The Indian stock market opened flat on Friday as the hawkish stance from the US Fed began to fade away. Buying was seen in auto, media and energy sectors in Nifty.

The negative market reaction to the recent US Fed comments was not seen for long term and a large cap-led recovery is expected in the near future, said experts.

At around 9:32 am, Sensex was trading at 79,122.61 after declining 95.44 points or 0.12 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 23,932.10 after declining 19.60 points or 0.08 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 992 stocks were trading in green, while 694 stocks were in red.

Nifty Bank was down 153.10 points or 0.30 per cent at 51,422.60. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,763.70 after gaining 207.45 points or 0.35 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,227.60 after adding 94.50 points or 0.49 per cent.

Yet another bomb threat was reported on Friday, this time at Delhi Public School (DPS) in Dwarka, marking the sixth such incident in the national Capital in just ten days.

The school authorities informed the fire department at 5:15 A.M., prompting the dispatch of police personnel, fire brigade teams, and bomb squad units to the campus.

As a precautionary measure, the school was evacuated, and classes were shifted to the online mode.

This incident follows similar threats earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Indian Public School in South Delhi and Crescent Public School in North West Delhi also received bomb threats, causing widespread panic.

Last Friday, six schools, including Bhatnagar Public School (Paschim Vihar), Cambridge School (Sriniwaspuri), DPS (East of Kailash), South Delhi Public School (Defence Colony), Delhi Police Public School (Safdarjung Enclave), and Venkatesh Public School (Rohini), were targeted via email.

The search and rescue operations resumed on Thursday morning to trace out at least two tourists still ‘missing’ after an Indian Navy speedboat crashed into a passenger ferry off the Gateway of India in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday evening claiming 13 lives, including that of four naval personnel, officials said.

In one of the worst-ever maritime disasters around Mumbai, 13 people were killed while another 105 were rescued when the chockful ferry, ‘Neelkamal’ was going from Gateway of India to Elephanta Isles, the famed UNESCO World Heritage site and was hit by the Navy speedboat.

An official said that the Indian Navy, Marine Police and other agencies have deployed their vessels to search for the two persons who were thrown into the waters after the deadly collision in mid-sea, around 5 kms from the Gateway of India, in the water channel near the tiny Butcher Island oil terminal.

The Indian Navy officially said that one of its speedboats which was on engine trials developed a snag, the pilot lost control and rammed with full force into the tourist boat, as chilling videos of the incident surfaced late last night.

The Indian stock market opened in red on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, but warned that rate cuts may not come so easily in 2025 as anticipated earlier.

As Fed’s focus moves towards maximum employment and price stability, the FOMC halved the number of rate cuts expected for 2025.

“Post US markets sharp negative reaction to the overall commentary, all Asian markets have opened negatively as well,” said market experts.

At around 9:30 am, Sensex was trading at 79,158.53 after declining 1,023.67 points or 1.28 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 23,892.4 after declining 306.45 points or 1.27 per cent.

The Indian stock market opened flat on Wednesday as investors await the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.

At around 9:33 am, Sensex was trading at 80,651.44 after declining 33.01 points or 0.04 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,328.75 after declining 7.25 points or 0.03 per cent.

The market trend remained negative. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 882 stocks were trading in green, while 1,306 stocks were in red.

The focus of global markets will be the Fed decision on Wednesday (US time). A 25 bp rate cut is priced-in by the market.

“The attention will be on the Fed commentary. A significant trend in the Indian market is the outperformance of the broader market where good results are getting appreciated by the market and there is no concern of FII selling,” said experts.

Ahead of key policy decisions especially from the US Federal Reserve, the Indian stock market closed in red on Tuesday as selling was seen in the PSU bank, auto, IT, financial service, pharma, FMCG, metal, and realty sectors of Nifty.

At closing, Sensex settled at 80,684.4, down by 1,064.12 points or 1.30 per cent and Nifty ended at 24,336, down by 332.25 points, or 1.35 per cent.

