Indian stock markets witnessed a strong rally on April 15, 2026, as benchmark indices surged sharply in early trade and sustained gains throughout the session. The upside was driven by positive global cues, easing geopolitical tensions, and a decline in crude oil prices, which boosted investor risk appetite across sectors.
The GIFT Nifty signalled a firm gap-up opening, which was reflected in domestic markets as both the Sensex and Nifty opened significantly higher. The Sensex surged by more than 1,300 points during intraday trade, while the Nifty 50 climbed above the 24,200 mark, maintaining a strong upward trajectory through the session.
Market sentiment improved following renewed hopes of US–Iran peace negotiations, which led to Brent crude slipping below the $100 per barrel level. This easing in oil prices helped reduce inflation concerns and improved expectations of stable corporate earnings. Additional support came from steady foreign institutional investor inflows and positive global equity trends.
Sector-wise, buying was broad-based, with financial services, banking, IT, metals, and PSU banks leading gains. Realty and auto also saw healthy traction, while FMCG and some defensive sectors lagged slightly amid profit booking. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks outperformed large caps, reflecting strong participation from retail investors.
Heavyweight stocks such as HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, Infosys, and NTPC were among the key contributors to the index rally. However, some profit booking was seen in select auto and financial names.
According to market data, HDFC Life, Adani Enterprises, ICICI Bank, NTPC, and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles were among the top gainers on the Nifty. On the other hand, stocks like Maruti Suzuki, Eicher Motors, Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, and InterGlobe Aviation were among the major laggards during the session.
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