The positive momentum reflected optimism around improved export prospects, stronger capital flows and expectations of higher government spending, which together lifted benchmark indices for a second consecutive session.

The Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex both extended gains, supported by broad-based buying across most sectors. The rally underscored growing confidence that the EU trade deal could unlock long-term growth opportunities for Indian companies across manufacturing, energy and capital goods.

Market participants viewed the agreement as a strategic breakthrough that removes tariffs on a majority of Indian exports to Europe, opening access to a high-value consumer market and strengthening India’s position as a reliable economic partner.

Investors also positioned themselves ahead of the national budget, with expectations that the government would continue its focus on capital expenditure, infrastructure expansion and defence modernization to sustain economic growth.

Capital expenditure-linked sectors were among the top performers, as defence stocks surged on hopes of higher allocations for indigenous manufacturing and procurement. Infrastructure stocks also gained, reflecting expectations of increased spending on roads, railways and urban development.

Energy and metal stocks led sectoral gains, supported by a rise in global crude oil and base metal prices. Higher commodity prices boosted earnings outlooks for producers, contributing to strong buying interest in these segments.

Broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks posting solid gains. Analysts attributed this to selective buying in companies that delivered strong earnings for the December quarter, as investors looked beyond large-cap names.

Public sector enterprises also saw notable gains, as expectations grew that reforms, asset monetization and increased government support could improve their performance in the coming fiscal year.

Market experts said the EU trade deal has strengthened investor confidence by improving India’s export competitiveness and reducing trade barriers, while also reshaping capital flows into the country. The agreement is seen as a long-term positive for sectors ranging from manufacturing to services.

The defence sector, in particular, attracted strong interest as investors anticipated policy continuity in boosting domestic defence production and reducing import dependence. Stocks in the sector recorded sharp gains, reflecting optimism around future order inflows.

Infrastructure-related stocks benefited from expectations that the budget would prioritize large-scale projects to support economic growth, job creation and logistics efficiency. Continued government focus on railways, highways and urban infrastructure remained a key theme.

Individual stocks saw mixed movement based on earnings performance. Shares of a major defence electronics company surged to a record high after reporting strong profit growth, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s earnings outlook.

In contrast, some consumer-facing stocks declined after reporting weaker-than-expected volume growth, highlighting selective investor behavior and a focus on earnings quality rather than broad-based buying.

Logistics and financial services companies that posted upbeat quarterly results witnessed sharp gains, as investors rewarded strong operational performance and positive growth guidance.

Global factors also remained in focus, with investors awaiting a key policy decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve. While rates were widely expected to remain unchanged, market participants remained cautious about global liquidity conditions and potential volatility.

Overall, the rise in Indian equities reflected a combination of domestic optimism driven by the EU trade deal and budget expectations, along with selective stock-specific buying based on earnings strength.

Analysts said that near-term market direction would depend on budget announcements, global cues and follow-through on reforms, but sentiment remained constructive as long as policy continuity and growth-oriented measures are maintained.

The move signaled the central bank’s confidence in moderating inflation trends and reaffirmed its supportive stance toward economic expansion.

The Nifty closed at 26,186.45 with a gain of 0.6 percent, while the Sensex finished 0.5 percent higher at 85,712.37.

Both benchmarks managed to reverse earlier declines and ended the week nearly flat, reflecting growing optimism among traders following the central bank’s announcement.

The latest cut brings the cumulative rate reduction to 125 basis points since February 2025, marking the most decisive phase of monetary easing in several years.

Market analysts said the decision aligned with expectations shaped by recent softening in retail inflation, allowing investors to take a constructive view of upcoming policy moves.

Financial stocks, among the biggest beneficiaries of lower interest rates, surged by around 1 percent, supporting broader market gains.

Banks and non-bank lenders stand to benefit as cheaper borrowing costs encourage stronger demand for loans across retail and corporate segments.

Other rate-sensitive sectors also advanced, with the auto index rising 0.7 percent and the real estate index adding 0.3 percent during the session.

Lower lending rates typically improve affordability in vehicle and housing markets, encouraging higher consumer spending and aiding sectoral growth.

Although the day’s performance was positive, 11 of 16 major sectors still declined across the week due to earlier profit-taking.

Small-cap and mid-cap indices also registered weekly drops of 1.8 percent and 0.7 percent, reflecting selective investor caution despite the improving macro backdrop.

With the RBI move now in place and expectations of a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut next week gaining strength, analysts believe the markets could witness a short-term rebound.

Some experts have even suggested the possibility of a seasonal “Santa Claus rally” if global and domestic cues remain supportive.

The information technology sector displayed robust performance through the week, rising 3.5 percent as expectations grew for softer U.S. monetary policy.

Since a significant portion of IT revenue comes from North America, any easing in U.S. interest rates is generally seen as positive for the sector’s near-term outlook.

Meanwhile, aviation stocks faced downward pressure, with IndiGo declining 9 percent during the week due to widespread flight cancellations and operational challenges.

However, temporary relief measures offered by India’s aviation regulator are expected to help stabilize the situation and pave the way for recovery in the weeks ahead.

Overall, the RBI rate cut appears to have restored confidence across key segments of the market, reassuring investors about the central bank’s commitment to maintaining financial stability.

With inflation cooling, borrowing conditions improving, and global rate expectations turning more favorable, India’s markets now look well-positioned for a more constructive phase of growth.

As the year draws to a close, market participants will watch both domestic data and international developments closely.

But with sentiment improving and liquidity conditions easing, the outlook for equities remains broadly positive heading into the final stretch of the year.