Benchmark equity indices snapped their four-day losing streak to end firmly in the green on July 15, buoyed by cooling retail inflation that revived investor sentiments. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation eased to 2.1 per cent in June, its lowest level in six years, largely due to a softer food basket and a favourable base effect.
This has made investors hopeful that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) might cut interest rates again soon. In its last policy meeting in June, the RBI surprised everyone by cutting rates by 50 basis points.
The Sensex surged 317.45 points, or 0.39 per cent, to end at 82,570.91. Likewise, the Nifty 50 climbed 113.50 points, or 0.45 per cent, to settle at 25,195.80.
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Broader Markets Outperform
The bullishness was more pronounced in broader market indices. The Nifty Smallcap 100 and the Nifty Midcap 100 - both gained 0.95 per cent each in today's session.
The Nifty 500 index, which represents more than 92 per cent of the free float market cap of all the NSE-listed stocks, also ended higher by 0.60 per cent. The Nifty Microcap 250, which tracks the performance of the stocks beyond Nifty 500, also ended up with gains of 1.24 per cent.
Sectorally, all the major indices ended firmly in the green, representing a broad-based buying across the market.
Nifty Auto emerged as the top performer, rising 1.5 per cent, led by gains in Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company, and Bajaj Auto.
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Following the auto index, Nifty Healthcare and Nifty Pharma advanced 1.23 per cent and 1.14 per cent, respectively. Nifty Bank added 0.43 per cent to reclaim the 57,000 level, supported by strength in PSU Bank stocks. Nifty Realty, Nifty FMCG, and Nifty PSU Bank were other top gainers, gaining in the range 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent each.
Sensex, Nifty 50: Top Gainers and Losers
From the Sensex, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Motors, Trent, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India (SBI), and Infosys led the gains, while HCL Technologies, Eternal (formerly Zomato), Tata Steel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and Asian Paints contributed in capping the gains.
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Among the Nifty 50 pack, Hero MotoCorp jumped 4.95 per cent to emerge as the top gainer, followed by Bajaj Auto, which gained 2.81 per cent. Sun Pharma, Shriram Finance, Apollo Hospitals, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank followed. On the other hand, HCL Technologies, SBI Life Insurance, Eternal, HDFC Life Insurance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Tata Steel dragged the index the most.
Key Stock Market Cues to Watch on Wednesday, July 16
Q1 Results: A total of 19 companies are set to post their Q1 FY26 earnings on July 16, among which Angel One, ITC Hotels and Tech Mahindra’s earnings will be watched closely. Investors will also be keeping an eye on companies releasing their quarterly numbers after market hours today, which could influence sentiment going into next session.
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US CPI Data: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release the June US CPI data later today. It is expected that the June inflation will rise, likely influenced by the recent tariffs.
The US inflation report is one of the key indicators that investors across the world will closely watch on July 16. The June numbers will give a clearer picture of how prices for everyday goods and services in the US were affected by the new tariffs, and it will also set the tone for any further rate cuts or hikes by the Federal Reserve.
India-US Trade Deal: There’s growing anticipation about a possible trade deal between the US and India ahead of the August 1 deadline. According to reports, the proposed agreement could lower the planned tariff rate to below 20 per cent, offering relief to businesses on both sides.