According to market experts, widespread pessimism prevails across all sectors ahead of key policy decisions from the US Fed, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England.

While the market has already factored in a 25 bps cut from the US Fed, it remains vigilant for any hawkish signals, experts added.

The structural long-term growth story for India remains intact driven by favourable demographics and stable governance, and Indian equities are likely to stay buoyant next year, a report showed on Tuesday.

Private banks, capital goods and digital commerce are projected to see strong earnings growth in 2025, according to a note by ITI Mutual Fund.

In 2024, bellwether indices – Nifty 50 and Sensex -- generated positive returns of 14.32 per cent and 12.55 per cent, respectively.

While indices related to different market capitalization – large, mid and small represented by Nifty 100, Nifty Mid Cap 150 and Nifty Small Cap 250 were up by 17.80 per cent, 27.60 per cent and 30.71 per cent, respectively, on an absolute basis. (as on December 13).

The year 2024 has been historic for the Indian stock market as companies have raised a record capital of over Rs 3 lakh crore so far this year through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs), and Rights Issues, breaking the previous record of raising capital - Rs 1.88 lakh crore in 2021.

According to reports, 90 companies have raised or announced fundraising of Rs 1.62 lakh crore so far this year, which is 2.2 times more than last year's Rs 49,436 crore.

The amount raised through new issues in 2024 is around Rs 70,000 crore, compared to Rs 43,300 crore in 2021.

So far in 2024, 88 companies have raised Rs 1.3 lakh crore through QIPs. Earlier, the highest amount of Rs 80,816 crore was raised through QIPs by 25 companies in 2020.

The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp decline in noon trade on Tuesday as benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell by more than 1 per cent.

This decline in the domestic market was seen amid investors' caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting on December 18.

On the other hand, the weak performance of heavyweight stocks also brought the market indices down.

At 1.23 p.m., Sensex was trading at 80,747.04 after declining 1,001.53 points, or 1.23 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,364.70 after dropping 303.55 points, or 1.23 per cent.

India's private sector output growth strengthened to its highest level in four months during December, according to the latest HSBC 'flash' PMI data compiled by S&P Global.

The acceleration was reflected in both the manufacturing and service sectors, as companies across the two segments welcomed a faster upturn in new business intakes, the report said.

Ines Lam, Economist at HSBC, said: "The rise in the headline manufacturing PMI in December was mainly driven by gains in current production, new orders and employment. The expansion in new domestic orders quickened, suggesting a pick-up in growth momentum in the economy."

Aggregate job creation climbed to a survey peak amid a faster increase in outstanding business volumes and optimistic expectations for output in 2025. Meanwhile, a moderation in cost pressures somewhat curbed inflation, according to the report.

The Indian stock market opened in red on Tuesday as selling was seen in Nifty's PSU Bank, financial service, FMCG and metal sectors.

At around 9:33 am, Sensex was trading at 81,548.45 after declining 200.12 points or 0.24 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,605.5 after dropping 62.70 points or 0.25 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,263 stocks were trading in green, while 989 stocks were in red.

Nifty Bank was down 133.10 points or 0.25 per cent at 53,448.25. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,587.30 after rising144.25 points or 0.24 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,575.45 after rising 44.40 points or 0.23 per cent.

In the Sensex pack, Reliance, Nestle India, Bharti Airtel, JSW Steel, HDFC Bank and Infosys were the top losers. Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Hindustan Unilever Limited, HCL and Tech Mahindra were the top gainers.

Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Tuesday morning, with air quality plunging back into the "severe" category and drastically reducing visibility across the city.

As temperatures drop and wind speeds decline, pollution levels have surged, leading to an emergency response from authorities.

