Nifty above 23,750, Sensex up 633 pts,rupee weakens to record low

The domestic share market indices ended on a positive note with Nifty above 23,750 on Wednesday led by broad-based buying across most sectors and positive global cues.At close, the Sensex was up 633.29 points or 0.83 percent at 76,704.13, and the Nifty was up 196.65 points or 0.83 percent at 23,777.80. 
Jio Financial, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Eternal, M&M were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Coal India, NTPC, HUL, Cipla and Sun Pharma.On the sectoral front, except FMCG and metal, all other sectoral indices ended higher with realty, IT, auto, media, capital goods, consumer durables, telecom, infra up 1-3%.Nifty Midcap index rose 2 percent and smallcap index up 1.6%.
Rupee Close:
On 18 Mar'26, the Indian rupee fell 23 paise to close at a record low of 92.63 against the US dollar on Wednesday weighed down by FII outflows and a stronger greenback amid the raging war in West Asia.The currency has declined more than 1.5% since the Iran war began amid nearly $8 ​billion of foreign portfolio outflows from local stocks. Frequent interventions by the central bank, ⁠including on Wednesday, have been curbing the fall in the rupee, traders said.
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated domestic markets extended their recovery, supported by opportunistic buying after the recent sell-off. The rebound was broad-based, driven by a combination of short covering and value buying, with leadership from IT, realty, and auto sectors, alongside strength in mid- and small-cap stocks.Long-term value persists, however, near-term upside remains constrained due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, elevated crude prices, and continued rupee depreciation.Investors are now awaiting policy decisions from major global central banks—including the Fed, ECB, BoJ, and BoE—where guidance will be crucial in assessing the impact of the US–Iran conflict on the future interest rate outlook.
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Wednesday- Godawari Power and Ispat Limited, Great Eastern Shipping Company, Aster DM Healthcare, Power Finance Corporation, and Tata Power Company.

(Business Correspondent)