Stock Market Today Highlights: Sensex ends 918 points higher, Nifty 50 above 24K ahead of US-Iran talks

Indian equity markets ended higher, supported by positive global cues and optimism surrounding geopolitical de‑escalation efforts in West Asia. Buying interest was broad‑based, with mid‑cap and small‑cap stocks outperforming large‑caps. Sectorally, auto and realty stocks advanced, while banking stocks posted firm gains, supported by comfort on valuations and expectations of credit growth. However, IT stocks underperformed as concerns over AI‑related disruptions prompted profit‑booking following the recent rally in the sector. Looking ahead, while markets closely track the outcome of US-Iran peace talks this weekend, valuations and a stable medium‑term earnings trajectory will guide the markets direction.

— Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said that the Nifty remained positive, supported by lower crude oil prices amid rising expectations of a concrete truce deal. On the hourly chart, the index has been steadily moving higher from the 200 SMA, confirming an improving environment for a bullish trend.

On the daily timeframe, the RSI is in a bullish crossover and continues to rise, indicating strengthening momentum. In the short term, the trend may remain positive. On the other hand, if no concreate truce deal is reached by the weekend, market might react negatively.

Immediate support is placed at 23,800, below which the index may decline towards lower levels. On the upside, the 24,300–24,350 zone is likely to act as a resistance area.

Sectorally, Nifty IT was the sole index loser as it shed 1.91% amid fears of AI disruption fllowing the launch of a new tool by Anthropic. Meanwhile, the auto pack emerged as the best performer today, with a 2.85% rise. PSU Bank, Realty and Financials also added over 2% each.

The gains in broader equity markets beat the rise seen in the Nifty 50 pack. BSE Midcap and BSE Smallcap 100 indices added 1.5-1.6%.

Coal India, Sun Pharma and IT stocks emerged as the top losers in an otherwise positive day for Nifty bulls.

BSE Sensex surged 918.60 points or 1.20% to 77,550 while NSE Nifty ended the day at 24,050, up 275.50 points or 1.16%.

The Indian rupee reversed early gains on Friday, pressured by increased dollar hedging from importers amid signs of strain in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire a day ahead of scheduled talks between the two parties.

The rupee opened at 92.57 to the U.S. dollar and rose to a one‑month peak of 92.4150 before slipping to 92.73 at 11:20 a.m. IST, down 0.1% from its previous close. The currency is on course for a second weekly rise.

Anand Rathi Wealth Limited (ARWL) has achieved a significant milestone with Assets Under Management (AUM) crossing ₹ 1 Lakh crores.

Despite spiraling operational costs, on account of increased prices of explosives and industrial diesel, the State owned Coal India Limited (CIL) is absorbing the price shock insulating India’s coal users from escalating cost burden. Any pass through of the mounting prices would lead to a cascading effect. The company is also compensating the increased price of the industrial diesel to the contractors, operating in CIL’s mines, who purchase it in bulk quantities.

Following this statement, Coal India stock tanked over 4%.

Shares of NTPC declined sharply amid reports that the company is struggling to keep coal-fired power plants running due to surplus renewable generation

Credit rating agency CRISIL, a company of S&P Global, has upgraded the credit rating on the long-term debt programme of Sammaan Capital Limited (the Company) to CRISIL AA+/Stable.

Following the consummation of the preferential issue and acquisition of a controlling stake, International Holding Company (IHC) becomes promoter of the company.

In upgrading the credit rating of Sammaan Capital Limited, CRISIL cited:

• Strategic importance to, strong support from, and brand linkage with the IHC Group

• Sustained strong capitalisation

• Robust buffers and pivot to growth

Inflows into Indian equity mutual funds rose 56% to an eight-month high of ₹40450 crore in March, data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India showed on Friday.

Flows into large-cap funds rose 42% month-on-month, while those into mid-caps funds jumped to a record ₹6064 crore.

India VIX eases 8% to below 19 level, suggesting easing investor fears amid hopes of US-Iran ceasefire optimism.

Chris Wood said Pakistan stock market can be a profitable stock market to trade around IMF bailout cycles. Since the last IMF programme in September 2024, the MSCI Pakistan Index is up 84% in US dollar terms, a period in which it has outperformed MSCI India by 124% in US dollar terms. Still, to keep matters in perspective, it is only fair to point out that since the start of this century India has outperformed Pakistan by 653% in US dollar terms.

Capacite Infraproject shares trade nearly 4% higher after ace investor Mukul Agrawal raised stake from 6.09% to 6.62% in the company during the fourth quarter.

The Nifty Index continues to trade within a broader downtrend, forming a series of lower highs and lower lows, indicating sustained weakness in structure. The recent bounce appears to be a relief rally, as prices approach the immediate resistance zone of 31,000–31,500, which coincides with a prior breakdown area and the falling trendline. Additionally, the index remains below its 30 EMA, reflecting lack of bullish strength. Unless the index decisively breaks and sustains above 32,200, the current pullback is likely to face selling pressure. On the downside, immediate support is placed around 28,500, which could be retested in the near term.

— Kunal Kamble, Sr. Technical Research Analyst at Bonanza

Ola Electric Mobility share price has staged a smart rebound, rising 76% in April so far, providing a relief to shareholders after the heavy bear hammering seen in prior months. In Friday’s trade, the EV stock jumped another 6% and remained in the green for six of the seven trading sessions this month. Read Ola Electric share price outlook here

Stock Market Today LIVE: Gold-buying peaks during auspicious occasions, such as Akshaya Tritiya, underscoring the most sought-after investment hobby across India. We are likely to see an uptick in demand this year, given the significant correction in gold prices along with the enormous buying appetite of Indians. Additionally, with signs of geopolitical tensions settling down, sentiment is steadily picking up momentum, and buyers are expected to make the most of this opportunity, said Colin Shah, MD Kama Jewelry

While the traditional investment-led purchases of bullion and heavy 22k jewellery will be there, the shift towards daily-wear light-weight jewellery made in 9k to 18k gold will strengthen, given the growing population of young buyers who perceive gold as an adornment and a sense of prestige. Overall, we are likely to witness about a 10% to 12% spike in sales-led demand this Akshaya Tritiya with equal fervour among investors as well as the consumer class, he added.

China’s producer price index rose 0.5% year-on-year in March 2026, beating expectations of 0.4% and reversing February’s 0.9% decline, marking the first increase since September 2022. The recovery was driven by higher global commodity and energy prices along with improved domestic demand. Production materials rose 1.0% compared to -0.7%, with intermediate goods jumping 2.0% from -5.3% and raw materials at 1.1% from -1.9%. Processed goods accelerated to 0.9% from 0.3%. Consumer goods deflation narrowed to -1.3% from -1.6%. On a monthly basis, prices climbed 1.0% after two consecutive 0.4% gains.

MCX silver price is holding above ₹2,42,000, supported by both safe-haven demand and industrial strength. However, the price action is still cautious. Resistance is placed at ₹2,45,000 – ₹2,47,000. A breakout can push prices towards ₹2,50,000 – ₹2,52,000. On the downside, a break below ₹2,40,000 can trigger selling towards ₹2,36,000 – ₹2,35,000. Overall, the bias remains positive, though momentum is yet to strengthen, said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.