Sensex Edges Higher as Commodities Surge and IT Sector Retreats

34 minutes ago
share
Share Via
The Indian equity market witnessed a modest uptick on 18 Sep 2026, with the Sensex gaining 233.32 points or 0.31% to close at 74,547.91. Broad-based sectoral strength, led by commodities, supported the advance, while the IT sector faced notable pressure. Market breadth remained positive with a strong advance-decline ratio, reflecting underlying resilience despite select large-cap losses.
Sensex Edges Higher as Commodities Surge and IT Sector Retreats

Sensex and Nifty Performance Overview

The Sensex opened at 74,575.24, registering an intraday gain of 260.65 points (0.35%) before settling slightly lower but still up by 0.31%. The index remains approximately 4.03% above its 52-week low of 71,545.81, signalling a cautious recovery phase. Notably, the Sensex is trading below its 50-day moving average (DMA), which itself is positioned below the 200 DMA, indicating a medium-term bearish technical setup despite the short-term bounce.

The Nifty mirrored this trend, with midcap and smallcap indices outperforming the large caps. The S&P BSE 150 Midcap Index rose 1.11%, while the S&P BSE 250 Smallcap Index gained 1.0%. The BSE 100 Index also advanced by 0.41%, underscoring broad market participation beyond the headline indices.

Sectoral Trends: Commodities Lead, IT Lags

Out of 38 sectors tracked, 34 advanced while only 4 declined, highlighting widespread buying interest. The S&P BSE Commodities sector was the top performer, surging 3.73% on the back of robust gains in select stocks and positive global commodity cues. This sector’s strength was a key driver behind the overall market’s upward momentum.

Conversely, the Nifty IT sector was the sole major laggard, falling 1.66%. This decline was largely attributable to profit booking and sector rotation, with heavyweight IT stocks under pressure.

Top Gainers and Losers Across Market Caps

Among large caps, CG Power & Industrial emerged as the top gainer, climbing 3.18%. Midcaps saw a remarkable surge in Adani Total Gas, which soared 12.71%, reflecting strong investor interest and possibly anticipation ahead of upcoming corporate developments. Syrma SGS Technologies led the small caps with a 7.76% gain, followed by Jyoti CNC Automation, which rose 6.93%.

On the downside, Tata Chemicals was the most significant decliner in the small-cap space, plunging 10.42%. Other notable losers included Zydus Wellness (-5.23%) and New India Assurance (-4.29%). Among large caps, TCS dropped 3.65%, while Godrej Industries declined 2.69% in the midcap segment.

Market Breadth and Investor Activity

The advance-decline ratio across the BSE 500 was a healthy 2.58x, with 358 stocks advancing against 139 declining. This positive breadth suggests that the market’s gains were supported by a broad base of stocks rather than concentrated buying in a few names.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) activity data was not explicitly disclosed today, but the market’s overall positive tone and sectoral breadth imply continued participation from both categories, especially in mid and small caps.

Patience pays off here! This Micro Cap from Fertilizers sector has delivered steady gains quarter after quarter. Now proudly part of our Reliable Performers list.

  • - New Reliable Performer
  • - Steady quarterly gains
  • - Fertilizers consistency

Discover the Steady Winner →

Technical and Valuation Insights

Despite the positive session, the Sensex’s position below the 50 DMA and the 50 DMA’s placement beneath the 200 DMA indicate that the broader trend remains under pressure. Investors should be cautious as the market attempts to consolidate gains. The midcap and smallcap indices’ outperformance suggests that risk appetite is gradually returning, but selective stock picking remains essential.

Valuation metrics across sectors remain mixed. Commodities stocks are benefiting from global demand recovery and supply constraints, while IT valuations appear stretched amid profit-taking. The divergence in sector performance highlights the importance of thematic investing aligned with macroeconomic trends.

Upcoming Corporate Results to Watch

Market participants will closely monitor the upcoming quarterly results of Augmont Enterprises and Symbiotec Pharma, both scheduled for 21 Sep 2026. These earnings releases could provide fresh catalysts for their respective sectors and influence broader market sentiment.

Global Cues and Their Impact

Global markets showed mixed signals today, with commodity prices firming up amid supply concerns, which bolstered the domestic commodities sector. Meanwhile, technology stocks globally faced pressure, mirroring the weakness seen in India’s IT sector. Investors remain watchful of international developments, including central bank policies and geopolitical tensions, which continue to influence risk appetite.

Thinking about ? Our real-time Verdict report breaks down everything – from financial health and peer comparison to technical signals and fair valuation for this stock!

  • - Real-time Verdict available
  • - Financial health breakdown
  • - Fair valuation calculated

Check the Verdict Now →

Conclusion: A Cautious Optimism Prevails

Today’s market action reflects a cautious optimism among investors, with broad-based sectoral gains offsetting pockets of weakness in IT and select large caps. The strong performance of mid and small caps, led by Adani Total Gas and Syrma SGS Technologies, signals renewed risk appetite. However, the technical backdrop and selective sector underperformance warrant a measured approach.

Investors should continue to monitor key technical levels and upcoming earnings results, while favouring sectors with robust fundamentals and positive global tailwinds. The commodities sector remains a bright spot, supported by global supply dynamics, whereas IT investors may await clearer signs of recovery before committing fresh capital.

Mojo Stocks - The Top 1% Picks across Markets

Top 10 Large Cap Mid Cap Small Cap
{{col.header}}
Latest
OPEN CALL
CLOSED CALL
{{s[col.key]}} {{s.change_value}}
{{ s.score.value }} - {{ s.score.call_type }}
{{ s.dot_summary.score }} - {{ s.dot_summary.scoreText }}
{{s[col.key]}} {{col.extra}}

Our weekly and monthly stock recommendations are here
Loading...
{{!sm.blur ? sm.comp_name : ''}}
Industry
{{sm.old_ind_name }}
Market Cap
{{sm.mcapsizerank }}
Date of Entry
{{sm.date }}
Entry Price
Target Price
{{sm.target_price }} ({{sm.performance_target }}%)
Holding Duration
{{sm.target_duration }}
Last 1 Year Return
{{sm.performance_1y}}%
{{sm.comp_name}} price as on {{sm.todays_date}}
{{sm.price_as_on}} ({{sm.performance}}%)
Industry
{{sm.old_ind_name}}
Market Cap
{{sm.mcapsizerank}}
Date of Entry
{{sm.date}}
Entry Price
{{sm.opening_price}}
Last 1 Year Return
{{sm.performance_1y}}%
Related News