Benchmark indices closed marginally higher on Thursday after a sharp reversal from intraday peaks, as concerns over U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors tempered optimism around a potential India–U.S. trade agreement. The BSE Sensex settled 130.06 points or 0.15 per cent higher at 84,556.40 after hitting an intraday high of 85,290.06, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 22.80 points or 0.09 per cent to close at 25,891.40, retreating from its day’s high of 26,104.
Markets opened with a notable gap-up, buoyed by reports that India and the United States are nearing the conclusion of a trade pact that could slash tariffs on Indian exports from around 50 per cent to nearly 15–16 per cent. However, profit-taking in select heavyweight counters trimmed early gains by the closing bell.
Top Gainers
Infosys led the rally, surging 3.86 per cent to ₹1,528.85, supported by strong quarterly deal momentum. HCL Technologies advanced 2.43 per cent to ₹1,524.05, while Tata Consultancy Services gained 2.24 per cent to ₹3,074.65.
Axis Bank rose 1.90 per cent to ₹1,259.40, and Kotak Mahindra Bank added 1.32 per cent to ₹2,225.05, rounding out the top five gainers on the Sensex.
Top Losers
Eternal Ltd. was the biggest laggard, falling 2.88 per cent to ₹328.30. Bharti Airtel slipped 1.71 per cent to ₹2,008.35, while UltraTech Cement dropped 1.65 per cent to ₹12,142.75.
Adani Ports declined 1.41 per cent to ₹1,452.45, and ICICI Bank eased 1.35 per cent to ₹1,363.50.