October 29, 2025, 4:22 PM, The Indian stock market ended Wednesday’s session on a positive note, supported by strong global cues, healthy foreign fund inflows, and optimism ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s much-anticipated policy decision. Investors turned upbeat as expectations grew around a potential 25-basis-point rate cut by the Fed — a move widely seen as a liquidity booster for emerging markets like India.
Market Performance
The Sensex climbed 368.97 points (0.44%) to settle at 84,997.13, while the Nifty 50 advanced 117.70 points (0.45%) to close at 26,053.90. During the session, both indices maintained a steady upward trajectory, with the Sensex hitting an intraday high of 85,039 and the Nifty reaching 26,079 around mid-day.
The broader market also participated in the rally — the Nifty Next 50 index rose 1.3%, outperforming frontline indices, while midcap and financial stocks posted healthy gains.
Key Drivers Behind the Rally
Market sentiment was buoyed by robust foreign portfolio investor (FPI) inflows, with FPIs pumping in ₹10,340 crore on Tuesday, marking the largest single-day inflow in several months. This renewed interest from foreign investors was driven by easing global trade tensions, lower crude oil prices, and hopes of a dovish stance from the US central bank.
Additionally, declining crude oil prices provided much-needed relief to India’s macroeconomic outlook, helping support the rupee and cap inflationary concerns.
The Indian rupee also strengthened, closing 8 paise higher at ₹88.21 per US dollar, buoyed by positive trade sentiments and softening oil prices.
Sectoral Highlights
While most sectors traded in the green, financials, metals, and midcaps led the gains. However, AMC (Asset Management Company) stocks faced selling pressure after a report from brokerage Prabhudas Lilladher flagged the SEBI’s draft Total Expense Ratio (TER) norms as potentially negative for fund houses and brokers.
Following the development, shares of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, HDFC AMC, Nippon Life India, and Motilal Oswal Financial Services witnessed declines during the session.
Corporate Earnings Update
A slew of quarterly results also influenced investor sentiment, with several companies posting strong performances for the September 2025 quarter:
- Mold-Tek Packaging reported a net profit of ₹15.48 crore, up from ₹14.11 crore a year earlier, reflecting steady growth in demand for its packaging products.
- CG Power and Industrial Solutions posted a robust standalone profit after tax of ₹307.18 crore, compared to ₹222.57 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The company’s board also approved plans to set up a new Greenfield switchgear manufacturing facility in Western India, signaling expansion plans.
- APL Apollo Tubes delivered an impressive performance, with net profit surging to ₹106.24 crore, a massive jump from ₹5.92 crore in the year-ago period, driven by strong demand for structural steel products.
- V-Guard Industries reported a net profit of ₹65.97 crore, up from ₹52.19 crore last year, supported by steady growth in its electrical and consumer goods segments. Its stock remained largely flat on the NSE at ₹381.40.
- Radico Khaitan saw its profit jump to ₹138.96 crore, up from ₹81.63 crore in the previous year, reflecting improved margins and strong sales in its premium liquor segment. Shares, however, remained unchanged at ₹3,195 on the NSE.
- NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, recorded a standalone net profit of ₹1,694.42 crore, up from ₹1,268.96 crore a year earlier, supported by higher volumes and stable pricing.
- Inox Clean Energy, through one of its subsidiaries, announced a deal to supply 5 GW of solar modules to LONGi, further strengthening its presence in the renewable energy space.
Global and Domestic Factors in Focus
The rally was largely influenced by global optimism. Investors worldwide were awaiting the outcome of the US Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers were expected to announce a 25-basis-point rate cut to stimulate economic growth. Such a move is expected to enhance liquidity across emerging markets, benefiting India’s equity markets in particular.
Domestically, easing trade tensions, improving foreign investment sentiment, and expectations of a soft landing for global inflation have contributed to the positive outlook.
However, market experts cautioned that volatility may persist in the short term due to profit booking, global macroeconomic data releases, and corporate earnings announcements.
Currency and Commodities
The Indian rupee extended its gains to ₹88.21 per US dollar, supported by lower crude prices and a softer greenback.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices continued to ease amid expectations of improved global supply and reduced geopolitical risk, which further helped calm inflationary pressures for importing nations like India.
