Nifty near 19,750 mark, PSU banks advance.

The benchmark indices pared losses and traded with small gains in morning trade. The Nifty traded aorund the 19,750 mark after hitting the day's low of 19,701.40. PSU bank shares edged higher after declining in the past trading session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 17.48 points or 0.03% to 65,812.21. The Nifty 50 index added 19.20 points or 0.10% to 19,751.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.37% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 0.65%. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index and S&P BSE Small-Cap index hit record high of 33,526.65 and 39,863.26 respectively.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2080 shares rose and 1,419 shares fell. A total of 186 shares were unchanged.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty IT index added 0.84% to 32,461.80. The index shed 0.25% in the past trading session.

HCL Technologies (up 1.21%), Mphasis (up 1.06%), L&T Technology Services (up 0.99%), LTIMindtree (up 0.98%), Tech Mahindra (up 0.85%), Wipro (up 0.56%), Tata Consultancy Services (up 0.38%), Infosys (up 0.34%), Coforge (up 0.33%) and Persistent Systems (up 0.17%) edged higher.

Stocks in Spotlight:

ESAF Small Finance Bank rose 1.34% after the bank reported standalone net profit of Rs 140.12 crore in Q2 FY24, steeply higher from Rs 57.58 crore recorded in Q2 FY23. The bank?s total income stood at Rs 1,022.28 crore in Q2 FY24, registering a growth of 35.72% YoY.

Zen Technologies advanced 2.69% after the company said that it has received an export order valued at approximately Rs 42 crore ($5.12 million). This order, comprising of simulators, is from a friendly nation and stands as a testament to the Indian government?s efforts to boost defense exports, aligning with the national objective of becoming a net defense exporter.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shed 0.63%. The company said that it has received a total penalty of Rs 238.95 crore from General Tax Authority of Qatar for variation in the income as declared by the company. The company said that the penalty levied is arbitrary and unjustified. Hence it has filed an appeal.

Vedanta rose 0.38%. CRISIL Ratings has downgraded its ratings on the long-term bank facilities and debt instruments of the company to ?CRISIL AA-? from ?CRISIL AA? and placed these ratings on ?Rating Watch with Developing Implications? from ?Rating Watch with Negative Implications? while reaffirming the ratings on the short-term debt instruments of the Company at ?CRISIL A1+? and placing these ratings also on ?Rating Watch with Developing Implications?.

Oberoi Realty rallied 3.26% Oberoi Realty has sealed a deal with Ireo Residences Company and other stakeholders to procure around 14.816 acres (59,956.20 square meters) of land in Sector 58, Gurugram, Haryana. The acquisition, valued at approximately Rs 597 crore, encompasses both financial considerations and area allocation for existing homeowners and other stakeholders.

Global Markets:

Asian stocks are trading higher on Monday while investors watched for changes to China?s benchmark lending rates. The People?s Bank of China?s one-year loan prime rate is currently at 3.45%. The five-year benchmark loan rate stands at 4.2%.

US stocks ended higher on Friday and clinched a third straight winning week amid a red-hot November rally. Those gains were sparked by tame U.S. inflation data that gave hope to investors that the Federal Reserve?s tough stance on rate policy may be in the rearview mirror.

Nifty above 19,750; broader mkt outperform; PSU bank shares tumble.

The domestic equity benchmarks were traded near the flat line in the morning trade. The Nifty traded above the 19,750 mark. PSU Bank witnessed selling pressure for the second consecutive trading session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 27.19 points or 0.04% to 65,955.29. The Nifty 50 index rose 15.40 points or 0.08% to 19,780.60.

The broader market outperformed the headline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index gained 0.28% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.47%. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index and S&P BSE Small-Cap index hit record high of 33,423.26 and 39,659.28 in intraday today.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,101 shares rose and 1,288 shares fell. A total of 179 shares were unchanged.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty PSU Bank index declined 2.66% to 5,050.95. The index fell 2.89% in the past two sessions.

Union Bank of India (down 3.54%), Punjab National Bank (down 3.33%), State Bank of India (down 2.69%), Bank of India (down 2.67%) and Bank of Maharashtra (down 2.5%) were the top losers.

