Markets gain on Auto surge;US-Japan deal lifts sentiment

The domestic share market indices Markets in India ended on a  higher note on Wednesday, supported by broad gains in Asia following a significant U.S.-Japan trade deal that raised optimism around India-U.S. trade talks.At close, the Sensex was up 539.83 points or 0.66 percent at 82,726.64, and the Nifty was up 159 points or 0.63 percent at 25,219.90. 
Tata Motors, Shriram Finance, Bharti Airtel, Apollo Hospitals, Bajaj Finance were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Tata Consumer, HUL, Bharat Electronics, UltraTech Cement and Grasim Industries.On the sectoral front,realty index slipped 2.6 percent, FMCG index fell 0.5 percent, while auto, metal, oil & gas, consumer durables, pharma, private bank, PSU Bank, telecom rose 0.5-1 percent.Broader indices underperformed main indices with BSE Midcap rising 0.24 percent while smallcap index ended flat.
Rupee Close: 
On 23 July'25,the Indian rupee stayed weak for the sixth consecutive session and settled with a loss of 3 paise at 86.41 against the dollar on Wednesday, amid a strong American currency and outflow of foreign funds.Forex traders said the domestic unit, however, found some cushion due to lower crude oil prices and heavy buying in domestic equity markets in line with global trends after the US announced a trade deal with Japan.
Trading Guide: 
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated,the Indian equity market demonstrated resilience despite a mixed start to Q1FY26 earnings. Positive global cues, underpinned by optimism surrounding the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, have supported sentiment. Additionally, progress toward finalising the India-UK FTA has further contributed to the constructive outlook.Continued advancements in global trade negotiations are expected to alleviate near-term trade tensions and foster greater market stability. While elevated valuations remain a concern, the prevailing market strength indicates potential for near-term earnings recovery. However, the pace and sustainability of this recovery will be critical in shaping the market’s forward trajectory.
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Wednesday Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Thomas Cook (India), Schneider Electric Infrastructure, Pennar Industries, and Shanthi Gears.

(Business Correspondent)