Indian equities ended higher on 21 September as cooling crude oil prices, softer global bond yields and foreign fund inflows improved risk appetite amid hopes of de-escalation in West Asia. The Sensex gained 564 points (+0.76%) to 74,858.99, while the Nifty rose 67.90 points (+0.29%) to 23,414.30. Realty (+1.71%), Consumer Durables (+1.55%), Healthcare (+1.12%) and FMCG (+1.07%) led sectoral gains. A key policy development was the India-New Zealand FTA, which is scheduled to come into force on October 20, 2026. The agreement provides duty-free access for 100% of India's exports to New Zealand, while New Zealand has committed to invest $20 billion over 15 years in India. The trade outlook also improved, with India's exports to core BRICS nations rising 34% to $19.9 billion during April-August 2026-27, from $14.9 billion a year earlier. Global cues remained supportive. European markets traded higher, while Asian markets largely advanced as crude prices fell to their lowest level in more than a week. Shanghai Composite gained 0.97%, Hang Seng 1.18% and KOSPI 1.65%. Market view: Falling crude can ease input-cost and inflation pressure for oil-importing India, while stronger trade prospects could support export-oriented sectors. However, the sustainability of the rally will depend on crude prices, foreign flows and developments in West Asia. Next triggers: Crude oil movement, FII flows, West Asia developments and the upcoming India-New Zealand FTA implementation.

#MacroViews#TrendingSectors

20 likes·22 comments