Stock Market Opening: Sensex Jumps 157 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,300; SMIDs Outshine

Indian stock markets started Friday’s session on a positive note, helped by gains across Asian equities and a rebound in US markets during the previous session.

Easing crude oil prices offered additional support, although investors remained cautious amid continuing geopolitical tensions. The Sensex opened 156.98 points, or 0.21%, higher at 74,471.57. The Nifty 50 added 35.80 points, or 0.15%, to begin trading at 23,306.40.

The broader market showed stronger momentum than the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 advanced 0.51%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 climbed 0.81%. The Nifty Next 50 was also trading 0.60% higher.

BROADER MARKETS OUTPERFORM

Realty stocks led the sectoral gains in early trading, with the Nifty Realty index rising 1.07%. Nifty Pharma followed with a 0.82% gain, while Nifty Healthcare advanced 0.75%.

Metal and auto stocks also opened higher, with Nifty Metal gaining 0.51% and Nifty Auto rising 0.45%.

Banking counters were in positive territory as well. Nifty Bank gained 0.23%, while Nifty Private Bank rose 0.32%.

IT stocks bucked the broader trend. Nifty IT declined 1.81%, while the Nifty MidSmall IT & Telecom index fell 0.63%. FMCG stocks remained largely steady.

ASIAN EQUITIES FOLLOW WALL STREET HIGHER

Global cues remained supportive after US equities recovered overnight, with technology shares leading the rebound.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.55%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained around 0.9%, while South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 2%.

US Treasury yields also eased from recent highs. The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.936% after briefly crossing the 5% mark earlier in the week.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said Indian equities were expected to see a steady opening, helped by softer crude prices and a pullback in US Treasury yields.

He also noted that stronger Asian markets were providing a favourable backdrop for domestic equities. GIFT Nifty futures were trading near 23,343, above the Nifty 50’s previous close of 23,270.

BANK OF JAPAN RATE DECISION IN FOCUS

The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, taking the rate to its highest level in more than 30 years.

The decision adds another important monetary-policy development for global investors as markets continue to assess interest-rate trajectories across major economies.

OIL PRICES EASE BUT RISKS REMAIN

Crude oil prices remained a key factor for Indian markets. Brent futures slipped about 1% to $103.77 a barrel as expectations of alternative supply routes for Middle Eastern crude helped reduce concerns over potential disruptions.

However, oil prices remain close to the $100-per-barrel level amid persistent tensions in the region. Any further developments affecting energy supplies could therefore continue to influence investor sentiment and the broader market trend.