosystem.

On the domestic front, support also came from a slight recovery in the Indian rupee, aided by moderated corporate dollar demand, which helped ease near-term currency concerns, they said.

Bank Nifty ended the session with a measured rebound after successfully defending the 59,600-59,650 demand zone, reflecting strong buying interest and short covering at lower levels, market watchers said.

"We expect the consolidation to continue with a positive bias as long as the Nifty holds above the 25,400 level," said Ajit Mishra-SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

- IANS