Among the other losers were Central Bank of India (down 2.35%), UCO Bank (down 2.29%), Canara Bank (down 2.13%), Punjab & Sind Bank (down 1.91%) and Indian Overseas Bank (down 1.82%).

Numbers to Watch:

The yield on India's 10-year benchmark federal paper fell 0.07% to 7.227 as compared with previous close 7.232.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged lower against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 83.2650, compared with its close of 83.2300 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for 5 December 2023 settlement added 0.13% to Rs 60,800.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was down 0.01% to 104.34.

The United States 10-year bond yield advanced 0.04% to 4.445.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for January 2024 settlement gained 30 cents or 0.39% to $77.72 a barrel.

Stocks in Spotlight:

SJVN gained 1.92% after the company announced that it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a 200 MW grid-connected wind power project at a tentative cost of Rs 1,400 crore.

Brigade Enterprises rallied 4.78%. The Brigade Group has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Krishna Priya Estates and Micro Labs to develop around 2 million square feet of residential housing in Bengaluru with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs 2,100 crore. 

JSW Steel rose 0.16%. The company upon considering demand and supply scenario of Iron Ore in India, has withdrawn its application for the Final Mine Closure Plan submitted on 1st September 2023 before the Indian Bureau of Mines for the purpose of surrender of Jajang Iron Ore Block located in the district of Keonjhar, Odisha.

TVS Motor Company advanced 1.17% after the company announced its entry into Europe by signing an agreement for import and distribution with Emil Frey, a 100 year old enterprise and a leading name in automotive distribution.

JSW Infrastructure rallied 6.76% after the company has received Letter of Award from Karnataka Maritime Board, Government of Karnataka for development of All- weather, deep water, greenfield port at Keni in Karnataka on Public Private Partnership basis.

Delhivery declined 2.63% after Softbank is reportedly planning to sell around 4% stake in Delhivery via the block deal route. The deal size is around $150 million.

Global Markets:

Asian stocks were trading mixed on Friday as a batch of softer U.S. economic data took some of the steam out of Wall Street, but also boosted bonds in a big way while slugging oil prices in a boon for the inflation outlook. Both Brent and U.S. crude slid almost 5% on Thursday to four-month lows in a move that was blamed on economic and supply concerns.

In US, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq managed to eke out tiny gains on Thursday while the Dow Industrial Average ended slightly lower with pressure from tech and retail bellwethers Cisco and Walmart after disappointing forecasts. Shares of Cisco Systems tumbled as the communications and networking technology company cut its full-year revenue and profit forecasts on slowing demand for its networking equipment.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to resume high-level military communication, according to both countries. The two leaders met in person for the first time in a year Wednesday in San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. ?We?re back to direct, open, clear communications,? Biden said at a press conference after the talks.

Nifty rises above 19,750 mark; oil & gas stocks in demand.

The key equity barometers extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in mid-morning trade. The Nifty traded above the 19,750 mark. Oil & gas shares extended gains for second day in a row.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 405.37 points or 0.62% to 66,081.30. The Nifty 50 index added 110.70 points or 0.56% to 19,786.15.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap indexhttps://t.me/bigbullscall gained 0.34% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.57%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2159 shares rose and 1380 shares fell. A total of 168 shares were unchanged.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Oil & Gas index rose 0.77% to 8,178.20. The index has added 2.24% in two sessions.

Oil India (up 2.71%), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (up 2.42%), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (up 1.49%), Indian Oil Corporation (up 1.43%) and Aegis Logistics (up 1.38%) were the top gainers.

Among the other gainers were Oil & Natural Gas Corp (up 0.98%), Mahanagar Gas (up 0.59%), Reliance Industries (up 0.52%), Indraprastha Gas (up 0.26%) and Gujarat Gas (up 0.23%).

On the other hand, Adani Total Gas (down 0.4%), Petronet LNG (down 0.15%) and Gujarat State Petronet (down 0.07%) turned lower.

Stocks in Spotlight:

RateGain Travel Technologies fell 1.34%. The company has announced that its board approved the opening of qualified institutional placement (QIP) of equity shares with the floor price of Rs 676.66 per share. The floor price of Rs 676.66 is at a discount of 4.93% to the previous day's closing price of Rs 711.75 on the BSE.