At 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded alarming levels across key monitoring stations: 465 in Anand Vihar, 456 in Ashok Vihar, 447 at DTU, 443 at ITO, 412 near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and 427 at RK Puram. The capital’s overall AQI stood at 401 on Monday night, a sharp spike from 294 on Sunday and 193 on Saturday, indicating a severe deterioration over just two days.

Experts attributed this drastic rise to a significant drop in wind speed, which has allowed local pollutants to accumulate. Forecasts suggest that air quality will remain at the higher end of the "very poor" to "severe" categories in the coming days due to persistent adverse meteorological conditions.

The main macro drivers remain healthy and India's GDP growth is likely to move closer to the trend growth of 6.5-7 per cent this fiscal, a Crisil Insight report said on Monday.

Trend GDP growth is the average sustainable rate of economic growth over time.

Private consumption growth in the country has fared better than last year in the first half of the current fiscal (FY25).

"While investment growth has moderated relative to last year, its share of GDP remains higher than the pre-pandemic decade," the report mentioned.

Technical factors contributed to an above-trend GDP growth last year. They are expected to have a moderating effect on GDP growth this current fiscal as they normalise.

The Indian stock market opened in red on Monday as selling was seen in Nifty's auto, IT, PSU Bank, pharma and metal sectors.

At around 9:32 am, Sensex was trading at 81,876.95 after declining 256.17 points or 0.31 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,705.60 after dropping 62.70 points or 0.25 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,170 stocks were trading in green, while 571 stocks were in red.

Akshay Chinchalkar of Axis Securities said that Friday's highly volatile session saw the Nifty slump during the early part of the session, “but the day's low occurred exactly at the falling neckline of the bullish head-and-shoulders pattern which was activated on December 3 with an upside objective of 25,500."

This objective remains valid as long as the market stays above 23,873, but more critical support now is the Friday low of 24,180, he added.

The Indian stock market closed in the green on Friday, with sharp gains in heavyweights like Bharti Airtel, ITC, HUL, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

At Closing, Sensex was up 843.16 points or 1.04 per cent, at 82,133.12 and Nifty was up 219.89 points or 0.89 per cent, at 24,768.30.

During the session, BSE's benchmark made an intra-day high of 82,213 after recovering from a low of 80,082.

According to the experts, "Currently, the market is anticipating a revival in consumer spending, driven by the festive season and year-end holidays, adding to the sentiments. Additionally, an expectation of an increase in the US spending is propelling the IT sector."

Midcap and smallcap stocks underperformed compared to largcaps. Nifty midcap 100 index closed at 58,991, down 30 points or 0.05 per cent. and the Nifty smallcap 100 index closed at 19,407, down 59 points or 0.30 per cent.

India’s industrial activity is expected to accelerate in the second half of the current financial year on the back of recovering consumption demand and higher export growth while inflation is likely to ease, according to a CRISIL report released on Friday.

“So far, high food inflation, elevated interest rates and slowing credit growth have impacted consumption recovery. However, with food inflation showing signs of easing, the space for discretionary consumption is expected to increase,” the report states.

Moreover, the rural economy will likely improve following healthy agricultural production this year, it adds.

However, the urban economy is facing waning support from credit growth amid elevated interest rates. A lower fiscal impulse from the government is further expected to have a moderating impact on GDP growth. While the government capex is expected to revive in the second half of this fiscal, growth is likely to moderate relative to the previous fiscal. A revival in private investment is critical to sustain the investment momentum, the report points out.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell more than 1 per cent on Friday. At around 10.51 a.m., the Sensex fell 1,017.03 points or 1.25 per cent to 80,272.93, while the Nifty fell 306.80 points or 1.25 per cent to 24,241.90.

The market trend remained negative. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 340 stocks were trading in green, while 2,047 stocks were in red.

The market remained in turmoil due to heavy selling by Foreign Institutional Investors, the rising US bond yields and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. On the other hand, the decision to be taken by the Federal Reserve on interest rates on December 18 has increased concern in the market.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 3,560.01 crore in the Indian market on December 12, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 2,646.65 crore on the same day.

