Indian benchmark indices rebounded sharply on Monday, snapping a five-day losing streak, as easing crude oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions lifted investor sentiment. The Sensex rallied 776.01 points, or 1.02%, to close at 76,835.78, while the Nifty ended just shy of the 24,000 mark at 23,995.95, gaining 0.96%. The Bank Nifty also advanced 393.70 points, or 0.69%, and the India VIX eased 8%, signaling a decline in market volatility.
Broader markets outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index climbing 1.11% and the Smallcap 100 index jumping 1.31%. A sharp appreciation in the Indian rupee further boosted sentiment, as the currency surged 63 paise to settle at Rs. 95.90 per US dollar.
Oil Prices Plunge, Easing Inflation Concerns
The primary driver of today’s rally was a steep decline in global oil prices. Brent crude futures fell 7.93% to $89.11 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 7.05% to $83.01 per barrel. The drop in oil prices reduced inflation worries and improved the outlook for corporate margins, particularly for consumer and financial stocks.
Top Gainers: Consumer and Financial Stocks Lead
Investor sentiment remained selective, with buying interest concentrated in consumer-facing and financial stocks. Eternal emerged as the top gainer after a strong rally, while IndiGo, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, and Max Health also advanced on optimism surrounding earnings resilience and sector-specific growth prospects.
Top Losers: Energy Stocks Under Pressure
On the other hand, energy stocks came under pressure, with ONGC leading the losses as oil prices fell over 7% below $90. HDFC Life traded lower, while banking heavyweights HDFC Bank and Union Bank also witnessed mild selling.
Middle East Calm Boosts Sentiment
Market sentiment improved after a temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran appeared to hold. The US military halted two weeks of strikes on Friday as diplomats sought to give peace talks ‘some space.’ Iran has also refrained from military operations against regional targets in recent days and said it would reciprocate following a China-led effort to revive stalled diplomatic talks in Pakistan. The prospect of reduced geopolitical tensions, alongside lower oil prices and gains across Asian markets, helped lift Indian equities.
Levels to Watch
Analysts see immediate support around the 23,700 level, while a break below 23,650 could trigger further downside. A decisive close above 24,000–24,130 is needed to improve the near-term outlook. Immediate resistance is 24,000; a sustained break above this could trigger a rally toward 24,200 in the near term.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.