The Indian equity indices concluded Tuesday with a slight uptick, marking a second consecutive session of gains. Investors eagerly awaited crucial macro data from the US, which would offer insights into whether the Federal Reserve plans to pause its rate hikes in September.
Sensex and Nifty Experience Modest Upsurge
The S&P BSE Sensex, a key benchmark, ascended by 79 points or 0.12% to reach 65,076 by the closing bell. Despite concerns about weak monsoon rainfall and resultant inflation worries affecting consumer companies, an increase in metal and realty stocks offset these effects. The NSE Nifty also made gains, rising by 36 points or 0.19% to close at 19,342.
Mixed Performances Among Leading Stocks
Within the Sensex constituents, notable gains were recorded by Jio Financial, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, NTPC, and Power Grid. Conversely, Bharti Airtel, HUL, Axis Bank, and Reliance Industries experienced losses. Jio Financial shares specifically surged by 5%, reaching the upper circuit due to reports of promoter entity Jamnagar Utilities potentially purchasing 5 crore shares. However, Pyramid Technoplast shares faced a 5% lower circuit.
Sectoral Movements and Broader Market Trends
The Nifty Realty sector witnessed a notable 1.69% surge, accompanied by Nifty Metal rising by 1.28%. Nifty Consumer Durables and Nifty Auto also closed with gains. In the broader market, Nifty Midcap100 climbed by 0.34%, while Smallcap100 advanced by 0.54%.
Market Capitalization and Breadth
The collective market capitalization of all BSE-listed companies surged by Rs 1.08 lakh crore, reaching Rs 309.01 lakh crore. The market exhibited a favorable tilt towards bullish sentiment, with 2,071 stocks recording gains, 1,520 experiencing declines, and 157 remaining unchanged on the BSE.
Asian and European Market Performance
Asian markets saw mixed performance, with Japan‘s Nikkei 225 rising by 0.4% and the Shanghai Composite gaining 1.1%. European shares reached a two-week high, led by mining stocks in line with strong metal prices. NN Group also contributed to gains after revealing its first-half results. The pan-European STOXX 600 increased by as much as 0.6%.
Oil Prices and Impact on Rupee
Oil prices remained relatively steady as market participants weighed concerns about potential US interest rate hikes affecting demand against worries over a hurricane approaching the US Gulf Coast impacting supply. Brent crude rose by 61 cents to $84.48 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 62 cents to $80.72 a barrel. The Indian rupee faced pressure from dollar buying by oil companies and major importers, leading it to close at 82.7050, slightly lower than its previous close of 82.63.
Rupee Performance Compared to Asian Peers
The Indian rupee‘s performance was slightly weaker compared to its Asian counterparts, as most of the other currencies strengthened. The Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah notably exhibited gains in the currency landscape.
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