Indian Benchmarks See Robust Upswing as Bulls Dominate Session
Indian equity markets closed sharply higher on April 11, 2025, as bulls returned with force, propelling benchmark indices to significant gains. The BSE Sensex surged 1,370 points, closing at a multi-week high, while the Nifty 50 decisively breached the 22,800 mark, marking one of its best intraday performances in recent sessions. The powerful rally was supported by strong sectoral performance across the board, improving investor sentiment and a global risk-on mood that spilled over into domestic markets.
Positive cues from global markets, easing geopolitical risks, and sustained domestic institutional buying provided the perfect backdrop for the sharp recovery. Investor appetite surged across market capitalizations and sectors, with midcap and smallcap indices also notching substantial gains. The upbeat momentum was visible right from market open, with both indices building on their early gains throughout the trading session.
Highlights:
Sensex rallied 1,370 points, Nifty closed above 22,800.
All sectoral indices closed in the green, signaling broad-based market participation.
Strong global cues and steady domestic buying powered the rally.
Metal Stocks Steal the Show with Stellar Gains Across the Board
The standout performers of the day came from the metal sector, with the Nifty Metal Index rallying 4 percent, driven by strong performances from leading companies like Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and Coal India. A combination of improving base metal prices in global markets, positive demand outlook from China, and domestic infrastructure push fueled investor enthusiasm in metal counters.
Hindalco led the Nifty gainers with substantial gains, reflecting optimism surrounding aluminum prices and global supply chain normalization. Similarly, Tata Steel and JSW Steel saw strong buying interest following reports of rising domestic steel demand in Q1 FY26. Coal India was also in focus, riding on coal production growth and expectations of strong quarterly numbers.
Highlights:
Nifty Metal Index surged 4%, leading all sectoral indices.
Hindalco, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and Coal India were top gainers.
Global metal demand recovery and domestic infrastructure push supported sentiment.
Auto, Power, Oil & Gas, and Realty Sectors Post Strong Gains
Apart from metals, several other sectors posted significant advances. The Auto index, Oil & Gas, Power, Realty, and Banking sectors all ended higher by over 2 percent, reflecting broad-based buying and rising confidence in domestic economic fundamentals. The Auto index gained on expectations of continued momentum in passenger vehicle and two-wheeler sales, while Oil & Gas stocks rose on firming crude oil prices and better-than-expected earnings outlook for upstream companies.
Power sector stocks continued their upward momentum, buoyed by higher energy demand forecasts during summer months and expectations of stronger financial performance from NTPC and PowerGrid. Real estate companies saw buying interest amid reports of robust housing demand and rising property prices in major cities, particularly in the mid-income and luxury housing segments.
Highlights:
Auto, Power, Realty, Oil & Gas, and Banking sectors rose over 2%.
Crude price trends, demand expectations, and earnings optimism boosted sectoral strength.
Strong economic indicators supported broader market sentiment.
PSU, Telecom, and Pharma Stocks See Renewed Investor Interest
Public sector undertakings (PSUs) attracted investor attention on Thursday, with many PSU stocks gaining over 2 percent. Renewed confidence in government-led reforms, privatization push, and a favorable dividend outlook boosted demand for PSU shares. In the telecom sector, stocks moved higher on the back of increased data consumption trends and 5G deployment updates from major players.
The pharma sector also advanced 2 percent, helped by expectations of a strong export recovery and stable input costs. Major pharma companies saw accumulation after recent corrections, with investors betting on improved profit margins in the coming quarters.
Highlights:
PSU stocks rallied 2% amid investor optimism on reforms and dividends.
Telecom stocks gained on 5G rollout updates and increased data usage.
Pharma sector rose 2% amid signs of export recovery and margin stability.
Midcap and Smallcap Indices Outperform, Reflecting Broad Market Strength
Beyond the benchmark indices, BSE Midcap and BSE Smallcap indices exhibited strong performance, reflecting growing investor confidence in the broader market. The midcap index rose 2 percent, while the smallcap index added a solid 3 percent, outperforming the headline indices. This resurgence in broader market activity was seen as a healthy sign of depth in the ongoing rally.
Midcaps and smallcaps saw increased volumes, especially in the financial services, manufacturing, FMCG, and capital goods sectors. Retail and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) appeared to lead the buying, encouraged by improved earnings prospects and favorable economic indicators.
Highlights:
BSE Midcap Index gained 2%, Smallcap Index jumped 3%.
Broader market outperformance signals rising investor risk appetite.
Strong volumes seen in mid-tier financials, FMCG, and industrials.
Major Nifty Movers: Top Gainers and Lagging Stocks
The top gainers on the Nifty 50 for April 11 included Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Coal India, and Jio Financial Services. These stocks rallied sharply on a combination of sectoral momentum, earnings optimism, and macro tailwinds.
On the flip side, TCS, Asian Paints, and Apollo Hospitals ended the day as the only notable laggards. TCS saw mild profit booking post its quarterly earnings announcement, while Asian Paints was impacted by concerns over rising raw material prices. Apollo Hospitals witnessed mild pressure amid sector rotation into cyclicals.
Highlights:
Top Nifty gainers: Hindalco, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Coal India, Jio Financial.
Top laggards: TCS, Asian Paints, Apollo Hospitals.
Sector rotation and profit-taking contributed to selective declines.
