Key gauges add gains in morning deals

Indian equity benchmarks added some gains in morning deals, ahead of the Budget 2026-27 presentation. Traders took support with exchange data showed foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 2,251.37 crore on Friday. Some support also came as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s statement that the discussions for a proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the US are advancing, and both countries are working to close the deal ‘quickly’. Goyal stated that he is confident good news regarding this matter will be announced in the near future. Adding to the optimism, the data showed gross GST collections rose 6.2 per cent to over Rs 1.93 lakh crore in January, mainly on higher revenues from imports. Sector-wise, Sugar stocks remained in watch as Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said that India's sugar production rose 18.35 per cent to 19.50 million tonne till January 31 of the ongoing 2025-26 season on higher output in key states.

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 82500.31, up by 230.53 points or 0.28% after trading in a range of 82119.31 and 82501.21. There were 16 stocks advancing against 14 stocks declining on the index.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Capital Goods up by 0.97%, Industrials up by 0.95%, Auto up by 0.91%, Utilities up by 0.53% and Power up by 0.52%, while Metal down by 1.71%, Basic Materials down by 1.00%, IT down by 0.64%, TECK down by 0.51% and FMCG down by 0.32% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Bharat Electronics up by 2.39%, Power Grid Corporation up by 1.91%, Mahindra & Mahindra up by 1.28%, Sun Pharma up by 1.23% and Larsen & Toubro up by 1.18%. On the flip side, Infosys down by 1.41%, Titan Company down by 0.89%, Tata Steel down by 0.70%, Bajaj Finserv down by 0.57% and Eternal down by 0.55% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India has revised its ambitious target to reach $2 trillion in goods and services exports to 2032 from the previous goal of 2030, due to global uncertainties.  

He said the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the country's exports, followed by turbulence and volatility in the global trading order, and the volatility in global trading order now appears to be gradually settling down. He noted that India’s total goods and services exports have touched an all-time high of $824.9 billion in the financial year 2024-25, and it is expected to cross $850 billion in FY26. 

He added that the free trade agreements (FTAs), being finalised by India, will provide huge opportunities for domestic exporters. He said FTA is not only about trade in goods and services, these pacts provide stability, predictability, and clarity in engagement between two countries. He said that it gives opportunities for mobility and added that stability and predictability naturally attract investors towards a country.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 25372.25, up by 51.60 points or 0.20% after trading in a range of 25252.30 and 25373.20. There were 28 stocks advancing against 22 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were Bharat Electronics up by 2.36%, Power Grid Corporation up by 1.83%, Tata Motors Passenger up by 1.74%, ONGC up by 1.41% and Mahindra & Mahindra up by 1.35%. On the flip side, Hindalco down by 3.58%, Nestle down by 1.76%, Infosys down by 1.48%, Coal India down by 1.36% and Titan Company down by 0.78% were the top losers.