Following a string of online bomb threats in the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received a bomb threat via email, second such incident in a month for the Central Bank.

Apparently written in the Russian language, the email was sent to the official website of the Central Bank on Thursday afternoon, threatening to blow up the building with explosives.

The police have registered a case against the unknown sender at Mata Ramabai Marg (MRA Marg) police station in Mumbai.

The authorities were actively investigating the matter and working to track down those responsible for the email threat.

On November 16, a similar bomb threat was received on the RBI's customer care number and the caller claimed to be the "CEO of Lashkar-e-Taiba".

The Indian stock market opened in red on Friday as selling was seen in Nifty's all sectors in early trade.

At around 9:29 am, Sensex was trading at 80,840.9 after declining 449.02 points or 0.55 per cent, while Nifty was trading at 24,421.15 after dropping 127.55 points or 0.52 per cent.

The market trend remained negative. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 559 stocks were trading in green, while 1,657 stocks were in red.

According to market experts, “November CPI inflation at 5.48 per cent has come within the RBI’s tolerance limit. If this trend continues it can pave the way for a rate cut by the monetary policy committee (MPC) in February.”

"However, the rising dollar is a concern since it can lead to imported inflation. Nifty is unlikely to break from the range of 24,500-24,850,” they added.

Nifty Bank was down 40.95 points or 0.08 per cent at 53,175.50 Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,706.85 after dropping 314.85 points or 0.53 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,336.50 after dropping 130.05 points or 0.67 per cent.

Total FDI inflows into India over the last decade (April 2014 to September 2024) amounted to $709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69 per cent of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years which crossed the $1 trillion mark, according to the Commerce and Industry Ministry’s year-end review released on Thursday.

“This landmark achievement was bolstered by a nearly 26 per cent rise in FDI to $42.1 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year,” the review stated.

Such growth reflects India’s increasing appeal as a global investment destination, driven by a proactive policy framework, a dynamic business environment, and increasing international competitiveness, the statement said.

FDI has played a transformative role in India’s development by providing substantial non-debt financial resources, fostering technology transfers, and creating employment opportunities.

India’s retail price inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined to 5.48 per cent in November as the increase in prices of food items eased during the month bringing relief to household budgets, said the Ministry of Statistics on Thursday.

The slowing inflation marks a reversal of the increasing trend in the previous two months when the inflation rate touched 6.21 per cent in October.

“During the month of November, a significant decline in inflation is observed in vegetables, pulses, sugar and confectionery, fruits, eggs, milk and products, spices, transport and communication and personal care and effects subgroups,” according to the official statement.

The top five items showing the highest year on year Inflation at the all-India level in November are garlic (85.14), potato (66.65), cauliflower (47.70), cabbage (43.58) and coconut oil (42.13), according to the official figures.

The Indian stock market closed lower on Thursday ahead of the CPI data as selling was seen in the media and FMCG sectors.

At closing, Sensex settled at 81,289.96 down by 236.18 points, or 0.29 per cent and Nifty ended at 24,548.70 down by 93.10 points, or 0.38 per cent.

According to experts, "the market continued to remain range bound ahead of domestic CPI data and weakening rupee. Though inflation is anticipated to drop, investors are maintaining a close vigil on the vegetable prices, which will determine the future rate trajectory."

"Nifty IT index reached a new high after US inflation data met expectations, boosting hopes for a Fed rate cut next week," they added.

Share of the top 50 stocks in the total market capitalisation has hit an all-time low, according to a report on Thursday.

The December edition of the DSP Netra report said, "Large-cap stocks are now at their smallest share of total market capitalisation. The share of the top 50 or top 10 stocks relative to the total market has hit an all-time low, presenting a rare opportunity for investors."

"While large caps remain relatively attractive on a comparative basis, the current market environment underscores the need for caution amidst volatility. This backdrop makes a conservative approach to large-cap investing essential, offering a strategic advantage for long-term investors amidst uncertain and unpredictable conditions," the report stated.

