Sensex reclaims 50k mark following gains in IT and auto shares

ANALYSTS SAID TRADE SENTIMENT REMAINED UPBEAT ON ENCOURAGING GDP NUMBERS AND STABILITY RETURN IN BOND MARKETS

The benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by 447 points to close above the psychological 50,000-mark on Tuesday following hectic buying in auto and IT counters amid positive domestic and global cues.

The 30-share index swung nearly 633 points during the session before ending at 50,296.89, showing a rise of 447.05 points or 0.90%. Likewise, the NSE Nifty climbed 157.55 points or 1.07% to settle at 14,919.10, extending gains to a second day.

Among Sensex stocks, Mahindra & Mahindra was lead gainer rising by 4.98%. NTPC rose by 3.83%, Bajaj Auto by 3.53%, and Tech Mahindra by 3.44%. TCS, Maruti, Infosys, HCL Tech, Nestle and Bharti Airtel were among the gainers.

On the other hand, ONGC, HDFC, Dr Reddy’s, PowerGrid and SBI suffered losses.

Of the Sensex constituents, 25 shares ended with gains.

Sectorally, BSE auto surged the most with 3.18% gains, followed by IT (2.85%), tech (2.84%) and industrials (2.20%). All the 19 sectoral indices closed in the green.

Broader smallcap, midcap and largecap indices too rallied 1.60%, 1.55% and 1.11%, respectively, outperforming the benchmark.

Analysts said investor sentiment remained upbeat due to encouraging GDP numbers for the third quarter as well as returning of calmness in global bond markets after the last week’s turmoil.

Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Financial Services said, “An improved outlook post-February auto sales numbers resulted in continued buying in auto stocks with IT sector also being a major contributor in the rally”.

S Ranganathan, head of research at LKP Securities said that markets exhibited buoyancy today despite its share of volatility in afternoon trade. IT stocks and auto stocks led the rally while the broader market saw keen interest in paper stocks on rising product prices.

A strong buying was seen in midcap and smallcap packs and outperformed broader indices as visible earnings recovery is attracting investors in this space.