Sensex Gains 329 Points as Fed Signals Possible Rate Cut; IT Stocks Lead Rally

📈 Market Movement - BSE Sensex rose 329 points (0.40%) to close at 81,636 - NSE Nifty gained 98 points (0.39%) to settle near 24,968 🔑 Key Drivers - IT sector surged 2.4%, led by Infosys (+3.1%) and TCS (+2.8%) - Other notable gainers: HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, all up between 1% and 3% 🔍 What Sparked the Rally? - US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks at Jackson Hole hinted at a potential rate cut as soon as September - Powell highlighted labour market risks while maintaining caution on persistent inflation pressures - Lower US interest rates typically enhance the attractiveness of emerging markets like India, boosting foreign inflows 🚦 Risks on the Horizon - US President Donald Trump’s planned 25% tariff hike on Indian goods from August 27 could escalate duties to 50% - This looming trade tension weighed on mid- and small-cap stocks, which ended largely flat due to their sensitivity to domestic demand 📊 Summary A positive start to the week for Indian equities, driven by IT sector strength and global cues of easing US monetary policy. However, trade tensions and inflation risks keep a cautious tone. Market participants will watch closely how these factors unfold in the coming weeks.