Indian markets close higher ahead of GDP data release

Benchmark indices – NIFTY50 (+0.1%) and SENSEX (+0.2%) – closed higher today. Adani Group stocks – Adani Ports and Adani Enterprises – gained 2% higher each and were among the top gainers.

The market breadth was strong today. Out of the NIFTY50 universe, 32 stocks advanced. And, India VIX, which is a measure of volatility in the domestic markets, declined around 4%.

On the sectoral front, PSU Bank (+1.7%) and Metal (+1.4%) were the top gainers. On the other hand, Media (-0.7%) and Healthcare (-0.6%) were the sole losers.

The broader markets outperformed the benchmark indices. The NIFTY Smallcap 100 index was up 0.9% today. The NIFTY Midcap Index closed 0.6% higher.

Meanwhile, stocks of leading hospital chains – Apollo Hospitals and Max Healthcare – faced intense selling pressure today. This comes a day after the Supreme court asked the government to come up with a standard rate for hospital treatment charges.

Now, all eyes will be on India’s Q3 GDP numbers, which will be released later today.