Stock Market Today: Bulls roar back on Dalal Street! Sensex climbs past 75,850; Nifty reclaims 23,800

Indian benchmark indices opened sharply higher on Thursday, tracking gains in global equities amid rising optimism over a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran, which lifted investor sentiment across Asian markets. Softer crude oil prices and easing geopolitical concerns also supported risk appetite.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 554.25 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 75,872.64 at 9:14 am, after opening at 75,732.42 against the previous close of 75,318.39.

The broader Nifty 50 rose 171.05 points, or 0.72 per cent, to 23,830.05. The index opened at the same level compared with its previous close of 23,659.

PSU banks, realty stocks lead sectoral rally

Sectoral indices traded firmly in the green, with PSU banks, realty and auto stocks leading the gains. The Nifty PSU Bank index climbed 1.31 per cent to 8,075.15, while the Nifty Realty index gained 1.20 per cent to 776.25.

Among heavyweight sectors, the Nifty Auto index rose 0.95 per cent to 26,159.55, while the Nifty Financial Services 25/50 index gained 0.94 per cent to 27,873. The Nifty Private Bank index advanced 0.82 per cent to 26,242.40.

The Nifty Media and Nifty Consumer Durables indices gained 0.79 per cent and 0.78 per cent, respectively, while the Nifty Metal index added 0.72 per cent to 13,281.40.

Defensive sectors also traded higher. The Nifty Health Care index rose 0.55 per cent, while Nifty FMCG gained 0.48 per cent to 50,760.80. The Nifty Pharma index advanced 0.44 per cent. Nifty Oil & Gas rose 0.42 per cent, whereas Nifty IT underperformed with a modest gain of 0.20 per cent at 29,244.90.

Broader markets remain strong

In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap and Nifty SmallCap indices were trading 0.89 per cent and 0.99 per cent higher, respectively. Sector-wise, cement, realty, media and PSU bank stocks remained the top gainers in early trade.

US-Iran talks lift investor sentiment

Investor sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump said his administration was in the final stage of negotiations with Iran, raising hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and reducing the risk of energy supply disruptions.

Global cues also remained supportive. The Nasdaq gained 1.54 per cent to close at 26,270.36, while the S&P 500 rose 1.08 per cent to 7,432.97 in the previous session. However, Dow Jones Futures traded marginally lower.

Q4 earnings in focus today

Investors will closely track a heavy earnings calendar on Thursday. Companies scheduled to announce their Q4FY26 results include ITC, Gail (India), Life Insurance Corporation of India, Max Healthcare Institute, Prestige Estates Projects, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, Page Industries, Aurobindo Pharma, Emami, Reliance Power and Honasa Consumer, among others.

Commodities update

In the commodities market, Brent crude traded at USD 105.60 per barrel, up 0.55 per cent, while crude oil prices rose 0.65 per cent to USD 98.90. Gold prices eased USD 4.28 to USD 4,533.98 per ounce.