On Thursday, Indian stocks closed higher after a fluctuating session, driven by indications of decreasing inflation in Spain, France, and six economically crucial German states. This sparked discussions about the potential timing of an interest rate cut by the European Central Bank.
However, upward growth was somewhat contained as the market awaited the release of the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index. As the preferred inflation measure of the Federal Reserve, the PCE index's performance could potentially affect the Fed's future interest rate directions.
The S&P/BSE Sensex, a benchmark index, increased by 195.42 points (0.27%), reaching 72,500.30, while the broader NSE Nifty index was up 31.65 points (0.14%) and closed at 21,982.80 on the eve of the monthly Futures & Options expiration.
Shares that performed well included Britannia Industries, Tata Consumer Products, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, and Adani Enterprises - all climbing around 2%. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto fell by 3.2% and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise dropped by 3.8%.
Global market indicators were mixed. On one hand, the dollar maintained its strength and gold prices hovered close to a two-week high. Conversely, oil prices extended losses from the previous night following the release of data indicating an increase in crude stockpiles.
