Sensex surges over 375 points, Nifty reclaims 22,000 mark

The domestic equity market indices ended on a positive note on Friday, extending their gains to the fourth session, supported by sustained domestic buying, and in line with the rise in Asian peers after fresh U.S. data signalled a cooling economy.At close, the Sensex was up 376.26 points or 0.52 percent at 72,426.64, and the Nifty was up 129.95 points or 0.59 percent at 22,040.70. About 1950 shares advanced, 1367 shares declined, and 56 shares unchanged.
Wipro, M&M, SBI Life Insurance, Adani Ports and L&T were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Power Grid Corporation, ONGC, SBI, Britannia Industries and Reliance Industries.
On the sectoral front, except oil & gas and power, all other indices are trading in the green with auto, capital goods, pharma, IT and realty up 1-2 percent.It may be noted that,BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices climbed nearly 1 percent each.
Rupee Close: 
On 16 Feb'24,the Indian rupee appreciated 4 paise to 83.01 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, tracking positive cues from domestic equity markets.Forex traders said a strong American currency and elevated crude oil prices, however, weighed on the local unit.
Trading Guide: 
Nifty 50 index nears all-time high, with potential to surpass 22,150 level; Bank Nifty maintains above 46,000 level and targets 46,800 and 48,000 levels.
Market experts have recommended nine stocks to buy for Friday-HDFC AMC, Deepak Fertilisers, Voltas, SBI, M&M, FACT, BDL, and EIH Ltd.

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