Sensex,Nifty gain 1% on S&P upgrade,GST revamp hopes

The domestic share market traded on a positive note Monday, lifted by subsiding concerns on Russian oil flows and expectations surrounding the government’s GST reform agenda.At close, the Sensex was up 676.09 points or 0.84 percent at 81,273.75, and the Nifty was up 245.65 points or 1.02 percent at 24,876.95. 
Maruti Suzuki, Nestle, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Auto were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included ITC, Tech Mahindra, Eternal, L&T, NTPC.On the sectoral front,except IT, media and power, all other sectors ended in the green with the Auto index up 4 percent, consumer durable index up 3 percent, realty up 2 percent, while metal, FMCG, telecom private bank up 1-2 percent.The BSE midcap index gained a percent and the smallcap index added 1.4 percent.
Rupee Close:
On 18 Aug'25,the Indian rupee appreciated 23 paise to close at 87.36  against the US dollar on Monday, supported by strong domestic equities.Forex traders said the Indian rupee traded on the positive territory on the GST reforms that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended in his August 15 address to the nation.Forex traders said the uncertainty over trade tariffs issue between India and the US is likely to keep market participants cautious.
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated,the proposed rationalisation of GST is a sentiment booster for the domestic market. Additionally, the recent conclusion of the US and Russia summit, without any escalation in geopolitical tensions, has helped ease investor anxiety. The automobile sector outperformed, emerging as a key beneficiary of the anticipated tax reforms.In H2FY26, we expect the consumption-led sectors to show some traction on account of demand revival.
Market experts recommended three stocks to buy on Monday-  Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Bajaj Finserv, and Power Grid Corporation of India.

(Business Correspondent)