STOCK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
The key benchmark indices extended gains on Tuesday as strong corporate earnings, and renewed FII buying lifted sentiment.
The S&P BSE Sensex rallied to a high of 61,290, and ended the day with a gain of 375 points at 61,121. In the process, the BSE benchmark index has vaulted 1,578 points in the last four straight trading sessions.
The NSE Nifty settled 133 points higher at 18,145 on Tuesday. Going ahead, FIIs flows, ongoing results season and the US Federal Reserve meeting outcome on Wednesday are the key factors to watch out.
"The bulls are driving the trend in the domestic market with backing from FIIs and the global markets. The PMI numbers show that manufacturing activity in India remained strong in October and that pricing pressures were kept in check as new orders and production increased, albeit slowly. Investors are keeping an eye on the central banks' policy meetings for any indications of a slowdown in the pace of rate hikes.", says Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.
Among the Sensex 30 shares, power majors - NTPC and PowerGrid were the top gainers, up 5.3 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. Dr.Reddy's, Infosys and TCS also jumped over 2 per cent each. Sun Pharma was also up 2 per cent after the pharma major reported double-digit top line growth.
READ MORE On the flip side, Axis Bank fell nearly 4 per cent following a block deal on the BSE wherein 1.2 per cent equity of the company changed hands.
READ MORE In the broader market, the BSE Midcap index jumped a per cent, while the Smallcap index added 0.3 per cent. The overall breadth too was positive, with 1,838 stocks advancing versus 1,610 declining shares on the BSE.
Sectorally, the BSE Power index soared over 2 per cent. The IT, Healthcare were up around 1.7 per cent each, and the Metal index too was up a per cent.