Stock Market Live Updates Highlights: Market Rallies For Sixth Straight Day; Pharma Lifts Nifty Above 25,000, Sensex Gains 143 Points

• Nifty closed above 25,050 for the sixth consecutive session on August 21.
• Sensex ended up 142.87 points (0.17%) at 82,000.71.
• Nifty rose by 33.20 points (0.13%) to close at 25,083.75.
• Market breadth: 2025 shares advanced, 1886 declined, 145 unchanged.
• Top Nifty gainers: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Bank, SBI Life Insurance.
• Top losers: Bajaj Auto, Coal India, Power Grid Corporation, Eternal, Tata Consumer Products.
• Sector performance: Pharma index up 1%, Realty index up 0.4%.
• Auto index down 0.3%, FMCG index down 0.6%.
• BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices ended flat.

Industry leaders have welcomed the proposal to exempt health and life insurance premiums from GST for individuals, but they warn of possible unintended consequences. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, insurance executives stated that if the exemption is implemented without addressing the inverted duty structure, it could lead to a 7–10% increase in premiums. This is because insurers would lose input tax credits on services used, thereby increasing operational costs. Such a rise in premiums could dampen consumer demand, especially in price-sensitive segments. Experts urge policymakers to address the structural issues to avoid negatively impacting insurance penetration in India

The Indian rupee rose 14 paise to 86.93 against the US dollar in early trade on August 21. This gain was supported by positive domestic stock markets and improved investor risk appetite, boosting confidence in the currency.

India’s mutual fund industry reached a new milestone in July, with assets under management (AUM) climbing to ₹75.36 lakh crore, according to ICRA Analytics. This growth was driven by record inflows through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), signaling strong investor confidence. Additionally, expectations of continued liquidity support, buoyant equity markets, and active participation in debt instruments contributed to the surge.

Indian markets opened slightly higher today, continuing their winning streak.
The Sensex opened at 82,014.50, up 156.66 points, and the Nifty started at 25,091.15, gaining 40.60 points.

Early gains were driven by buying in IT, FMCG, and real estate stocks, reflecting steady investor confidence. Global cues remain supportive ahead of key central bank updates.

Global markets are treading cautiously today as investors await cues from the U.S. Federal Reserve. GIFT Nifty signals a muted start, while Asian markets trade mixed—China, Hong Kong, and South Korea are higher, but Japan’s Nikkei continues to slip.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 has logged a four-day losing streak, with US tech stocks under pressure. US futures are flat after a mixed session. The Fed meeting minutes revealed concerns over inflation, tariffs, and the job market, with some members dissenting on keeping rates steady.

Key data due today includes weekly jobless claims and existing home sales. All eyes now turn to Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole on Friday, which could shape global market sentiment.

Meanwhile, the US 10-year yield dipped slightly, the dollar fell, and gold gained. Oil trades above $67, amid focus on Ukraine peace talks.

Indian markets extended their winning streak on August 20, with the Sensex up 213 points at 81,857.84 and Nifty closing 70 points higher at 25,050.55, marking the longest rally in two months.

The uptrend was led by IT, FMCG, and realty stocks, with Infosys, TCS, HUL, Nestle, and NTPC among top gainers. Midcap and smallcap indices also added 0.3%.

Not all sectors joined the rally, media fell 2%, while pharma and private banks dipped slightly. Key laggards included Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finance, and IndusInd Bank.

The market mood looks optimistic today as GIFT Nifty trends suggest a positive opening for Indian equities. Futures are up by 12.5 points, or 0.05%, trading around the 25,092.50 mark.

While the gain may seem modest, it reflects continued investor confidence after five straight sessions of market gains. Could this be the sixth?

If you’re tracking the Nifty, now’s a good time to review your positions.