Fri Dec 27 16:45:54 UTC 2024: ## Indian Markets End Slightly Higher Despite Choppy Session
**Mumbai, India** – Indian stock markets ended Friday on a cautiously optimistic note, with benchmark indices registering modest gains after a volatile trading day. The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 78,699, up 226.6 points (0.29%), while the Nifty 50 index finished at 23,813.40, a 63.20-point (0.27%) increase.
The session saw significant individual stock movement. Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals surged 10% to Rs 668.10 after securing a massive Rs 1760 crore contract with a global pharmaceutical firm for European market supplies. Cochin Shipyard also saw a strong performance, closing at its upper circuit limit of Rs 1,532 (a 5% increase) following a Rs 450 crore order from Adani Ports. The pharmaceutical sector showed overall strength, with Ajanta Pharma rising sharply and other major players like Glenmark Pharma, Laurus Labs, Ipca Labs, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Abbott India, and Lupin posting gains between 2% and 3%.
However, not all sectors fared well. NMDC shares fell 2.8% to Rs 69.35 after trading ex-bonus, and NHPC shares dipped 2% to Rs 80.36 despite announcing project updates.
The slightly positive close suggests a tentative start to the January trading series.
First Piper 