Domestic stock markets soared to record highs on Tuesday as data showing a smaller-than-expected contraction in the economy and broader optimism stemming from hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine boosted investor sentiment. The S&P BSE Sensex index jumped 581.07 points, or 1.32 per cent, to touch 44,730.79 at the strongest level recorded during the session, and the broader NSE Nifty 50 benchmark climbed to as high as 13,128.40, gaining 159.45 points, or 1.23 per cent, from its previous close. Both indices clocked gains of more than 11 per cent in November, driven by record inflows from foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and news on progress in COVID-19 vaccines. (Stocks To Watch Today)
Here are highlights of Tuesday's (December 1) trading session:
- GAIL India: +8%
- Sun Pharma: +5.66%
- IndusInd Bank: +4.94%
- Tech Mahindra: +3.99%
- UPL: +3.85%
- Nestle India: -2.56%
- Kotak Mahindra Bank: -1.5%
- Titan: -1.3%
- Bajaj Finance: -0.99%
- HDFC Bank: -0.94%
In the currency market, the rupee was last seen trading stronger by 45 paise, or 0.62 per cent, at 73.59 against the US dollar.
All sectors listed on the NSE clocked gains, led by real estate and state-run banking stocks.
Key market statistics to watch:
- Nifty up 152 points at 13,121
- Sensex up 528 points at 44,677
- Market breadth extremely positive as 1,848 shares gain while 942 fall on the BSE
- GAIL India, Sun Pharma, ONGC, Bharti Airtel, Grasim Industries and IndusInd Bank top Nifty gainers
- Nestle India, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Titan, Bajaj Finance and NTPC among notable losers
Key sales highlights:
- Mini segment sales decline 15%
- Compact segment sales decline 1.8%
- Ciaz sales rise 29.1%
Top gainers in real estate space:
- Indiabulls Real Estate up 7%
- Prestige Estates up 6.17%
- DLF up 4.35%
- Godrej Properties up 2.32%
- Oberoi Realty up 2.27%
Ashok Leyland sales highlights
- Total vehicle sales rise 5 per cent to 10,659 units
- Light commercial vehicle sales up 32 per cent at 5,545 units
- Medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales down 14 per cent at 5,114
- 26 out of 30 shares in the Sensex were trading higher
- Sun Pharma, ONGC, Bharti Airtel, Infosys and ICICI Bank were among the top gainers
- Kotak Mahindra Bank, Titan, Nestle India, Bajaj Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the notable laggards
Infosys, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries and HDFC were the biggest contributors to the gain in Sensex. The four accounted for nearly 200 points in the Sensex.
Banking and financial services shares fluctuated between gains and losses, whereas most other sectors continued to rise.
Overall market breadth favoured gains, with an advance-decline ratio of 2:1, as 1,448 shares on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) traded higher against 687 that moved lower. On the National Stock Exchange, 1,144 shares rose while 579 declined.
Top percentage gainers in the Nifty basket of 50 shares at the time were GAIL, UltraTech Cement and Shree Cement, trading between 2.43 per cent and 3.46 per cent higher.
At 9:40 am, the Sensex traded 170.40 points - or 0.39 per cent - higher at 44,320.12, and the Nifty traded at 13,002.30, up 33.35 points - or 0.26 per cent - from its previous close.
The S&P BSE Sensex index rose 320.54 points - or 0.73 per cent - to touch 44,470.26 at the strongest level recorded in early deals, and the broader NSE Nifty 50 benchmark climbed to as high as 13,064.20, up 95.25 points - or 0.73 per cent - from its previous close. Buying interest in IT, pharmaceutical and metal shares supported the markets, however selling pressure in select financial stocks capped the upside.
The S&P BSE Sensex index opened 286.11 points - or 0.65 per cent - higher at 44,435.83, and the broader NSE Nifty 50 benchmark began the day at 13,062.20, up 93.25 points - or 0.72 per cent - from its previous close.