Equity benchmark indices traded higher on Monday, supported by strength in major heavyweight stocks and steady September-quarter earnings. By 2:15 p.m., the Sensex was up 386.43 points, or 0.46 percent, at 84,949.21, while the Nifty gained 109.75 points, or 0.42 percent, to reach 26,019.80.
Shriram Finance, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance were among the top performers, rising up to 2 percent. Market breadth remained positive, with over 2,050 stocks advancing against 1,542 declining. Broader indices also extended their gains for a second straight session, with the Nifty Midcap100 and Smallcap100 climbing over half a percent.
Banking stocks led the rally as Bank Nifty hit a fresh record of 58,968.65, driven by widespread gains across all its constituents. Sentiment improved after the RBI allowed export-oriented borrowers to defer installment payments due between September and December 2025, a move seen as beneficial for lenders.
Optimism was further supported by healthy Q2 results, with analysts noting strong profit growth and expectations of improved earnings in the second half of FY26. Global cues were mixed, though markets took note of the U.S. decision to remove tariffs on over 200 food items.