Dabur India rose 1.18%. The company's two foreign subsidiaries, Dabur International and Dermoviva Skin Essentials, have been removed as defendants in multiple lawsuits filed in a U.S. court over allegations that their hair-relaxer products caused ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other related health issues.

IIFL Finance added 0.48%. The NBFC will invest up to Rs 200 crore in arm IIFL Samasta Finance by way of subscription to 7,47,94,315 fully paid-up equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each, at a premium of Rs. 16.74 per share, through rights issue.

Global Markets:

Asian stocks are trading lower Thursday as investors digested high-level discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Biden and Xi met Wednesday outside of San Francisco in their first face-to-face meeting in a year. The talks were on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference and were a part of efforts between the U.S. and China to boost high-level communication amid continued tensions.

US stocks ended higher on Wednesday, building on the strong rally from Tuesday, on the back of more encouraging inflation data. Another reading on U.S. inflation showed October?s producer price index, which measures wholesale prices, fell by 0.5% to mark its biggest monthly drop since April 2020.

Key indices hit fresh intraday high; metal shares in demand.

The key equity indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. The Nifty continued to trade above the 19,600 mark. Metal shares witnessed buying demand for fourth consecutive session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 596.07 points or 0.92% to 65,529.94. The Nifty 50 index added 188.75 points or 0.97% to 19,632.30.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.70% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index advanced 1.06%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2332 shares rose and 1090 shares fell. A total of 185 shares were unchanged.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Metal index rose 1.62% to 6,822.65. The index has added 3.38% in four sessions.

Hindalco Industries (up 4.53%), Jindal Steel & Power (up 2.56%), National Aluminium Company (up 2.55%), JSW Steel (up 2.25%) and Tata Steel (up 1.86%) were the top gainers.

Among the other gainers were APL Apollo Tubes (up 1.31%), Hindustan Zinc (up 1.1%), Vedanta (up 1.01%), Steel Authority of India (up 0.91%) and Welspun Corp (up 0.9%).

On the other hand, NMDC (down 2.28%) and Jindal Stainless (down 0.41%) turned lower.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Adani Energy Solutions was up 0.03%. The distribution arm of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd., Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd., announced a tender offer to buyback up to $120 million of its outstanding $1,000 million of 3.949% senior secured notes due 2030. The tender offer is being fully funded through its cash surplus and internal accruals.

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) added 2.42%. The company received a Rs 311 crore LoA from Central Railways for the construction of tunnels and bridges in Madhya Pradesh. The time period by which the order is to be executed is 18 months.

IDFC First Bank gained 0.93%. The company received a PFRDA nod for the merger of IDFC and IDFC Financial Holding Co. with IDFC First Bank. The company also received BSE and NSE's nods for the merger of IDFC and IDFC Financial Holding Co. with itself.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works tumbled 5.82%. The company bagged a project from the Mumbai Port Authority for the hiring of two dock tugs for a period of 7 years for an amount of Rs. 34.49 crore. 

Asian Paints was up 0.07%. The original installed production capacity of the Khandala plant has been increased to 4,00,000 KL per annum in order to meet the medium-term capacity requirements of the company. An amount of Rs. 385 crore (approx.) has been invested by the company towards the above increase in installed capacity and the same has been funded through internal accruals.

Grasim Industries added 1.72%. The company has reported 6% rise in consolidated net profit of Rs 1164 in Q2 FY24 from net profit of Rs 1097 crore in Q2 FY23. Revenue increased 10% rise in total income to Rs 30221 crore in Q2 FY24 from Rs 27486 crore in Q2 FY23.

Rajesh Exports dropped 5.99%. The company has posted 87.9% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 45.3 crore in Q2 FY24 from Rs 373 crore in Q2 FY23. Revenue for the period under review added up to Rs 38,066 crore, down 52.6% YoY.

Aster DM Healthcare fell 1.91%. The company has recorded a net loss of Rs 15.3 crore in Q2 FY24 as against a net profit of Rs 54.1 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the second quarter increased by 17.8% YoY to Rs 3,317 crore.

Global markets:

Asian stocks are trading with strong gains on Wednesday, taking cues from Wall Street after a soft U.S. inflation reading boosted hopes of the Federal Reserve nearing the end of its interest rate-hiking cycle.

