Markets rally to longest winning run in months, IT leads

The Indian equities advanced for the fifth straight session on Wednesday with gains in IT, FMCG, and realty stocks fueling the market’s best winning streak in two months.At close, the Sensex was up 213.45 points or 0.26 percent at 81,857.84, and the Nifty was up 69.90 points or 0.28 percent at 25,050.55.
Infosys, HUL, TCS, Nestle India, NTPC were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finance, Bharat Electronics, Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank.On the sectoral front,FMCG, IT, realty rose 1-2.6%, while media index fell 2%, pharma, private bank down 0.4% each.The broader indices also extended their gains on the third straight session with BSE midcap and smallcap indices adding 0.3 percent each, according to information.
Rupee Close:
On 20 Aug'25,the Indian rupee closed 12 paise lower at 87.07 against the US dollar on Wednesday,amid cautious comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and higher crude oil prices. 
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments,the Indian market sustained its positive momentum, supported by strong domestic inflows and favourable macro tailwinds. However, rich valuations and external risks, particularly the U.S. tariffs and sanctions on purchase of Russian crude, continue to pose challenges. Hence, greater visibility on U.S. trade policy and the path of earnings recovery will be critical.Meanwhile, global sentiment is cautious ahead of the release of the FOMC minutes later today, with investor attention gradually shifting to the U.S. Fed Chair’s speech at Jackson Hole this weekend, which is expected to provide clearer guidance on future policy direction.
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Wednesday-Hyundai Motor, SJS Enterprises, Solara Active Pharma Sciences, Allied Blenders and Distillers, and Eveready Industries India.

(Business Correspondent)