Indian equity markets ended higher on Thursday, supported by positive global cues and optimism around a potential India–U.S. trade deal. The benchmark Nifty closed near the 25,300 mark, while the Sensex registered moderate gains.
At the close of trade, the Sensex rose 397.74 points, or 0.49 per cent, to settle at 82,307.37. The Nifty gained 132.40 points, or 0.53 per cent, to close at 25,289.90.
Markets opened on a strong note as investor sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on tariffs against European nations, citing a framework agreement related to the Greenland issue. Positive global cues and hopes of progress in India–U.S. trade talks supported early gains.
The Nifty 50 opened at 25,344.15, up 186.65 points or 0.74 per cent, while the Sensex opened at 82,459.66, gaining 550.03 points or 0.67 per cent.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said the domestic market rebounded amid relief over Trump’s remarks on tariffs and Greenland at the Davos meeting. However, he noted that sentiment remained cautious due to persistent rupee weakness and continued foreign institutional investor outflows. He added that early corporate earnings have not significantly supported current valuation levels.
Nair said investors remain hopeful about potential upside from strong domestic demand, which could become clearer in upcoming quarterly earnings. He added that markets will closely track U.S. GDP and core inflation data, as well as the Bank of Japan’s policy decision, for further direction.
Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said the index consolidated after a positive start but faced resistance near the 38.2 per cent Fibonacci retracement level. He noted that the Nifty declined from the day’s high of 25,435 to 25,168 before closing near the midpoint of the session’s range.
De added that although the index closed above the 200-day moving average for the second consecutive day, overall sentiment remains weak, as reflected by elevated India VIX levels. He said the market is likely to remain volatile in the short term, with resistance seen in the 25,480–25,500 zone and support around 25,125.
-ANI
