Thursday brought a bright start to Indian share trading, with IT sector enthusiasm driving key indices higher right from the opening bell. Sensex advanced 114 points (0.14%) to 83,861, and Nifty 39 points (0.15%) to 25,859 as of 9:23 AM.
The Nifty IT index outperformed, gaining upwards of 1% and topping sectoral performers. Momentum spilled over into metal, auto, commodities, defence, pharma, energy, healthcare, and PSU bank indices, maintaining green trades.
Select sectors lagged: private banks, realty, consumer durables, media, and FMCG traded red. Largecaps’ gains found echoes in mid and smallcaps, as Nifty Midcap 100 rose 11 points to 60,199 and Smallcap 100 climbed 16 points to 17,255.
Sensex gainers spotlighted HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, TCS, Infosys, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Steel, NTPC, HUL, and Bharti Airtel. Laggards comprised Indigo, Asian Paints, ITC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, BEL, Trent, and Bajaj Finserv.
Bullish Asian trends in Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta supported the mood, alongside firm US closes. Commodities perked up too—WTI crude +0.51% to $65.35 per barrel, Brent +0.36% to $70.60, silver +0.64% to $78/oz, gold dipping 0.15% to $5,002/oz.
Geopolitical flares between US and Iran, coupled with Fed’s accommodating outlook, are cited as drivers for commodity strength. Traders anticipate continued IT leadership, with broader participation key to extending the rally through the day.