Benchmark indices erased early losses to trade marginally higher by midday on Wednesday, with the rising 114.57 points or 0.14 per cent to 83,742.26 and the gaining 43.75 points or 0.17 per cent to 25,776.05, as metal and banking stocks extended their gains while IT and FMCG counters witnessed profit-taking.
The Sensex opened at 83,358.54, below its previous close of 83,627.69, while the Nifty started at 25,648.55 against its prior close of 25,732.30, continuing the cautious sentiment from the morning session before recovering into positive territory.
led the Nifty gainers, surging 3.82 per cent to ₹189.54, followed by which jumped 3.23 per cent to ₹348.80, which climbed 2.79 per cent to ₹250.59, which advanced 2.74 per cent to ₹1,296.60, and which rose 1.98 per cent to ₹954.80.
On the losing side, fell 1.77 per cent to ₹3,210.20, declined 1.75 per cent to ₹2,835.80, dropped 1.68 per cent to ₹1,699.60, shed 1.60 per cent to ₹1,170.40, and slipped 1.54 per cent to ₹2,352.80.
Market breadth remained positive with 2,086 stocks advancing against 1,848 declining, while 197 remained unchanged. As many as 71 stocks hit 52-week highs, while 162 touched 52-week lows. A total of 144 stocks were in upper circuit and 137 in lower circuit.
Broader indices outperformed benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap 100 gaining 0.42 per cent to 59,828.05 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 0.85 per cent to 17,441.75. The Nifty Next 50 climbed 0.58 per cent to 68,917.05, while sectoral indices Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services rose 0.14 per cent and 0.13 per cent to 59,655.80 and 27,618.15 respectively.
Trading remained in a narrow range as investors stayed cautious ahead of the Maharashtra municipal elections on January 15, with markets scheduled to remain closed for trading.