April 22, 2025 – Indian stock markets finished on a firm note, with benchmark indices extending gains driven by a strong performance in banking and financial services. A mix of solid Q4 earnings, easing inflation, and favorable global cues lifted investor sentiment.

📈 Market Highlights

• Sensex closed up 0.24% at 79,595.59

• Nifty 50 gained 0.17%, ending at 24,167.25

• Nifty Bank surged 0.62% to a record high of 55,647.20

• Nifty Financial Services also hit a new all-time high

The rally marks a sharp turnaround after recent weeks of selling pressure, indicating a renewed wave of optimism among investors.

🏦 Banking & Financial Services Lead the Charge

Strong Q4 earnings from heavyweight banks boosted investor confidence across the sector:

• HDFC Bank posted a profit of ₹17,616 crore (up 6.6% QoQ), and became the third Indian company to surpass ₹15 lakh crore in market cap.

• ICICI Bank reported an 18% YoY jump in profit to ₹12,630 crore.

• YES Bank recorded an unexpected 63% rise in profits to ₹738 crore.

These stellar results propelled Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services to record highs.

“This sudden turnaround follows weeks of selling and points to a renewed sense of optimism,” said Trivesh D, COO of Tradejini.
“A weakening US Dollar Index, low inflation, stable crude prices, and strong Q4 earnings — especially from banks — make India stand out among emerging markets.”

🧴 Mixed Moves in FMCG & Realty Sectors

• Nifty FMCG declined slightly despite early gains. Top performers included ITC (+2%) and Hindustan Unilever.

• Nifty Realty also ended lower, underperforming compared to other sectors.

However, stocks like Emami, Radico Khaitan, and United Spirits remained in focus during the session.

🔼 Top Gainers

• HDFC Bank

• ICICI Bank

• ITC

• Mahindra & Mahindra

• Hindustan Unilever

• Jio Financial Services

These stocks were the top contributors to Nifty’s strength today.

🔽 Top Losers

• IndusInd Bank: -5% (biggest laggard)

• Infosys Ltd.

• Bharti Airtel

• Power Grid Corp.

• Reliance Industries

Profit booking in select heavyweights capped further upside.

📊 Sectoral Performance Overview

On the NSE:

• 12 out of 15 sectoral indices closed higher

• Nifty Realty and FMCG were the top losers

On the BSE:

• 11 of 20 sectors ended in green

• BSE Realty rose the most

• BSE Power declined the most

🔍 Broader Market Action

Mid- and small-cap stocks outperformed the frontline indices:

• BSE MidCap: +0.81%

• BSE SmallCap: +0.82%

Market breadth strongly favored buyers:

• Advancing stocks: 2,477

• Declining stocks: 1,509

• Unchanged: 144

🏦 RBI’s LCR Norms Eased

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowered the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) buffer for mobile/internet banking-enabled deposits from 5% to 2.5%. This policy shift is expected to:

• Ease pressure on banking liquidity

• Encourage more credit activity

• Support overall economic momentum

🪙 Gold Surges Past ₹1 Lakh for the First Time

Gold prices hit a historic milestone:

• Gold futures on MCX jumped ₹1,899 to ₹99,178 per 10g

• October contract touched ₹1,00,484, breaching the ₹1 lakh mark

Investors continue to flock to the yellow metal as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

📌 Conclusion

Tuesday’s session signals a strong rebound in investor sentiment, led by the banking sector’s record-breaking performance. Foreign investor interest is returning, supported by a weakening dollar, favorable inflation data, and robust Q4 results. With gold soaring and broader markets showing strength, the outlook for Indian equities remains bullish — at least for the near term.

Stay tuned to MoneyVibe for more daily stock market updates and in-depth analysis.