Market rally continues despite profit booking at higher levels

The domestic share market indices traded on a positive note on Thursday, extending extended their winning streak to a sixth straight session,though the Nifty slipped below 25,100 as profit booking emerged at higher levels.At close, the Sensex was up 142.87 points or 0.17 percent at 82,000.71, and the Nifty was up 33.20 points or 0.13 percent at 25,083.75.
Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Bank, SBI Life Insurance were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Bajaj Auto, Coal India, Power Grid Corporation, Eternal, Tata Consumer Products.On the sectoral front, pharma index rose 1%, realty index added 0.4% each, while auto index shed 0.3% and FMCG index declined 0.6%.The BSE midcap and smallcap indices ended on flat note.
Rupee Close: 
On 21 Aug'25, the Indian rupee pared initial gains and settled for the day lower by 18 paise to close at 87.25 against US dollar on Thursday, on a strong American currency and a recovery in crude oil prices.Forex traders said, rupee opened on a positive note with the rise in risk appetite in the global markets amid easing tensions over trade tariffs and hopes of truce between Russia and Ukraine.However, the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and rising crude oil prices dented investor sentiments and restricted the upmove in the local unit.
Trading Guide: 
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated ,Indian equities ended mixed, as investors turned to profit booking after a recent rally and concerns over the premium valuation due to the subdued end of Q1 earnings.India’s record-high composite PMI in August, reflecting strong expansion in both manufacturing and services, particularly in business activity, may provide stability in the near term.Investors remain cautious ahead of the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium on Friday, and rising domestic bond yields due to fiscal concerns surrounding GST rationalization.
Market experts recommended five stocks to buy today-Parag Milk Foods, Centum Electronics, Time Technoplast, Honasa Consumer, and Divgi TorqTransfer Systems.

(Business Correspondent)