Banking Stocks Surge: Axis, Kotak, HDFC, ICICI & SBI Share Price Gains | Stock Market Today

Market Performance Overview

The banking sector led the charge on Thursday as Bank Nifty scaled a fresh all-time high. In morning trade, the index surged 0.94% to 58,555 points, signaling robust investor confidence in the financial sector. Over the past year, Bank Nifty has risen 14.2%, clearly outperforming the NSE Nifty 50, which gained 6.8% in the same period.

The broader market mirrored this momentum. The Sensex advanced 787 points (0.9%) to 85,213.6, while the Nifty climbed 218.8 points to 26,087.4, reflecting broad-based strength across sectors.

Banking Stocks Lead the Rally

Investor sentiment favored key banking stocks today, with major gains observed among private and public sector banks.

• Axis Bank: Up 2% to Rs 1,260.9
• Kotak Mahindra Bank: Rose 1.59% to Rs 2,231
• HDFC, ICICI, and State Bank of India edged up, registering gains of 0.3% to 0.6% each.

The rally came on the back of strong Q2 earnings, with the decline in Net Interest Margins (NIMs) across most banks being lower than anticipated. Market watchers noted that Q2 might represent the bottom for earnings growth in the sector, setting the stage for a more stable trajectory in coming quarters

Key Drivers Behind Bank Stock Momentum

The banking sector’s strength today can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. Strong Quarterly Performance: Q2 results demonstrated resilience, with better-than-expected earnings stability.
2. Lower NIM Pressure: The drop in NIMs was smaller than forecasted, providing relief to investors concerned about profitability.
3. Investor Confidence in Execution: Banks continue to capitalize on growth opportunities, reinforcing market sentiment.

Company-Wise Highlights

Axis Bank

Axis Bank emerged as the top gainer, reflecting investor optimism around its stable financial performance. The share price jumped 2%, marking one of the highest increases in the banking pack today.

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank also witnessed strong buying interest. The stock climbed 1.59%, continuing its upward trajectory fueled by steady earnings growth.

HDFC, ICICI, and State Bank of India

These banks maintained moderate gains of 0.3–0.6%, indicating broad-based sector strength. Investors appeared confident in their resilience amid fluctuating interest margins.

Summary

Thursday’s market activity underscored the banking sector as the key driver of equity gains. Bank Nifty hitting a new all-time high, coupled with Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank leading the rally, points to sustained investor confidence.

• Bank Nifty: 58,555 points, +0.94%
• Sensex: 85,213.6 points, +787 points (+0.9%)
• Nifty: 26,087.4 points, +218.8 points
• Top Gainers: Axis Bank (+2%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (+1.59%)

With Q2 earnings confirming stability and NIM declines lower than expected, the banking sector continues to capture market attention. Today’s momentum highlights the sector’s resilience and its growing influence on the broader stock market landscape.