Mumbai, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian equity markets ended the week on a strong note, with the benchmark indices gaining nearly 2 per cent amid renewed buying by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), easing bond yields and encouraging domestic corporate earnings.
The Nifty advanced 2 per cent during the week and closed Friday’s session 0.51 per cent higher at 23,053. The Sensex gained 308 points, or 0.42 per cent, to settle at 74,459, taking its weekly advance to 1.83 per cent.
Improved global cues, softer crude oil prices and easing bond yields helped revive investor appetite for equities. However, caution persisted over inflation concerns, as the US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan kept interest rates unchanged, signalling continued vigilance on price pressures.
Mid-cap and small-cap stocks outperformed the benchmark indices, reflecting broader participation in the market recovery. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose 2.69 per cent during the week, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 4 per cent.
Sectorally, pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks led the gains, supported by favourable earnings results. Real estate shares benefited from softer bond yields, while metals, FMCG and automobile stocks gained on expectations of lower input costs. Cement and oil and gas stocks remained among the major laggards.
Foreign institutional investors were net buyers of Indian equities worth Rs 6,304.67 crore during the week. Domestic institutional investors also maintained their buying momentum, recording net purchases worth Rs 3,109.79 crore.
Market sentiment turned cautious towards the weekend as renewed tensions in West Asia pushed crude oil prices higher, triggering profit booking in broader markets. Brent crude ended the week near $117 per barrel, with investors closely watching the upcoming OPEC+ review for indications of a possible supply response.
Looking ahead, domestic manufacturing and services PMI readings, along with second-quarter corporate earnings, are expected to influence market direction. Investors will also track US manufacturing data, employment figures and the US midterm election outcome for cues on global risk appetite.
Technically, the Nifty faces immediate resistance in the 23,175-23,285 range, while support is placed between 22,750 and 22,800. Bank Nifty needs to close above 55,150 to strengthen its bullish outlook, with 53,780 emerging as a crucial support level, analysts said.
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