Final Trade: Markets shine as Sensex gains 158 points, Nifty 6 pts shy of 25,050

Closing Stock Market Update: Domestic equity markets ended Tuesday’s session on a positive note, with key indices posting gains amid broad-based buying and easing geopolitical tensions. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,055.11, up 158.32 points (0.19 per cent), while the Nifty 50 finished at 25,044.35, rising 72.45 points (0.29 per cent).

Broader markets outperformed with the S&P BSE Mid-Cap and Small-Cap indices gaining 0.56 per cent and 0.72 per cent respectively. Market breadth was strong, with 2,876 shares advancing against 1,014 declines on the BSE.

Among sectors, banking, IT, and energy stocks led the gains, driven by positive cues on crude oil and global markets.

The consumer durables segment saw robust buying interest for the third consecutive session. The Nifty Consumer Durables index rose 0.55 per cent to 37,433.25, adding 2.11 per cent over three sessions. Notable gainers included PG Electroplast (+4.04 per cent), Kajaria Ceramics (+3.22 per cent), Voltas (+1.4 per cent), Blue Star (+1.28 per cent) and Kalyan Jewellers (+1.02 per cent). However, Whirlpool of India (-1.91 per cent) and V-Guard Industries (-0.08 per cent) saw some selling pressure.

Defense stocks, after a strong run, faced profit booking amid easing tensions in the Middle East, with shares of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and BEML falling up to 7 per cent.

Among sectoral gainers, the Nifty PSU Bank index rose 1.5 per cent, followed by Nifty Metal at 1 per cent. Other notable gainers included Nifty Bank, Auto, Private Bank, and Consumer Durables, each up around 0.7 per cent. On the downside, Nifty Media was the sole major loser, slipping 1 per cent.

Pharma and auto sectors also dragged the indices lower, as some investors booked profits following recent rallies.

Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, advising investors to watch closely for upcoming economic data and global developments that could impact market direction.