Sensex, Nifty end higher as US-China deal hopes boost sentiment

Indian equity markets opened the week on a firm note on Monday, gaining momentum after a brief pause in the previous session as optimism grew over a potential trade agreement between the United States and China. The BSE Sensex surged 566.96 points, or 0.67 per cent, to close at 84,778.84, while the NSE Nifty rose 170.9 points, or 0.67 per cent, to settle at 25,966.05.
Investor confidence improved after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen stated that President Trump’s proposed 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods were “off the table.” He also indicated that China is likely to increase soybean imports and delay restrictions on rare earth exports, moves that boosted global market sentiment.
Softer-than-expected inflation data from the US further supported the rally, with markets now expecting two additional interest rate cuts in 2025.
Among the top gainers on the Sensex were Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, and Eternal, each rising over 2 per cent. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharat Electronics, Infosys, and Bajaj Finance were among the notable laggards.
In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap index rose 0.93 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 0.82 per cent. Sectorally, PSU Bank, Realty, Metal, and Oil & Gas indices advanced over 1 per cent each, while Media and Pharma stocks witnessed mild profit booking.

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