Local stocks finished slightly higher, NIFTY up 0.60%

The key domestic indices ended on a mildly positive note. Nifty FMCG, Nifty Consumer Durables and Nifty PSU Bank shares rose, while Nifty Healthcare Index and Nifty Pharma shares retreated.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, added 472.77 points or 0.66% to 72,382.47. The Nifty 50 index inched up 133.80 points or 0.60% to 22,555.75.

The broader market failed to keep pace with frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index edged higher by 0.38% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index posted modest gains of 0.31%.

The market breadth was unfavorable. On the BSE, 2555 shares advanced and 2780 shares fell. A total of 257 shares were unchanged.

HDFC Bank Ltd was the top traded stock in NIFTY50 index today, recording a quantity of 660.57 lakh shares and saw a sharp spurt of 107.93% compared to last one-week’s average daily volume. The stock is up around 1.31% in last one-month and has lost significant ground 25.28% over last one year.

ITC Ltd was the second highest traded stock in NIFTY50 index today, recording a quantity of 490.21 lakh shares and recorded a sharp increase of 342.64% compared to last one-week’s average daily volume. The stock has slumped by around 4.01% in last one-month and has fallen sharply 36.91% over last one year.

Index action

The Nifty FMCG index rose by 1.80% to 44579.65 today. The index has dropped sharply by 4.30% in last one week and has lost 5.74% over last one month. It has suffered a steep decline of 20.53% in last one year. ITC Ltd (up 5.08%), Varun Beverages Ltd (up 3.36%), United Spirits Ltd (up 2.54%), Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd (up 2.31%) and Godfrey Phillips India Ltd (up 1.42%) jumped.

The Nifty Consumer Durables index gained 1.53% to 36477.35 today. The index has slumped by 5.25% in last one week and has shed 9.88% over last one month. It has eased by 3.87% in last one year. Kalyan Jewellers India Ltd (up 5.36%), Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd (up 4.34%), Blue Star Ltd (up 3.45%), LG Electronics India Ltd (up 2.85%) and Titan Company Ltd (up 1.42%) went up.

The Nifty Healthcare Index index slipped by 1% to 15934.65 today. The index has declined sharply by 3.95% in last one week and has posted modest losses of 3.45% over last one month. It advanced by 12.41% in last one year. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Ltd (down 4.18%), Fortis Healthcare Ltd (down 2.70%), Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (down 2.55%), Abbott India Ltd (down 2.24%) and Mankind Pharma Ltd (down 2.21%) retreated.

The Nifty Pharma index eased by 0.74% to 26117.1 today. The index has tumbled by 2.65% in last one week and has drifted lower by 1.80% over last one month. It jumped by 21.06% in last one year. Ajanta Pharma Ltd (down 2.65%), Abbott India Ltd (down 2.24%), Mankind Pharma Ltd (down 2.21%), Sai Life Sciences Ltd (down 1.94%) and Piramal Pharma Ltd (down 1.56%) dropped.

The Nifty Private Bank index rose for a third session in a row today. Federal Bank Ltd (up 2.88%), IDFC First Bank Ltd (up 2.28%), ICICI Bank Ltd (up 1.63%), Yes Bank Ltd (up 1.49%) and RBL Bank Ltd (up 1.25%) advanced.

Global Markets

European markets edged higher.

DOW futures are edging higher by 0.02% today.

MCX Crude oil futures are trading with steep losses of 3.42% at Rs 9006.0 per barrel.

NIFTY50 futures closed up 0.41% at 22624 and are in a premium of 68 points compared to NIFTY50.