India’s stock market extended gains this week as easing geopolitical tensions, falling crude oil prices, and renewed FII buying supported investor sentiment. Benchmark indices ended higher despite weakness in IT stocks after global technology concerns intensified following Accenture’s disappointing guidance.

Here are the top stock market headlines, sector trends, and key stocks to watch today.

Top Stock Market Headlines

1. Nifty and Sensex Continue Weekly Rally

Indian equity markets maintained positive momentum with the Nifty 50 closing above the crucial 24,000 level. Lower crude oil prices and steady foreign inflows helped offset pressure from IT stocks.

Key Highlights

• Nifty 50 gained 1.65% during the week
• Sensex extended weekly gains
• FIIs turned net buyers with ₹3,386 crore inflow
• DIIs added ₹7,107 crore

Market Drivers

• Falling global oil prices
• Reduced US-Iran geopolitical fears
• Positive domestic liquidity
• Strong buying in defence, railways, and infrastructure stocks

Stocks in Focus Today

2. Bharat Forge Wins ₹425 Crore Defence Contract

Why It Matters

• Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem
• Expands Bharat Forge’s marine gas turbine business
• Supports long-term order book growth

Investor Takeaway

Defence stocks continue attracting strong investor interest amid rising government spending and localization initiatives.

3. Power Mech Projects Bags ₹1,009 Crore Order

Power Mech Projects received a major order from JSW Thermal Energy worth ₹1,009 crore.

Positive Factors

• Strong execution pipeline
• Continued capex momentum in power infrastructure
• Improved revenue visibility

Infrastructure and EPC companies are witnessing sustained order inflows as India accelerates industrial and energy investments.

4. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and Railway Stocks Stay in Spotlight

Railway stocks continued to see strong trader interest.

Key Updates

• RVNL secured a ₹2,977 crore NMDC Vizag infrastructure project
• Texmaco Rail won a ₹253 crore logistics order
• Railway Kavach-related stocks saw profit booking after a sharp rally

Sector Outlook

Government infrastructure spending and railway modernization remain major long-term growth themes.

IT Sector Under Pressure

5. IT Stocks Fall After Accenture Shock

Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and other IT companies remained under pressure after Accenture issued weak guidance.

Key Developments

• Nifty IT index fell nearly 6%
• Infosys dropped up to 7%
• Concerns over weak global tech demand resurfaced

Market View

Analysts believe AI disruption and slower enterprise spending could continue impacting traditional IT services firms.

Reliance Industries and Jio IPO Buzz

6. Reliance Industries Gains Attention After AGM

Reliance Industries remained a major market focus after management highlighted growth opportunities across AI, telecom, energy, and consumer businesses.

Major Talking Points

• Jio IPO value unlocking expectations rise
• Expansion in AI and compute infrastructure
• New energy business growth plans

Investor Sentiment

Brokerages expect long-term value creation from Reliance’s diversified business ecosystem.

Energy, Oil & Global Market Impact

7. Falling Oil Prices Boost Market Sentiment

Global crude prices remained volatile amid ongoing US-Iran developments.

Impact on Indian Markets

• Lower oil prices support India’s macro outlook
• Positive for aviation, paints, chemicals, and OMC sectors
• Helps reduce inflation pressure

Stocks Likely to Benefit

• Aviation companies
• Paint manufacturers
• Consumer discretionary firms

Banking & Financial Sector Updates

8. HDFC Bank in Focus After RBI Update

HDFC Bank shares saw movement after RBI extended Keki Mistry’s tenure as part-time chairman.

Other Financial Highlights

• EPFO may soon allow PF withdrawals through UPI and ATMs
• SEBI eased transmission rules after investor death
• SEBI approved faster AIF scheme launch mechanism

Top Gainers & Momentum Stocks

9. Stocks Showing Strong Momentum

Major Movers

• Rajesh Exports extended rally by 28%
• Yatra Online gained after stake-buy buzz
• Deep Industries rose after ONGC contract win
• Goodluck India secured defence order

Momentum Watch

• HFCL
• Sasken
• Vipul
• Divine Hira Jewellers

Expert Market Outlook

10. Key Nifty Levels to Watch

Market experts believe Nifty must hold above 24,000 to continue upward momentum.

Important Levels

• Immediate Support: 23,800
• Resistance Zone: 24,200–24,500

Factors That May Drive Markets Next Week

1. US-Iran negotiations
2. Crude oil movement
3. Rupee volatility
4. Monsoon progress
5. Global AI and tech sentiment
6. FII activity

Sectoral Trends Investors Should Track

Bullish Sectors

• Defence
• Railways
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Energy

Weak Sectors

• IT Services
• Export-oriented tech businesses

Conclusion

Indian markets remain resilient as domestic buying, infrastructure spending, and easing geopolitical concerns support sentiment. Defence, railway, and capital goods stocks continue attracting strong investor interest, while IT stocks may remain volatile due to global technology spending concerns.

Investors will closely watch crude oil prices, global developments, FII flows, and key Nifty support levels in the coming sessions.