Indian stock market benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 opened sharply higher on Thursday amid optimism over reports of an imminent India-US trade deal. This surge came despite weakness in other Asian markets and an overnight decline in US equities. The Sensex jumped 727.81 points (0.86%) to 85,154.15, while the Nifty 50 rose 188.60 points (0.73%) to 26,057.20. Broader indices also gained, with the Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.52% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 advancing 0.24%. Bank Nifty hit a record high above 58,500, climbing 0.9%.
By noon, the Sensex was up 772.75 points at 85,199.09, and Nifty 50 rose 217.45 points to 26,084.60. Market sentiment improved on hopes of a trade pact that could reduce US tariffs on Indian exports to around 15–16%, potentially benefiting India’s economy. Strong Q2 results from heavyweights like Reliance Industries also boosted investor confidence. Analysts foresee a recovery in earnings in H2FY26. Additionally, short covering in large-cap stocks has supported the rally. Technically, Nifty remains strong, with resistance seen near 26,186 and support at 25,780.
