By Priya Raghuvanshi

Copyright timesnownews

Indian equity markets ended on a strong note on Tuesday, September 16, with broad-based buying pushing key indices higher. The Sensex closed 594.95 points, or 0.73 per cent, higher at 82,380.69, while the Nifty rose 169.90 points, or 0.68 per cent, to settle at 25,239.10. The positive momentum reflects investor confidence amid the trade talks between the US and India. Market breadth was positive with 2,294 stocks advancing, 1,470 declining, and 131 remaining unchanged on the BSE. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices each added 0.6 per cent, reflecting strength in the broader market. Barring FMCG, all sectoral indices ended in the green. Auto, realty, and telecom led the gains, each up around 1 per cent. Top gainers on the Nifty included Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T, Maruti Suzuki, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Steel. On the flip side, Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consumer, Nestle, and Asian Paints were among the key laggards. Investor confidence received a boost amid hopeful developments in India-US trade discussions. Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is currently in New Delhi to negotiate a potential agreement aimed at resolving tariff-related disputes. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, noted, “A trade deal eliminating punitive tariffs could provide a significant uplift to the Indian markets.” Federal Reserve Rate Cut Expectations Support Buying Market participants are also optimistic about a possible interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. According to CME FedWatch data, a 25-basis-point reduction is widely anticipated following the Fed’s two-day policy meeting ending September 17, with a slight chance of a larger cut. Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, noted, “A bit of consolidation unfolded yesterday on anticipated lines, with the downside pivots at 25,070/24,980 appearing sufficient for now. While we continue to watch these levels, a direct rise above 25,130 could also encourage us to get back on to the 25,400-25,600 ride. Alternatively, slippage past 24,930 could signal a pause to the near-term uptrend, but we see 24,700 as firm support.” Global Market Strength Encourages Positive Momentum International equity markets largely remained buoyant, with South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng indices all posting gains. US markets closed higher on Monday, further supporting positive sentiment. Rupee Strengthens Amid Improved Risk Appetite Indian Rupee Movement The Indian rupee gained 12 paise to trade at 88.04 against the US dollar early in the session, reflecting enhanced risk appetite ahead of the trade negotiations. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business, Companies and around the world.