Sensex surges over 1,000 points, Nifty nears 23,650; NTPC, Kotak Bank lead gains 

The equity markets extended their gains on Monday, with the Sensex rising 1,021.76 points (1.33 per cent) to 77,927.27 by mid-day. The Nifty advanced 296.45 points (1.27 per cent) to 23,646.85, continuing its upward trajectory after a strong opening.

Banking and power stocks led the rally, with NTPC gaining 4.51 per cent to ₹367.15 and Kotak Mahindra Bank rising 4.49 per cent to ₹2,172.30. Axis Bank, Power Grid Corporation, and State Bank of India were also among the top performers, adding 2.79 per cent, 2.74 per cent, and 2.66 per cent, respectively. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) gained 2.59 per cent, contributing to the market’s strength.

On the downside, Titan was the worst-performing stock, falling 2.48 per cent to ₹3,084.25. IndusInd Bank declined 1.81 per cent, while Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) slipped 1.32 per cent to ₹2,765. Trent and Infosys were also among the laggards, dropping 1.14 per cent and 0.47 per cent, respectively.

Broader market participation remained strong, with 2,722 stocks advancing on the BSE, compared to 1,268 declines. 82 stocks touched 52-week highs, while 82 hit 52-week lows. The number of stocks in the upper circuit stood at 324, while 206 were locked in the lower circuit.

The Indian rupee strengthened to 85.97 per U.S. dollar, supported by foreign inflows and robust equity market momentum. Meanwhile, Brent crude fell to $71 per barrel following OPEC+ production plans.

Investors remained watchful of global developments, particularly US tariff policies and Federal Reserve signals. Analysts noted that Nifty’s movement beyond 23,500 could determine further market direction, with traders closely monitoring resistance levels.