The benchmark domestic equity indices today ended the week’s last trading session on a strong note, extending their winning streak for the fifth straight session amid buying across most sectors and renewed optimism over easing foreign selling. The broader market indices at the BSE also logged gains. The 30-share index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, advanced 557 points to close at 76,905.
The National Stock Exchange Nifty-50 rose 160 points to settle at 23,350. The BSE Sensex surged to a high of 77,042, and finally settled at 76,906 – up 557 points. The BSE benchmark was up 3,077 per cent or 4.17 points for the week.
The NSE Nifty 50 index hit a high of 23,403, and ended with a gain of 160 points at 23,350. The Nifty soared 4.26 per cent or 953 points this week – its highest weekly gain since February 7, 2021.
Among the Sensex 30 shares – NTPC was the top gainer, up 3.3 per cent on Friday. Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, Larsen & Toubro, Kotak Bank, Nestle India, Tata Motors and Axis Bank were the other major gainers. On the other hand, Mahindra & Mahindra slipped over 1 per cent. Tata Steel, Infosys, Titan and Bajaj Finserv were the other losers.
In the broader market, the BSE MidCap index jumped over 1 per cent, while the SmallCap soared over 2 per cent today.
Sectorally, the BSE Oil & Gas index surged over 2 per cent. Power, Healthcare and Financial Services indices were the other prominent gainers. On the flip side, the BSE Consumer Durables index slipped 0.8 per cent, and the Metal index shed 0.4 per cent.
In the Forex market, the rupee today strengthened by 39 paise to close at 85 rupees and 98 paise against the US dollar. In the Indian Bullion Market, 24 Karat Gold was trading at 88,650 rupees per 10 grams, while Silver 999 Fine was trading at 98,630 rupees per kilogram a short while ago. Brent Crude was trading at 71 dollars and 59 cents per barrel.
The Nifty continues to move upward following a falling trendline breakout, supported by upbeat sentiment. During the last trading session, the index encountered resistance at the 21-week exponential moving average, which is placed at 23,382.
A decisive move above 23,400 could drive the index higher by another 200 points, as the next resistance is at 23,600. A clear breakout above 23,600 might trigger another leg of the rally. On the other hand, failure to move above 23,400 could lead to near-term consolidation.