Fri Jan 31 06:00:59 UTC 2025: ## Indian Stock Markets Rally Ahead of Union Budget

**Mumbai, January 31, 2025** – Indian stock markets experienced a significant rally on Friday, January 31st, boosted by positive US market trends and strong earnings reports from Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The BSE Sensex surged 188.11 points to close at 76,947.92, while the NSE Nifty climbed 68.6 points to reach 23,318.10.

L&T’s impressive 14% rise in consolidated profit after tax for the December quarter, fueled by increased revenue, contributed significantly to the market’s upward trajectory. Other major gainers included Titan, Maruti, Adani Ports, Nestle, and Power Grid. However, some stocks, including ITC Hotels, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, and Bajaj Finance, underperformed.

Despite the positive early trading, market analysts remain cautious, anticipating significant influence from the upcoming Union Budget. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, noted that while a post-budget rally is likely if the budget includes growth-stimulating measures, the long-term market trend will depend on GDP and earnings growth.

Asian markets showed mixed results, with Tokyo trading positively while Seoul experienced declines. Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong were closed for holidays. US markets closed positively on Thursday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth ₹4,582.95 crore on Thursday. Brent crude oil prices rose 0.83% to $77.51 a barrel. On Thursday, the Sensex closed at 76,759.81 (up 226.85 points) and the Nifty at 23,249.50 (up 86.40 points).

Read More