Synopsis : Indian stock markets edged higher on Monday, with Sensex climbing over 350 points and Nifty trading above the 25,000 mark. Gains in banking heavyweights like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank drove the momentum, despite weakness in midcaps and IT stocks.
Stock Market LIVE – July 21, 2025
Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty posted gains on Monday, lifted by strong performances in banking and metal sectors, even as broader indices and IT stocks struggled. As of 11:05 AM, the Sensex was up by 366.17 points at 82,121.04, and the Nifty50 gained 101.85 points, standing at 25,070.25.
The recovery came after a flat opening, as investors digested signals from China’s economic policy updates and tracked ongoing trade developments. Market mood improved following strong Q1 earnings from ICICI Bank, boosting confidence in the banking space.
Top Performers:
ICICI Bank surged over 2% to ₹1,456.35 after posting a 15.5% YoY rise in net profit to ₹12,768 crore for Q1FY26.
HDFC Bank, Tata Steel, and UltraTech Cement also contributed significantly to the rally.
Laggards:
Despite the gains, notable underperformers included Reliance Industries (RIL), Axis Bank, M&M, Titan, and Infosys, which limited the upside.
Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 were both down 0.17% and 0.28%, respectively.
Sectoral Snapshot:
Nifty Metal was the standout performer, gaining 0.63%, buoyed by strong broker confidence in companies like JSW Steel post Q1 results.
On the downside, Nifty IT (-0.64%), PSU Bank (-0.68%), Pharma (-0.42%), and Auto (-0.34%) faced mild pressure.
Stock to Watch – ICICI Bank:
ICICI Bank’s solid quarterly performance has caught investor and analyst attention alike. Strong treasury gains and healthy credit growth were key drivers behind the ₹12,768 crore profit. The stock rose over 2% intraday, with brokerages showing a positive outlook.
Stock to Watch – JSW Steel:
JSW Steel’s strong Q1 earnings led several brokerages to raise their target prices, despite caution over valuation levels and near-term industry challenges.
Market Outlook:
While broader markets remain cautious, large-cap strength and positive earnings surprises could sustain the momentum. Analysts expect near-term volatility but maintain a constructive medium-term outlook, especially for private banks and metals.
Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Readers should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
