Closing Bell | Markets end higher for a second straight session as Nifty tops 25,300

Markets at close: Indian equity benchmarks extended gains for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, ending near the day’s high amid broad-based buying and strong stock-specific action.

The Sensex rose 487 points to close at 82,345, while the Nifty added 167 points to settle at 25,343, holding comfortably above the 25,300 mark. The Nifty Bank climbed 393 points to 59,599, while the Midcap Index outperformed, rising 955 points to 58,439.

Market breadth remained firmly positive, with the NSE advance-decline

ratio at 7:2, signalling wider participation in the rally.

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) emerged as the top Nifty gainer, surging 9% to hit a record high after reporting a 21% jump in net profit to ₹1,590 crore. ONGC and Oil India gained nearly 9% each, tracking a sharp rise in crude oil prices.

TVS Motor advanced 5% after posting an earnings beat and strong revenue growth, while Suzlon Energy rose 5% following a 248 MW order win from ArcelorMittal.

On the downside, Maruti Suzuki fell nearly 3% after its Q3 results. Hindustan Zinc declined 3.5% after Vedanta’s board approved the sale of a 1.59% stake via an offer-for-sale. Asian Paints dropped over 4% after HSBC downgraded the stock to ‘Hold’ and cut its target price to ₹2,900 per share.

CSB Bank was among the biggest laggards, slumping 18% after reporting a deterioration in asset quality and a rise in provisions.

Overall, earnings-driven moves, strength in oil stocks and continued midcap outperformance kept sentiment constructive through the session.