Stock markets trade higher in early deals
Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty advanced in early trade on Friday, after hitting record highs in the previous session, helped by buying in blue-chip Reliance Industries and rate cut optimism.
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 103.96 points to 85,824.34 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 36.2 points to 26,251.75.
From the Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Hindustan Unilever, Titan, Tech Mahindra and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles were among the major gainers.
However, Axis Bank, Power Grid, Adani Ports and Asian Paints were among the laggards.
"Wall Street was shut for Thanksgiving, leaving Indian markets to chart their own course ahead of today's Q2 GDP print. The mood stays buoyant, powered by hopes of dual rate cuts from the US Fed and RBI, and optimism on a potential US–India trade deal, even as FIIs turned sellers to the tune of Rs 1,255 crore," Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.
In Asian markets, South Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei 225 index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index were trading lower while Shanghai's SSE Composite index quoted in positive territory.
US markets were closed on Thursday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,255.20 crore on Thursday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth Rs 3,940.87 crore, according to exchange data.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, climbed 0.36 per cent to USD 63.57 per barrel.
Rising for the second day on Thursday, the Sensex climbed 110.87 points or 0.13 per cent to settle at 85,720.38. During the day, it hit a record high of 86,055.86. The Nifty ended marginally higher by 10.25 points or 0.04 per cent at 26,215.55. During the day, the benchmark hit an all-time high of 26,310.45.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