Japan?s economy shrank in the July-September period for the first time in four quarters, provisional government data showed Wednesday, amid slowing global demand and rising domestic inflation. Provisional gross domestic product fell 2.1% in the third quarter compared to a year ago, while also recording a 0.5% decline from the previous quarter.

On the geopolitical front, U.S. President Joe Biden and China?s President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in person in San Francisco for the first time in about a year.

US stocks rallied Tuesday, building on their strong November gains, as Wall Street cheered the soft U.S. inflation report. The consumer price index was flat in October from the previous month but increased 3.2% from a year ago. The headline CPI had increased 0.4% in September.

Late Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to avert a government shutdown. The measure will go to the Senate for a vote. If cleared by lawmakers, the legislation goes to President Joe Biden.

Nifty above 19,350; realty shares in demand.

The key equity barometers traded with significant gains in morning trade. The Nifty traded above the 19,350 mark. Realty stocks gained for the seventh consecutive trading session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 405.50 points or 0.63% to 64,769.28. The Nifty 50 index added 127.30 points or 0.66% to 19,357.90.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.74% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 1.03%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,443 shares rose and 945 shares fell. A total of 225 shares were unchanged.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Realty index rose 1.74% to 654.95. The index surged 14.53% in seven trading sessions.

Brigade Enterprises (up 6.21%), Mahindra Lifespace Developers (up 3.41%), Phoenix Mills (up 2.76%), Macrotech Developers (up 2.48%), Sobha (up 2.07%), Godrej Properties (up 1.69%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 1.63%), Swan Energy (up 1.04%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.56%) and DLF (up 0.15%) advanced.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Punjab & Sind Bank declined 2.34% after the bank?s standalone net profit declined 32% to Rs 189.09 crore on 26.13% increase in total income to Rs 2,674.15 crore in Q2 FY24 over Q2 FY23.

Shipping Corporation of India slipped 4.17% after the company?s consolidated net profit tumbled 42.53% to Rs 65.73 crore on 22.88% decline in revenue from operations to Rs 1,093.20 crore in Q2 FY24 over Q2 FY23.

Indigo Paints fell 2.56% after the company's consolidated net profit declined 31.66% to Rs 25.34 crore in Q2 FY24 from Rs 37.08 crore posted in Q2 FY23. Revenue from operations jumped 15.01% year on year to Rs 279.01 crore during the period under review.

SBI fell 0.21%. The largest PSU bank?s standalone net profit increased 8.03% to Rs 14,330.02 crore in Q2 FY24 on 26.41% jump in total income to Rs 1,12,169.43 crore in Q2 FY24 over Q2 FY23.

Vedanta shed 0.06%. The company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 915 crore in Q2 FY24 as against a net profit of Rs 3,308 crore in Q2 FY23. Income from operations increased by 16% year-over-year (YoY) to Rs 38,546 crore during the quarter, driven by higher sales volume and favorable arbitration award in oil and gas, partially offset by a slip in output commodity prices.

Bank of Baroda declined 2.85%. The public sector bank's net profit jumped 28.35% to Rs 4,252.89 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with Rs 3,313.42 crore in Q2 FY23. Total income increased by 38.79% to Rs 32,032.75 crore during the quarter as compared with Rs 23,080.03 crore recorded in corresponding quarter last year.

Crompton Greaves consumer Electricals fell 1.29%. The company reported a 23% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 100.87 crore despite of 4.87% rise in net sales to Rs 1,782.27 crore in Q2 FY24 over Q2 FY23.

JSW Infrastructure rallied 5.07%. The company reported 88.95% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 254.40 crore in Q2 FY24 as against Rs 134.64 crore recorded in Q2 FY23. The company?s revenue from operations stood at Rs 848.31 crore, up 28.14% YoY in Q2 FY24.

Numbers to Watch:

The yield on India's 10-year benchmark federal paper shed 0.22% to 7.301 from its previous close of 7.317.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged lower against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 83.1675, compared with its close of 83.2050 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for 5 December 2023 settlement declined 0.30% to Rs 60,835.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was up 0.05% to 105.08.