As per the report, "India's long-term market outperformance is often attributed to factors like domestic flows or robust GDP growth, but the real driver is its superior returns on equity (ROE). About one-third of Indian companies have consistently achieved an ROE of over 20 per cent, second only to the US in this regard."

The Indian stock market opened marginally up on Thursday ahead of the consumer price index (CPI) data. In the early trade, selling was seen in Nifty's auto and PSU bank sectors.

At around 9:30 am, Sensex was trading at 81,633.07 after gaining 106.93 points or 0.13 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,658.25 after rising 16.45 points or 0.07 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,124 stocks were trading in green, while 1,065 stocks were in red.

According to market experts, "The range-bound consolidation construct of the market is set to continue. The bull run in the US is continuing unabated with Nasdaq setting a new record and closing above 20,000 yesterday."

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday got the revolutionary iBooster green propulsion system.

Designed specifically for 100–500 kg satellites, the iBooster system was developed by the Mumbai-based deep-tech startup Manastu Space Technologies. It facilitates critical operations such as orbit raising, station-keeping, and deorbiting.

The system’s proprietary hydrogen peroxide-based fuel ensures enhanced performance, safety, and sustainability compared to conventional toxic fuels and other exorbitantly expensive alternate fuels.

The milestone marks the culmination of four years of extensive Research and development, supported by DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF), and showcases the growing role of Indian startups in advancing national defense and space capabilities.

 India’s economic growth is expected to rebound to 7 per cent in 2025-26, despite the global uncertainties, primarily due to domestic policies, according to an Axis Bank research report released on Wednesday.

The report states that a cyclical rebound will push India back to a higher growth path.

“The loss in momentum during the first half of 2024-25 for the Indian economy, in our view, is cyclical, and due to unintended fiscal and monetary tightening; the latter due to a focus on macro stability risks which hurt credit growth. Fiscal spending is already rising and the CRR cut by the RBI should ease growth headwinds due to shortage of money,” the report points out.

The report is of the view that India’s domestic political stability will push up the growth rate despite the turbulent global economic environment.

India’s tea exports increased by 13.18 per cent in value to Rs 3,403.64 crore during the first half of the current financial year (April-September) from Rs 3,007.19 crore during the same period of the previous year, according to the latest data compiled by the Tea Board.

In volume terms, tea exports went up by 8.67 per cent to 122.55 million kg during this period compared with 112.77 million kg last year.

India exports tea to more than 25 countries throughout the world. UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, the US and the UK are the major importers of tea from India. During 2023-2024 UAE, Iraq and the US imported US$ 131.18 million, US$ 88.54 million and US$ 77.62 million of tea respectively from India.

The Indian stock market closed on a muted note on Tuesday after range-bound trading during the session.

At closing, Sensex was up 1.59 points at 81,510.05, and Nifty was down 8.95 points at 24,610.05.

Meanwhile, the broader market closed on a positive note. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), 2,025 stocks closed in the green, 1,938 stocks settled in the red, and 130 without change.

During the session, midcap and smallcap stocks outperformed largecap. Nifty midcap 100 index was up 136.65 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 59,135, and Nifty smallcap 100 index was up 54.60 points, or 0.28 per cent, at 19,583.

The Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Ministry have been on "best terms with excellent coordination and cooperation” over the last six years, outgoing RBI Governor, Shaktikanta Das, said in his farewell address on Tuesday.

He said, “The perspectives of the central bank and the Finance Ministry may differ at certain times but I believe in my tenure we have been able to settle such things."

Das said restoring a balance between inflation and growth in the economy remains an important task for the Reserve Bank.

Governors keep in mind the needs of the broader economy when deciding on things and eventually, it is a judgment call every time, he added.

India’s retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to ease to 5.5 per cent in November due to a decline in food prices, according to a Morgan Stanley report.

