The Indian stock market remained in a tight range during Monday’s trade, 10 August, as uncertainty over a potential peace deal in the Middle East kept crude oil prices higher for the fourth straight day. However, softer-than-expected US jobs data tempered concerns over near-term rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.
The Nifty 50 gained marginally by 0.05% to close at 24,583, while the Sensex declined 0.06% to settle at 78,542. The broader markets ended on a mixed note, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 0.62%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 0.27%.
Among the sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Oil and Gas, Pharma, and FMCG witnessed heavy selling, while Realty, Private Bank, and Metal stocks ended in the green.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said, “Markets remained on a tight leash as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continued to temper risk appetite, even as encouraging corporate earnings lent support to broader sentiment. Globally, softer-than-expected U.S. jobs data weakened the case for Fed tightening, shifting investor focus to upcoming U.S. inflation readings for fresh direction on rates and bond yields.”
“A softer yield environment could revive interest in emerging markets and pave the way for stronger FII participation. Amid these global crosscurrents, India’s robust domestic growth engines and resilient economic fundamentals continue to stand out, providing a strong anchor for investor confidence,” he further added.
Hitachi Energy, Paytm lead gains; Syrma SGS, exchanges and tech stocks rally
Hitachi Energy India shares were the top performers among Nifty 500 stocks, rallying 10.6% to ₹36,050, after the company’s June-quarter performance impressed the Street. Paytm also closed with a similar 10% gain at ₹1,584 apiece.
The Paytm stock recorded its biggest single-day gain in recent times, pushing it to its highest level in 54 months. The rally was further boosted after global brokerage Bernstein raised its target price to a Street-high, citing the potential for UPI fees to expand margins and boost earnings.
The earnings-led rally in Syrma SGS Technology shares extended into another session, with the stock gaining 6.4% to ₹1,516 apiece. BEML, Sumitomo Chemical India, Schneider Electric Infrastructure, CEM India Projects, Poly Medicure, Info Edge (India), Sai Life Sciences, Brigade Enterprises, and Allied Blenders & Distillers also surged more than 4%.
Shares of both exchange operators, MCX and BSE, advanced 4.6% and 4%, respectively.
Among new-age tech stocks, Pine Labs and Lenskart Solutions gained 5% and 3%, respectively. Meanwhile, Titan Company shares jumped 3% following its upbeat Q1 performance, while higher target prices from domestic brokerages further aided investor sentiment.
