The BSE Sensex closed 226.85 points higher, a 0.30% rise, ending the session at 76,759.81. The index hit a high of 76,898.63 and a low of 76,401.13 during the day.
Similarly, the NSE Nifty50 climbed 86.40 points or 0.37%, closing at 23,249.50. The index traded between 23,311.15 and 23,139.20.
Among Nifty50’s 51 stocks, 35 ended in the green.
The broader market showed a mixed trend:
- Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.12%.
- Nifty Midcap 100 edged lower by 0.01%.
- The India VIX (Volatility Index) jumped 6.70% to 17.39 points, indicating heightened market volatility.
Impact on the stock market
Sector-wise, FMCG, Healthcare, Financial Services, Pharma, and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) led the gains, rising up to 1.55%. On the other hand, Nifty IT saw a decline of 1.14%, closing at 42,426.65, dragged down by Coforge and Mphasis.
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| Sector/Index | Performance |
| IT & BPM sector | -1.14% |
| Healthcare sector | 1.29% |
| Oil & Gas sector | 1.55% |
| Real estate sector | 1.78% |
| PSU Bank in India | -0.20% |
Top gainers today
| Company | Price | Change % |
| Bharat Elec Share Price | 278.75 | 4.32 |
| Power Grid Corp Share Price | 295.35 | 2.61 |
| Hero Motocorp Share Price | 4,177.80 | 2.59 |
| Bharti Airtel Share Price | 1,640.75 | 2.52 |
| Cipla Share Price | 1,457.45 | 2.35 |
Top losers today
| Company | Price | Change % |
| Tata Motors Share Price | 696.85 | -7.40 |
| Adani Enterpris Share Price | 2,252.60 | -2.85 |
| Shriram Finance Share Price | 538.30 | -2.75 |
| Bajaj Finserv Share Price | 1,745.20 | -2.52 |
| Adani Ports Share Price | 1,077.05 | -1.81 |
Market aftermath: Impact on stocks
SRF surges 4% to a 52-week high
SRF shares jumped 4% to touch a 52-week high of ₹2,786.90, driven by an optimistic management outlook after its Q3 FY25 results. The company anticipates a strong Q4 backed by increased demand for specialty chemicals, fluorochemicals, and agrochemicals.
The specialty chemicals segment had previously struggled with inventory overhang, but a gradual recovery is in sight. Meanwhile, the fluorochemicals segment is expected to perform better due to rising hydrofluorocarbon volumes.
SRF shares have gained nearly 25% in the last month, reflecting investor confidence in its growth potential. At 1:08 PM, the stock was trading at ₹2,774.20, inching closer to its all-time high of ₹2,865.
Acme Solar hits 10% upper circuit for the second day
Acme Solar Holdings saw its shares locked in the 10% upper circuit for the second consecutive day, soaring to ₹210.35. The surge came after the company posted a 152% rise in net profit for Q3 FY25, which ended on December 31.
Key financial highlights:
- Revenue from operations increased 5.24% YoY to ₹349.01 crore.
- Net profit surged 152.1% YoY to ₹112.06 crore.
Strong earnings and positive market sentiment fueled the rally, making Acme Solar one of the standout performers in today’s session.
Also read: Why Green Energy Stocks Are Facing Headwinds Today
Fertiliser stocks rally ahead of Budget 2025
With just two days to go for the Union Budget 2025, fertiliser stocks saw a notable uptrend. Shares of RCF, Madras Fertiliser, Mangalore Chemicals, National Fertilisers, Paradeep Phosphates, and Coromandel International climbed between 2% and 3%.
Market analysts speculate that the Finance Minister will allocate ₹1.7 lakh crore towards fertiliser subsidies, slightly higher than the ₹1.64 lakh crore allocated for FY25. The Budget is also expected to emphasise organic alternatives, with increased funding for the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme. The MDA scheme’s budget is set to rise to ₹150 crore in FY26 from ₹100 crore in FY25, supporting organic fertilisers and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Crude oil: Prices steady amid rising US inventories
Crude oil futures remained steady today as US crude inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels for the week ending January 24.
- Brent crude (April futures): $75.53, down 0.11%.
- WTI crude (March futures): $72.61, down 0.01%.
- February crude oil futures (MCX): ₹6,297, up 0.05%.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that total motor gasoline inventories increased by 3 million barrels, while crude oil imports averaged 6.4 million barrels per day, marking a 3.6% increase YoY.
Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25-4.5%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that there would be no rush to cut rates unless inflation declines further or the job market weakens. Lower interest rates typically boost economic activity and commodity demand, which could impact crude oil prices in the coming months.
Conclusion
The Indian stock market saw another day of gains, with Sensex and Nifty50 closing higher. While sectors like FMCG, Pharma, and Financials saw solid gains, the IT sector lagged. Key stocks like SRF and Acme Solar surged, while fertiliser stocks gained momentum ahead of Budget 2025. Meanwhile, crude oil prices remained steady, reflecting global supply-demand dynamics and Fed policy expectations.
With Budget 2025 around the corner, market movements could see increased volatility. Investors should keep a close watch on policy announcements, sectoral allocations, and global cues to navigate the evolving landscape.
For more stock market insights, check out the StockGro blog.
