Stock market today: The Indian stock market saw decent buying across segments on Wednesday, August 13. The benchmarks, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended higher, tracking positive global cues.
The Sensex ended the day 304 points, or 0.38 per cent, higher at 80,539.91, while the Nifty 50 settled at 24,619.35, up 132 points, or 0.54 per cent. The mid and small-cap indices outperformed; the BSE Midcap rose 0.56 per cent, while the BSE Smallcap clocked a gain of 0.58 per cent.
Investors earned over ₹2 lakh crore in a day as the overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to ₹445.5 lakh crore from ₹443 lakh crore in the previous session.
Indian stock market: 10 key highlights from the day
1. Why did the Indian stock market rise today?
Positive global cues amid expectations of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve next month seem to have influenced investors to cover short positions.
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation remained stable in July, while India’s CPI inflation came at its lowest in eight years. US CPI increased by 2.7 per cent year-on-year in July. India’s CPI rose just 1.55 per cent annually in July, the weakest increase since June 2017.
Weaker-than-expected US inflation data fuelled hopes that the US Fed will bite the bullet and cut rates in September. Expectations of a Fed rate cut influenced market sentiment.
Major European markets, including the UK’s FTSE, France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX, traded higher when the Sensex closed.
“Indian equities experienced a broad-based optimism as CPI hit an eight-year low, boosting hopes for a revival in discretionary spending, led by autos and metals. Midcaps outperformed, reflecting strong investor appetite. Globally, sentiment improved on the extension of China’s tariff deadline and easing oil prices,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, observed.
“Despite uncertainties around Trump’s trade stance and global risks, India’s growth-inflation dynamics remain favourable for FY26, with risk to marginal downgrade based on tariff updates. India looks forward to the Trump-Putin meeting dated 15th August,” said Nair.
2. Top gainers in the Nifty 50 index
As many as 36 stocks ended higher in the Nifty index, with Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (up 8.20 per cent), Hindalco Industries (up 5.09 per cent), and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (up 2.71 per cent) ending as the top gainers.
3. Top losers in the Nifty 50 index
Shares of IndusInd Bank (down 1.26 per cent), Adani Ports (down 0.72 per cent), and ITC (down 0.52 per cent) closed as the top losers.
4. Sectoral indices today
Barring Nifty PSU Bank (down 0.14 per cent), Oil & Gas (down 0.05 per cent), and FMCG (down 0.04 per cent), all sectoral indices ended higher on Wednesday.
Nifty Healthcare index jumped 2.13 per cent, while Pharma rose 1.73 per cent.
The Metal and Auto indices climbed 1.26 per cent and 1.12 per cent, respectively.
Nifty Bank closed with a mild gain of 0.25 per cent, while the Financial Services index rose 0.39 per cent.
5. Most active stocks in terms of volume
Vodafone Idea (47.04 crore shares), Suzlon (17.31 crore shares), and Jayaswal Neco Industries (12.47 crore shares) were the most active stocks in terms of volume on the NSE.
6. 26 stocks jump over 10% on BSE
NMDC Steel, JM Financial, Sharma East India Hospitals, Ramgopal Polytex, and EIH were among the 26 stocks that jumped over 10 per cent on the BSE.
7. Advance-decline ratio
Out of 4,246 stocks traded on the BSE, 2,230 advanced, while 1,864 declined. Some 152 stocks remained unchanged.
8. 109 stocks hit 52-week highs
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, Indian Bank, and TVS Motor Company were among the 109 stocks that hit their 52-week highs in intraday trade on the BSE.
9. 104 stocks plumbed 52-week low
Bata India, Colgate Palmolive (India), HFCL, Poly Medicure, Praj Industries, and Tejas Networks were among the 104 stocks that touched their 52-week lows.
10. Nifty’s technical outlook
According to Shrikant Chouhan, the head of equity research at Kotak Securities, market activity is indicating indecisiveness.
However, Chouhan added that the index closed above the 10-day EMA, which could pull the market towards the 20-day SMA, which is at 24,800.
“Support is present at 24,500, below which it could gradually decline to 24,400 or 24,350,” said Chouhan.
Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, underscored that the daily RSI has recently entered a positive crossover and continues to hold this momentum after several days of indecision.
De said with sentiment showing signs of improvement, the likelihood of the Nifty moving above the 24,700 resistance has increased.
“A decisive move above this level could trigger a rally towards 25,200 in the short term. On the lower side, support is placed at 24,337, below which the dynamics would once again turn in favour of the bears,” said De.
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Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed are those of individual analysts or broking firms, not Mint. We advise investors to consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly and circumstances may vary.
