April 16, 2025 – Mumbai: The stock market ended in the green today, clocking steady gains after a quiet start. The Nifty closed 0.47% higher at 23,437, marking its first-ever close above 23,400 in April. The Sensex also made positive strides, gaining 0.4% on the day.

The broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, with the BSE Smallcap index surging nearly 1% and the BSE Midcap index closing the day up 0.63%. Let’s dive into the key highlights of today’s trading session:

1. Nifty Breaks New Ground: Closes Above 23,400 for the First Time in April

The Nifty closed above the 23,400 mark for the first time this month, signaling strong investor confidence despite a somewhat quiet start. This marks an important milestone for the index, showing resilience in the face of global market uncertainties.

2. IndusInd Bank Powers Ahead: Shares Jump Nearly 7%

IndusInd Bank was one of the day’s top gainers, surging nearly 7% after the bank’s external audit revealed that the net worth hit would be 2.24%, slightly better than the 2.35% expected earlier. This positive update helped lift investor sentiment for the stock.

3. Axis Bank, ONGC, and Other Key Movers

Several stocks made significant contributions to the index’s rally, including:

• Axis Bank

• ONGC

• Trent

• Adani Ports

• Asian Paints

These stocks added to the positive momentum, contributing to overall market strength.

4. Auto Sector Takes a Hit: Maruti, Tata Motors, and Bajaj Auto Lead Declines

The auto sector was among the biggest losers today, with stocks such as Maruti, Hindalco, Tata Motors, and Bajaj Auto seeing significant declines. Investors were also cautious about stocks like Bajaj Finance, L&T, and Infosys, all of which experienced sharp intra-day cuts.

5. 52-Week Highs: 54 Stocks Break New Milestones

In a relatively quiet session, 54 stocks reached new 52-week highs. Some of the key performers include:

• HDFC Bank

• Eicher Motors

• SBI Cards

• Chambal Fertiliser

• Astrazeneca

Despite the volatility, these stocks managed to break through their previous price ceilings, adding to positive market sentiment.

6. 52-Week Lows: 11 Stocks Hit New One-Year Lows

However, it wasn’t all good news as 11 stocks hit new 52-week lows. Among them was Gensol, which saw a steep drop after SEBI put a hold on the company’s stock split. The stock crashed in the opening hours, hitting the lower circuit and continuing its downward trend.

7. Record Numbers: 126 Stocks Hit Upper Circuit

On a brighter note, a record 126 stocks hit their upper circuit limits today. Notable mentions include:

• Websol

• Walchandnagar Industries

• Juniper Hotels

• ITI

• Orient Tech

These stocks saw massive investor interest, highlighting pockets of strength in the market.

8. Gensol Leads Lower Circuit: 30 Stocks Fall

The lower circuit was more limited, but Gensol was the standout loser. In addition to Gensol, JTL Industries and a few other small-cap stocks also saw steep declines, hitting their respective lower circuit limits.

9. Global Sentiment: US-China Trade Woes Weigh on Global Markets

While the Indian markets performed well, global sentiment remained muted due to ongoing tensions between the US and China. The Nasdaq and S&P Futures fell by more than 1% amid concerns over Nvidia’s export restrictions to China. These fears added to the broader uncertainty in the global markets.

10. Dollar Weakness and Global Market Outlook

The US Dollar Index continued to weaken, sliding to its lowest level in 2025. This ongoing weakness, along with the potential for China’s central bank to ease its monetary policy, is expected to influence global markets. With a possible 100 basis points cut in reserve requirements from China, the outlook remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Volatility Index (VIX), which measures market fear, ended lower by 1%, reflecting reduced investor apprehension compared to earlier weeks.

In Conclusion

Today’s market session showcased a mix of optimism and caution. While the Nifty closed higher, breaking past key resistance levels, certain sectors like autos and small-caps showed weakness. Investors will be watching closely for further developments, especially with ongoing concerns over global trade tensions and economic policies in major markets.