In a volatile trading session, the Sensex opened down by 299.17 points but made a notable recovery, gaining 500.20 points to settle at 81,184.34, reflecting a 0.25% increase. The index is currently 3.59% shy of its 52-week high of 84,099.53. Notably, the Sensex is trading above its 50-day moving average, with the 50 DMA positioned above the 200 DMA, indicating a bullish trend.
Small-cap stocks led the market today, with the BSE Small Cap index rising by 0.94%. The advance-decline ratio across the BSE500 showed a strong preference for advancing stocks, with 336 advances compared to 164 declines, resulting in a ratio of 2.05x. Among the sectors, 30 out of 38 advanced, with NIFTYMETAL emerging as the top gainer, up by 1.89%.

In terms of individual stocks, KIOCL surged by 20.00%, leading the BSE500 gainers, followed by Aegis Logistics at 11.87% and EIH at 8.86%. Conversely, Max Healthcare and Sun TV Network were among the top losers, declining by 4.31% and 4.23%, respectively. Overall, the market displayed resilience, with small caps and select sectors driving the positive momentum.