Indian benchmark indices closed higher for the third consecutive session on April 21, driven by broad-based buying across sectors. Reports of a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran raised hopes for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The Sensex rose 753.03 points or 0.96 percent to 79,273.33, while the Nifty increased by 211.75 points or 0.87 percent to 24,576.60.
All sectoral indices ended in the green, with FMCG and Realty up 2% each, and bank and telecom sectors up 1% each. The Nifty Midcap index gained 0.5 percent, and the smallcap index rose nearly 1 percent. Notable gainers included Nestle India, HUL, and ICICI Bank, while SBI Life Insurance and Bharat Electronics were among the losers.
More than 140 stocks reached their 52-week highs on the BSE. PNB Housing Finance shares jumped over 8% after a 14% rise in Q4 standalone profit. Meanwhile, SML Mahindra shares slipped 7% despite better earnings.
Investors are expected to focus on corporate earnings and developments in the U.S.–Iran conflict.
