Market Wrap: Sensex ends 388 pts higher, Nifty reclaims 26,000 as RBI relief lifts financial stocks

Market Performance - The S&P BSE Sensex closed up 388 points, or 0.46%, at 84,950.95, while the NSE Nifty 50 added 103.40 points, or 0.4%, finishing at 26,013.45, marking a return above the 26,000 level [1][14] - Financial stocks gained 0.6% and were the strongest drivers of the benchmarks, supported by the Reserve Bank of India's measures for export-focused industries facing U.S. tariff pressures [2][14] - In the broader market, small-caps added 0.5%, and mid-caps climbed 0.7% to reach a fresh record high [3][14] Company-Specific Developments - Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles slipped 4.7% after the automaker revised its fiscal 2026 margin outlook for its U.K. arm, Jaguar Land Rover [5][14] - Shares of companies like Eternal, Maruti Suzuki, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Tech Mahindra led the advance, each rising between 1% and 2% [14] Investor Sentiment and Expectations - The market maintained positive momentum near the key psychological level of 26,000, with investors anticipating a strong catalyst for further upward movement, particularly a potential trade deal [6][14] - The risk-reward ratio is considered favorable, bolstered by stronger-than-expected Q2 earnings from mid-caps, reinforcing confidence in growth revival and potential future earnings upgrades [7][14] Global Market Context - Global stocks and bond yields held firm, with European indices rising slightly and U.S. futures indicating a steady mood [8][14] - Expectations for a U.S. interest rate cut in December have fallen to less than 50%, putting pressure on stocks, especially in the technology sector [9][14] Commodity and Currency Movements - Gold prices edged down to $4,072 an ounce, despite a 55% increase this year from $2,624 an ounce on January 1, driven by safe-haven demand and geopolitical tensions [11][14] - Oil prices slipped, with Brent crude falling 44 cents, or 0.7%, to $63.95 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate declining 48 cents, or 0.8%, to $59.61 [12][14] - The Indian rupee inched higher to 88.63 per U.S. dollar, supported by light dollar inflows, despite a widening trade deficit [13][14]