Indian equity markets opened the week on a strong note, with benchmark indices posting over 1.3% gains led by a sharp rally in auto stocks.
The BSE Sensex climbed 1,056 points (1.31%) to close at 81,654, while the NSE Nifty jumped 354 points (1.44%) to settle at 24,985. Nifty Auto was the day&rsquo;s top performer, surging 4% as Hero Motocorp (+7.18%), Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Auto, and M&amp;M led the rally.
Banking and financials also supported the momentum. Nifty Bank rose 1.26% to 56,037, while Nifty Private Bank advanced 1.62%. Gains were also seen in FMCG (+1.36%) and Metals (+1.22%). On the flip side, HCL Tech, Larsen &amp; Toubro, Dr. Reddy&rsquo;s Labs, ONGC, and TCS ended in the red.
Analysts noted that the broader market showed signs of reversal, with a large number of mid-cap and small-cap stocks trading above their short-term averages. Technical experts suggested that a decisive move above 24,750 could push Nifty toward the 24,900&ndash;25,000 zone, with immediate support at 24,500&ndash;24,600.
Globally, Asia-Pacific markets traded mostly higher after the U.S.-Russia summit ended without a ceasefire. Shanghai (+1.19%), Nikkei (+0.87%), and Hang Seng (+0.36%) gained, while South Korea&rsquo;s Kospi fell 1.29%. U.S. indices ended lower on Friday, with the Nasdaq (-0.4%) and S&amp;P 500 (-0.29%) slipping, even as the Dow gained slightly.
Back home, FIIs sold shares worth ₹1,926 crore on August 14, while DIIs bought equities worth ₹3,895 crore, providing support to domestic markets.
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Sensex jumps 1,056 pts, Nifty nears 25,000; auto, banking, and FMCG stocks lead broad gain

Sensex, Nifty Rally as Auto Stocks Surge 4%

Sensex jumps 1,056 pts, Nifty nears 25,000; auto, banking, and FMCG stocks lead broad gain

August 18, 2025 | 15:24 IST