The Nifty 50 index closed at 24,624.65, gaining 21.95 points or 0.09%, while the Sensex settled at 78,863.97, up 326 points or 0.36%, as Indian equities trimmed earlier gains in a choppy session on Wednesday. The benchmarks opened higher but pared advances through the afternoon, with buying interest weakening into the close.
Indian Market Performance
| Index | Close | Change (Points) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 24,624.65 | +21.95 | +0.09% |
| Sensex | 78,863.97 | +326.00 | +0.36% |
Defence and Leather sectors led the day's gainers, both surging 3.15%, followed by Plastic and Polymers at 2.19% and Footwear at 1.80%. Oil and gas stocks climbed 1.71%, while Railways and Chemicals added 1.24% and 1.20% respectively. The broad-based sectoral advance provided underlying support even as the headline indices struggled to hold intraday highs.
The Nifty 50 has traded in a 52-week range of 22,182.55 to 26,373.20, having touched its peak on January 4, 2026. The index represents approximately 53.73% of the free float market capitalisation of stocks listed on NSE as of March 30, 2026. Sectoral rotation remained in focus, with Hardware Technology & Equipment up 40.04% over recent periods and Mining gaining 18.42%.
GIFT Nifty Session Snapshot
GIFT Nifty ended Session I at 24,749.50, up 88 points or 0.36% from the previous close of 24,661.50. The offshore futures contract opened at 24,616.50 and climbed to an intraday high of 24,765.00, marking a trading range of 148.50 points. The low of the session matched the opening level at 24,616.50.
| Metric | Level |
|---|---|
| Open | 24,616.50 |
| High | 24,765.00 |
| Low | 24,616.50 |
| Last Traded Price | 24,749.50 |
| Change | +88.00 (+0.36%) |
The offshore contract tracked the cash market's trajectory through the day, staging a steady climb through the morning and afternoon before consolidating near session highs. GIFT Nifty outpaced the Nifty 50's 0.09% gain with a 0.36% advance, reflecting sustained demand in the derivatives segment.
Market Breadth and Activity
Volume data and gainers-losers lists showed rotation across sectoral indices, with Nifty Auto, Nifty Bank, Nifty Capital Goods, Nifty Cement, Nifty Chemicals, and Nifty Commercial & Transport Services among the active segments. Trading activity remained measured as participants assessed global cues and domestic fundamentals.
GIFT Nifty heads into Session II at 24,749.50, holding firm above the psychological 24,700 mark as traders position ahead of overnight developments.