Market rally continues, Sensex soars 281.52 points

The domestic equity market indices ended on a positive note for the fifth consecutive session on Monday, with Nifty hitting fresh all time high, as gains in financials and energy stocks were offset by muted activity in other sectors. Asian peers remained subdued after fresh US data dampened expectations of an early Federal Reserve rate cut. At close, the Sensex was up 281.52 points or 0.39 percent at 72,708.16, and the Nifty was up 81.55 points or 0.37 percent at 22,122.25. About 2184 shares advanced, 1243 shares declined, and 123 shares unchanged.
Grasim Industries, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank and Cipla were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Coal India, SBI Life Insurance, L&T, LTIMindtree and HDFC Life.
On the sectoral front, except capital goods, metal and realty, all other indices traded in the green with auto, bank,healthcare, power up 0.5-1 percent. BSE Midcap index added 0.3 percent and Smallcap index rose 0.7 percent.
Rupee Close:
On 19 February'24, Indian rupee rises 5 paise to close at 83.03 against US dollar.
Trading Guide:
Market experts have recommended nine stocks to buy for Monday- UPL, Devyani International, Titan, Tata Communications, TVS Motor, Laurus Lab, GNFC, Mastek, and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

(Writer is a Finance Research Analyst, based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat)