Sensex extends rally to 2nd day, ends 364 pts higher on RBI pause; Nifty holds 19,650
The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 0.55% or 108 points to 19,653, and the S&P BSE Sensex closed 0.55% or 364 points at 65,995.
The RBI's rate-setting committee kept the key lending rate steady at 6.50%. The central bank also maintained its policy stance of «withdrawal of accommodation» to bring inflation within its target band.
Meanwhile, the RBI governor retained the inflation projection at 5.4% for fiscal 2024 but cautioned that the inflation trajectory will be shaped by global food and energy prices, as well as El Nino conditions.
From Sensex stocks, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Finance were the top gainers, rising 5.6% and 3.8%, respectively.
Titan, IndusInd Bank, ITC, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and TCS also closed higher. Meanwhile, HUL, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, and Nestle closed lower.
Among individual stocks, Kalyan Jewellers closed over 10% higher as the firm recorded a consolidated revenue growth of 27% year-on-year (YoY) in the September quarter.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank also closed 6% higher as the firm witnessed a robust quarterly update marked by strong loan growth and improved asset quality.
From the sectoral front, Nifty Realty closed over 3%, led by Godrej Properties, DLF, and Lodha.
