Markets open higher for second straight session; Sensex gains 163 points, Nifty rises 52

On Friday, Indian stock indices rose for the second consecutive day, building on a rebound from earlier declines, as shares of realty, metals and pharma led the advance even as oil prices remained high.

The Sensex gained 163.35 points, up 0.21% to 77,701.07, and the Nifty rose 52.20 points, or 0.22%, to 24,284.05 at the opening.

In sector terms, Nifty Realty led the gainers with a 0.7% rise, followed by Nifty Metal up 0.48% and Nifty Pharma up 0.32%. Nifty MidSmall Healthcare and Nifty REITS & Realty also edged higher, adding 0.32% and 0.28% respectively.

Conversely, the Nifty IT index fell the most, dropping 0.6%, while MidSmall IT & Telecom slipped 0.17% and Nifty Auto declined 0.19%.

Analysts warned that the prior day’s advance might not hold, given rising crude oil prices and increasing US bond yields.

With Brent crude nearing $94 a barrel and renewed upward pressure on US yields, large‑cap stocks could face headwinds and prompt profit‑taking, analysts added.

Meanwhile, the broader market is likely to keep its upward traction, buoyed by institutional investment and improving fundamentals.

Experts added that NBFCs stay on solid ground, and digital, pharma and CDMO shares continue to draw buying interest even with high valuations. The market may stay range‑bound while oil prices remain high.

“Technically, Nifty printed a bullish Doji after seven straight down sessions, signalling reduced selling pressure. If it holds above the 24,060‑24,000 support area, the index could aim for 24,317‑24,380 and subsequently 24,400‑24,545,” experts said.

Asian equity markets were mostly lower, tracking Wall Street’s weakness as longer‑dated US Treasury yields climbed.

Crude oil also rose, with Brent hovering around $93.96 a barrel after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington might levy tough sanctions on Iran, sparking worries about possible supply interruptions.