Sensex ended the session at 22,600, marking a 0.5% gain after slipping below 22,400 intraday. The index’s climb was driven by a rally in larger cap stocks, nudging the Nifty close at 22,500.
Brent crude rose to $89.50, up 1.2% on OPEC‑led supply cuts, while WTI edged to $84.30. Oil’s uptick helped lift energy‑heavy segments, contributing to the broader index lift.
The Federal Reserve will announce its policy rate on Thursday, with market consensus keeping the 5.25% target unchanged. Investors are pricing in a 0.02% bump in the overnight Nifty if the Fed signals tightening.
Nearly 250 companies will report earnings this week, including Infosys, which posted Q4 revenue of ₹63.4 billion, beating the ₹61.1 billion consensus. Bank of India and IndusInd Bank are also slated to release results, while the Nifty Bank index hovers near 54,500, a critical support level.
Mid‑cap and small‑cap indices, battered last week, are eyeing a rebound. With the Nifty trading between 22,400 and 22,500, bulls need a clear push above 22,800 to keep upside momentum. If the banks maintain 54,500, the broader market could sustain its gains.
Looking ahead, traders will monitor the Fed’s decision, oil price volatility, and the upcoming monthly expiries. A Fed rate hike could dent sentiment, while a mid‑cap recovery would provide a rally catalyst for the next trading session.