The United States 10-year bond yield rose 0.48% to 4.579.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for January 2024 settlement gained 31 cents or 0.37% to $85.20 a barrel.

Global Markets:

Asian stocks are trading higher on Monday after a soft monthly jobs report from the US helped ease bets that the Federal Reserve will continue to hike interest rates.

US stocks closed higher on Friday after a soft jobs report drove bond yields lower. The October jobs report on Friday came in weaker than expectations, showing the Fed?s attempt to cool the economy and stifle inflation could be working. The U.S. economy last month added 150,000 jobs, lower than September?s blowout of 297,000 jobs added. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9%.

Sensex rises 400 pts, realty stocks rally for 6th day.

 

The frontline indices traded with modest gains in morning trade. The Nifty scaled above the 19,250 mark. Realty shares extended gains for the sixth consecutive trading session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 399.50 points or 0.62% to 64,480.40. The Nifty 50 index added 124.05 points or 0.65% to 19,257.30.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.68% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 0.97%.

The market breadth is strong. On the BSE, 2,380 shares rose and 889 shares fell. A total of 158 shares were unchanged.

Economy:

The S&P Global India services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) declined to 58.4 in October as compared to 61 in September, signaling the slowest rate of expansion since March. The Competitive pressures and inflationary forces restricted the increase, according to surveyed firms.

Meanwhile, the S&P Global India Composite PMI Output Index fell from 61 in September to 58.4 in October, indicating the weakest rate of expansion since March.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Realty index rose 1.42% to 636.70. The index surged 11.34% in six trading sessions.

Prestige Estates Projects (up 2.77%), Brigade Enterprises (up 2.34%), Sobha (up 1.72%), Phoenix Mills (up 1.14%), DLF (up 0.78%), Mahindra Lifespace Developers (up 0.68%), Swan Energy (up 0.66%), Godrej Properties (up 0.5%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.48%) advanced.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) shed 0.49% after the company?s net profit declined 9.59% to Rs 1,549.87 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with Rs 1,714.28 posted in corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from operations jumped 16.46% year on year to Rs 6,766.32 crore in Q2 FY24.

NBCC (India) added 0.40%. The government-owned construction company, has recently secured two significant orders from the Haryana government. The combined value of these orders amounts to Rs 212 crore.

Tilaknagar Industries surged 9.95% after the firm?s consolidated net profit stood at Rs 37.04 crore in Q2 FY24, steeply higher than Rs 13.88 crore recorded in Q2 FY23. Revenue from operations grew by 29.1% year on year (YoY) to Rs 354.39 crore in the quarter ended 30 September 2023.

Sheela Foam slipped 2.96% after the company reported 17.32% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 44.30 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with Rs 53.58 crore posted in corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from operations fell 10.18% to Rs 613.18 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with Rs 682.69 crore in Q2 FY23. Decline in Topline primarily on account of portfolio rationalization and reduction in raw material prices

Global Markets:

Asian stocks advanced on Friday, with investors awaiting a fresh round of data for more clues on the health of services activity through the region. Services purchasing managers? index data from major economies including China and India are set to be released throughout the day. Japan markets were shut for a public holiday.

US stocks rose on Thursday as Treasury yields fell, with investors betting the Federal Reserve could be done raising rates for 2023.

Sensex jumps 471 pts, PSU bank shares in demand.

The benchmark indices continued to trade with strong gains in morning trade, as investors found solace in the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate unaltered. The Nifty traded above the 19,100 level. PSU bank stocks extended gains for the fifth consecutive trading session.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 471.42 points or 0.74% to 64,062.75. The Nifty 50 index added 140.95 points or 0.74% to 19,130.10.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index gained 1.14% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.85%.

The market breadth is strong, On the BSE, 2,384 shares rose and 922 shares fell. A total of 150 shares were unchanged.

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates at a 22-year high, with the benchmark rate remaining between 5.25% and 5.50%, for the second meeting in a row.

