Indian equity benchmark -- Nifty -- ended Monday’s trading session on a higher note amid value buying by investors. Traders turned their focus towards Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. After making slightly positive start, soon index extended its gains, as sentiments were up-beat after S&P Global Ratings in the Asia-Pacific 2Q 2024 Banking Update stated that Indian banks' credit growth, profitability and asset quality would remain robust in current fiscal reflecting strong economic growth, but they may be compelled to slow down their loan growth as deposits are not growing at a similar pace. Some support also came as private report estimates India's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal helped by consumption expenditure, exports rebound and capital flows. It said the rapid growth of the middle-income class has led to rising purchasing power and even created demand for premium luxury products and services.
In afternoon session, index continued its northward journey and remained higher till the end, as traders were relieved amid a private report stating that intensifying heatwave is unlikely to significantly dent India's growth, even though it could cause some disruption in construction and farm activity. The street took a note of the Reserve Bank of India’ latest working paper titled ‘Equity Markets and Monetary Policy Surprises’ stating that equity markets are impacted more by the expectations of future monetary policy than the policy rate surprises on the day of announcement of the policy by the Reserve Bank.