Sensex ends 2,900 points higher, Nifty nears 25,000; Metal, IT, realty lead surge

Indian markets ended Monday on a euphoric note, driven by strong global cues and the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The Sensex closed with a 2,900-point gain while the Nifty surged past the 24,900 mark, posting its best single-day performance in four years. All sectoral indices ended in the green, with metal, realty, energy, IT, and power stocks rallying between 4% and 6%. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rose 3.8% and 4% respectively, signaling broad-based buying. Infosys, Adani Enterprises, Shriram Finance, Trent, and HCL Technologies were the top Nifty gainers, while Sun Pharma and IndusInd Bank ended in the red.

The rally was also boosted by international developments, notably the easing of trade tensions between the United States and China. Both countries agreed to significantly reduce tariffs on each other's goods, leading to a global risk-on sentiment that especially benefited India's tech-heavy stocks.

The Sensex ended the day at 82,429, gaining 2,975 points or 3.74%, while the Nifty 50 jumped 916.70 points (3.8%) to settle at 24,924 — both notching their biggest intraday gains in four years. Broader indices outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 gaining 4.12% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 4.27%. All sectoral indices ended in the green, reflecting a broad-based recovery.

Market experts highlighted that despite last month’s terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, Indian markets showed resilience. The launch of “Operation Sindoor” by India in retaliation, followed by the ceasefire announcement, helped soothe investor nerves. With border tensions easing and global trade improving, foreign and domestic inflows surged across sectors.

Meanwhile, the recent US-China tariff deal, which slashed duties from 125% to 10%, also supported sentiment. Though fentanyl-related items remain heavily taxed, the broader reduction is being seen as a first step toward trade normalization. The alignment of geopolitical peace and economic cooperation has created a bullish momentum on Dalal Street.