Results Today:

Adani Enterprises (up 1.92%), Tata Motors (up 0.68%), Adani Power (up 0.96%), Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company (up 0.58%), Dabur India (up 0.27%), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (up 0.26%), Berger Paints India (down 0.12%), Godrej Properties (up 1.95%), Container Corporation (up 0.95%), Gujarat Gas (up 1%), Dr. Lal PathLabs (up 0.53%), Ratnamani Metals & Tubes (down 0.03%), 360 One WAM (up 1.81%), Indian Energy Exchange (up 0.60%), Sapphire Foods India (down 0.26%), Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation (up 0.09%), Minda Corporation (down 0.37%), Kirloskar Oil Engines (up 0.28%), Karnataka Bank (up 0.45%), Surya Roshni (up 0.38%), Infibeam Avenues (down 0.05%), NOCIL (up 1.48%), Datamatics Global Services (up 3.03%), Tatva Chintan Pharma Chemicals (down 0.34%) and Hikal (up 0.04%) will announce their quarterly earnings later today.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty PSU Bank index rose 1.86% to 5,041.90. The index jumped 6.68% in five trading sessions.

Bank of India (up 3.47%), Bank of Maharashtra (up 3.02%), Indian Overseas Bank (up 2.81%), Central Bank of India (up 2.78%), Union Bank of India (up 2.76%), Punjab National Bank (up 2.47%), UCO Bank (up 2.4%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 2.27%), Bank of Baroda (up 1.92%) and Canara Bank (up 1.72%) edged higher.

State Bank of India (SBI) advanced 1.37%. SBI raised Rs 10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.81% through its first Basel III compliant Tier 2 Bond for the current financial year. The bonds are issued for 15 years tenor, with the first call option after 10 years.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Kotak Mahindra Bank gained 1.14% after the company announced the signing of definitive agreements with Zurich Insurance Company for divesting majority stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance.

The private sector lender said that the bank, Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance Company have entered into definitive agreements for a transaction whereby Zurich will invest (approximately) Rs 4,051 crore to acquire a 51% stake in Kotak General Insurance through a combination of fresh growth capital and share purchase.

Bajaj Finance rose 1.05%. The preferential issue special committee of the board of directors of the company has approved the issue of 15,50,000 warrants to Bajaj Finserv , promoter and holding company, at an issue price of Rs 7,670 per warrant, for an amount aggregating to Rs 1,188.85 crore.

Eicher Motors added 0.40%. Eicher Motors' motorcycles sales rose 3% to 84,435 units in October 2023 over October 2022.

Hero Motocorp added 0.25%. The two wheeler major reported a net profit of Rs 1,053.81 crore in Q2 FY24, registering a growth of 47.17% as compared with Rs 716.07 crore in Q2 FY23. Revenue from operations increased 4.08% YoY to Rs 9,445.42 crore in Q2 FY24.

Tata Steel declined 0.39%. The steel major reported consolidated net loss of Rs 6511 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with net profit of Rs 1297 crore in Q2 FY23. Turnover fell to Rs 59,490 crore in Q2 FY24 from Rs 59,878 crore in Q2 FY23.

Britannia Industries rallied 3.32%. The company reported consolidated net profit of Rs 586.50 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with net profit of Rs 490.58 crore in Q2 FY23. Total income rose to Rs 4,485.23 crore in Q2 FY24 from Rs 4,432.85 crore in Q2 FY23.

State Bank of India (SBI) gained 1.02%. SBI raised Rs 10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.81% through its first Basel III compliant Tier 2 Bond for the current financial year. The bonds are issued for 15 years tenor, with the first call option after 10 years.

Numbers to Watch:

The yield on India's 10-year benchmark federal paper declined 0.45% to 7.325 from its previous close of 7.358.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 83.1950, compared with its close of 83.2850 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for 5 December 2023 settlement added 0.18% to Rs 60,881.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was up 0.48% to 106.37.

The United States 10-year bond yield slippped 1.40% to 4.722.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for January 2023 settlement gained 80 cents or 0.95% to $85.43 a barrel.

Global Markets:

Asian stocks were trading higher as investors took comfort from the U.S. Federal Reserve?s decision to leave its benchmark interest rates unchanged, while parsing inflation and trade data from across the region.

US stocks advanced on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a second consecutive time ? leading investors to think the central bank would stay put for the rest of the year.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday held rates steady at a range of 5.25%-5.5%. amid signs of economic growth, while labor market conditions and inflation remain above the central bank?s target. The decision also included an upgrade to the Fed?s general assessment of the economy.