Sensex closes 109 points higher, Nifty above 24,050

Indian equities closed higher on the Sensex monthly expiry day, though gains were modest and came after both indices retreated from stronger intraday levels. The Sensex increased by 109 points to settle at 77,100.47, while the Nifty 50 rose 34 points to finish above the 24,050 level, according to market data. Within the benchmark indices, select blue-chip stocks led the rally, with IndiGo, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki among the top gainers. However, Power Grid shares registered notable declines. The broader market environment presented a contrasting picture, as mid-cap and small-cap segments dipped into negative territory, signaling a flight toward large-cap quality during the session.

The results underscore typical expiry-day volatility in Indian markets, where derivative positioning often influences intraday swings and final settlement levels. The divergence between the benchmark indices' modest gains and the broader market's weakness typically reflects profit-taking in mid-cap stocks and rotation toward defensive, large-cap names. For traders and investors, such intraday volatility around monthly expiry points can present tactical opportunities, though the broader trend hinges on macroeconomic factors, corporate earnings, and foreign fund flows. The fact that gains were erased from earlier highs also suggests profit-booking ahead of potential headwinds or ahead of key economic data releases.

Source: Markets-Economic Times