Equity market gains with Nifty closing over 11,000; rupee recovers from record low
Mumbai, July 20: Hopes of political stability as the current government seemed confident of winning the trust vote in parliament lifted investor sentiments in the Indian equity market.
The Nifty 50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) reclaimed the psychological level of 11,000 points.
According to market observers, recovery in the Indian rupee after it touched a fresh all-time low of 69.12 per dollar earlier in the day also supported investor sentiments.
Index-wise, the broader Nifty50 of the NSE closed at 11,010.20 points -- higher by 53.10 points or 0.48 per cent -- from its previous close of 10,957.10 points.
The barometer 30-scrip Sensex on the BSE, which had opened at 36,377.03 points, closed at 36,496.37 points -- up by 145.14 points or 0.40 per cent -- from its previous session's close of 36,351.23 points.
The Sensex touched a high of 36,567.34 points and a low of 36,335.61 points during the intra-day trade. The BSE market breadth, however, was tilted towards the bears with 1,437 declines and 1,135 advances.
"Market recouped yesterday's losses supported by recovery in rupee and continuing positive momentum in IT and Pharma stocks, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.
He further said the earnings season will pick up pace in the coming weeks and as a consenses market is expecting 14.7 per cent earnings growth for Nifty50 index stocks.
HDFC Securities' Head of Retail Research, Deepak Jasani said: "Investors were also awaiting the outcome of a no-confidence motion against the NDA government."
On the currency front, the rupee closed at 68.85, appreciating by 20 paise from Thursday's close of 69.05 per dollar.
Investment-wise, provisional data with exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors bought scrip worth just Rs 310.27 crore and the domestic institutional investors sold stocks worth Rs 50.73 crore.
Sector-wise, the S&P BSE IT index gained the most, by 216.77 points, followed by the captial goods index, up 162.36 points and the healthcare rose by 143.15 points.
On the contrary, the S&P BSE auto index declined by 96.19 points, the oil and gas index was down 94.49 points and the metal index fell by 64.93 points.
The major gainers on the Sensex were Sun Pharma, up 2.72 per cent at Rs 559.90; Infosys, up 2.42 per cent at Rs 1,348.35; Reliance Industries, up 2.23 per cent at Rs 1,128.55; ICICI Bank, up 1.84 per cent at Rs 266; and Axis Bank, up 1.36 per cent at Rs 534.45 per share.
The top losers were Bajaj Auto, down 8.73 per cent at Rs 2,841.10; Vedanta, down 2.74 per cent at Rs 202.60; Hero MotoCorp, down 2.48 per cent at Rs 3,373.15; ONGC, down 2.20 per cent at Rs 157.85; and Kotak Mahindra Bank, down 1.24 per cent at Rs 1,333.45 per share.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
