Indian stock markets ended with modest gains on Monday after a volatile trading session, as investors balanced domestic earnings optimism with concerns over rising crude oil prices and global tensions.
The BSE Sensex closed 27 points higher at 78,520.30, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 11 points to settle at 24,364.85. Both benchmark indices moved between gains and losses through the day before ending slightly positive.
Markets opened weak amid worries over the ongoing US-Iran conflict and fears of disruption to oil supplies in the Gulf region. However, buying in select banking, metal and PSU stocks helped markets recover.
Among the top gainers on the Nifty were JSW Steel, SBI, Trent, Asian Paints and Grasim Industries. These stocks saw steady buying interest as investors moved into select sectors.
On the losing side, Jio Financial Services, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindalco and HDFC Life ended lower. Profit booking and cautious sentiment weighed on these shares.
Sector-wise, PSU banks, power, energy and media stocks performed well, while IT, telecom and real estate counters remained under pressure. Midcap and smallcap shares ended mixed, reflecting selective participation in the broader market.
ICICI Bank shares also gained after reporting healthy quarterly earnings, while Jio Financial fell after weaker profit numbers. Indian Energy Exchange declined sharply following regulatory concerns.
The Indian rupee weakened slightly against the US dollar, reflecting cautious sentiment in global markets. Analysts said investors are closely watching quarterly earnings, foreign fund flows and crude oil prices for near-term direction.
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