"We expect CPI inflation to edge downwards to 5.5 per cent in November from 6.2 per cent in October, aided by a moderation in food prices, even as core ticks up and fuel continues to decline. On a sequential basis, we anticipate the index to decline on the back of contracting food prices and a deceleration in core CPI," the report.

The core CPI includes goods and services but excludes food and fuel, the prices of which are considered more volatile.

CPI inflation rose to 6.21 per cent in October as higher prices of food items such as vegetables spiked during the month. This was the first time that inflation breached the RBI upper limit of 6 per cent in recent months.

The Indian stock market opened flat on Tuesday as selling was seen in Nifty's auto, energy, private bank and Infra sector in early trade.

At around 9:23 am, Sensex was trading at 81,533.01 after gaining 24.55 points or 0.03 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,633 after rising 14.05 points or 0.06 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,508 stocks were trading in green, while 667 stocks were in red.

Experts said that the market is likely to move in a narrow consolidation pattern in the near-term. There are no major triggers that can push the market into a new bull orbit.

"There are no major triggers that can cause a deep correction from the current levels. Within the range, there are significant down moves and up moves. FMCG stocks are facing selling pressure due to the tepid growth phase they are going through," they added.

The Indian stock market closed in red on Monday as selling was seen in the FMCG sector, amid market sentiment being influenced by mixed global cues.

At closing, Sensex settled at 81,508.46 down by 200.66 points, or 0.25 per cent and Nifty ended at 24,619 down by 58.80 points, or 0.24 per cent.

Shares of Hindustan Unilever Limited were down by 4 per cent in early trade. At the end of trading, it fell by more than 3 per cent or Rs 83.15 and closed at Rs 2,401 per share.

Research analyst Vaibhav Vidwani said that market sentiment was influenced by mixed global cues and concerns over potential rate adjustments by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), following recent policy announcements.

Experts said that the domestic market exhibited a range-bound trade after last week's rally.

The Indian stock market opened flat on Monday as heavy selling was seen in Nifty's FMCG sector in early trade.

At around 9:27 am, Sensex was trading at 81,748.46 after gaining 39.34 points or 0.05 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,696.10 after rising 18.30 points or 0.07 per cent.

The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,450 stocks were trading in green, while 498 stocks were in red.

According to market experts, the near-term trend of the market is mildly bullish.

“The leadership for the rally which has taken the Nifty up by 3.2 per cent during the last fortnight has come from the leading banks, which are even now fairly valued, and have the potential to take the market forward,” they added.

More than 40 schools in Delhi, including DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, received bomb threats via email on Monday morning, triggering a swift evacuation of students and staff, according to the authorities.

The threats disrupted the peak morning hours as school buses arrived, parents dropped off children, and staff prepared for the day.

The Delhi Fire Department received the first alert from GD Goenka School at 6:15 a.m., followed by a second call from DPS RK Puram at 7:06 a.m.

Emergency response teams, including bomb detection squads, dog units, and local police, were immediately dispatched to both campuses. A thorough search operation was conducted, and no suspicious objects were found, a police official confirmed.

Students were sent home as a precautionary measure, and the incident has heightened concerns about security in the city's educational institutions.

The Indian stock market, seen as the best performer in the emerging markets (EMs), crossed the 85,000 mark for the first time in September this year.

Now, multinational investment bank and financial services company Morgan Stanley has forecast that the BSE Sensex may cross the historic 1 lakh level in this bullish scenario by the end of next year.

The global brokerage firm predicted the Sensex may reach the level of 1,05,000 with the support of strong income growth and domestic capital inflows, macroeconomic stability.

When the Sensex crossed the 85,000 mark, economists in the country had also made similar predictions.

On September 24 this year, the Sensex reached 85,044 (record high) for the first time. On the same day, Nifty rose 30 points to 25,969. This index of 50 shares also reached a record level of 25,975.