Sensex and Nifty News: Markets End Higher for Fifth Straight Session

Market Performance

The Indian stock market saw Sensex and Nifty continue their upward run, marking a fifth straight day of gains on Wednesday, August 20.

• Sensex gained 213 points (0.26%) to settle at 81,857.84
• Nifty 50 ended at 25,050.55, up 70 points (0.28%)
• BSE Midcap Index rose 0.39%
• BSE Smallcap Index added 0.30%

The total market capitalization of BSE-listed firms jumped to ₹456 lakh crore, compared to ₹454 lakh crore in the previous session, boosting investor wealth by nearly ₹2 lakh crore in a single day.

Main News: Why Did Sensex and Nifty Rise?

The stock market picked up pace, driven by several positive developments:

• Optimism over India’s growth outlook.
• Announcement of new GST reforms by the government.
• S&P Global credit rating upgrade for India.
• Signs of progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, uncertainty over the August 27 deadline for U.S. secondary tariffs limited further gains.

Company & Stock Highlights

Top Gainers in Nifty 50

• Infosys: up 3.83%
• TCS: up 2.61%
• Nestle India: up 2.55%

Top Losers in Nifty 50

• BEL: down 2.17%
• Shriram Finance: down 1.64%
• Bajaj Finance: down 1.62%

Sectoral Indices Performance

• Nifty IT: up 2.69% (Top sectoral performer)
• FMCG: up 1.39%
• Realty: up 1.06%

On the downside:

• Nifty Media: down 1.98%
• Pharma: down 0.44%
• Private Bank: down 0.36%
• PSU Bank: down 0.27%
• Healthcare: down 0.26%
• Nifty Bank: down 0.30%
• Financial Services: down 0.39%

Market Activity Highlights

• Most Active Stocks by Volume:
  • Ola Electric Mobility (110.82 crore shares)
  • Vodafone Idea (54.61 crore shares)
  • Easy Trip Planners (7.91 crore shares)
• Stocks Surging Over 15% on BSE:
  • IKIO Technologies
  • Zuari Industries
  • Kaushalya Infrastructure Development Corporation
  • Dynamic Cables
  • Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility
• Advance-Decline Ratio:
  • 2,343 stocks advanced
  • 1,725 declined
  • 167 remained unchanged
• 52-Week Highs: Over 140 stocks, including Maruti Suzuki India, JSW Steel, Apollo Hospitals, Marico, TVS Motor, and UltraTech Cement.
• 52-Week Lows: 53 stocks, such as Vantage Knowledge Academy, Agarwal Industrial Corporation, Hindusthan National Glass, and LS Industries.

Summary

The Sensex and Nifty continued their upward trend on August 20, supported by strong domestic cues and positive global signals. Gains in IT and FMCG sectors boosted the indices, while media and banking stocks faced pressure. With more than 140 stocks hitting fresh 52-week highs, market sentiment stayed largely upbeat despite looming global trade concerns.