Weekly Roundup: Key Highlights from India’s Stock Market (August 18-24, 2025)
Highlights from India’s Stock Market
Introduction
The Indian stock market delivered a dynamic week from August 18 to 24, 2025, marked by robust gains early on and a cautious close. Investors witnessed the benchmark indices—BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50—climb steadily for six consecutive sessions before a pullback on Friday.
Key drivers included promises of GST reforms, strong performances in IT and pharma sectors, and global optimism from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s hints at potential rate cuts.
Despite the Friday dip, the week ended on a positive note overall, with the Nifty snapping a six-week losing streak earlier in the period.
This roundup breaks down daily highlights, sector movements, and forward-looking insights, helping Indian investors navigate the evolving landscape.
The market’s resilience shone through amid geopolitical updates and domestic policy pushes, such as easing business operations. With the target audience in India, this analysis focuses on local implications, including how these events affect retail investors, traders, and long-term portfolios.
External resources like the Economic Times and Moneycontrol provide deeper dives into specific data points.
Daily Market Highlights
Monday, August 18, 2025: Strong Start with GST Reform Boost
The week kicked off energetically as the BSE Sensex surged 676 points to settle at 81,273, while the NSE Nifty 50 climbed 1% to close above 24,850. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hints at GST reforms sparked widespread optimism, lifting market sentiment and driving gains across sectors. Maruti Suzuki and other auto stocks led the charge, reflecting broader economic confidence.
Investors eyed breakout stocks like those recommended by experts, including potential buys in various segments.
Stocks to watch included Vodafone Idea (Vi), Glenmark Pharma, BPCL, NTPC, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), with announcements on dividends and corporate developments influencing trades.
The market capitalization expanded, underscoring a bullish undertone. For more on the day’s live updates, check out Moneycontrol’s coverage.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025: Continued Momentum with Reliance in Focus
Building on Monday’s gains, the Sensex advanced 370 points to 81,644, and the Nifty closed above 24,950.
Reliance Industries played a pivotal role, boosting the indices amid positive global cues. Broader indices, including midcaps and smallcaps, outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap index surging notably.
Gold ETF holdings rose 42% year-on-year to 67 tonnes, signaling investor interest in safe-haven assets. The market rallied for the fourth straight day, with optimism around ease-of-doing-business initiatives. Key performers included IT and consumer stocks. Explore detailed analysis on The Hindu BusinessLine.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025: IT Sector Drives Nifty Past 25,000
The upward trend persisted as the Sensex gained 213 points to end at 81,857, pushing the Nifty above 25,000 for the first time in the week. The IT index soared 2.6%, fueled by anticipation of US Fed rate cuts, while realty climbed 1%. This marked the fifth consecutive session of gains, with Infosys jumping 4%.
Midcap and smallcap indices added 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively, showing broad-based participation. However, some caution emerged from global events. For live insights, refer to Reuters’ report.
Thursday, August 21, 2025: Pharma Leads Sixth Day of Gains
Financials and pharma sectors propelled the market higher, with the Sensex up 142 points to 82,000 and the Nifty closing above 25,050. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Cipla rose 3% and 2%, respectively, amid positive sector news. Reliance continued to support the rally.
Auto and FMCG sectors lagged, but overall sentiment remained upbeat with GST reforms in play. The index hit a high of 82,231 intraday. Check out Times of India’s summary for more.
Friday, August 22, 2025: Pullback Amid Fed Speech Anticipation
The winning streak ended as the Sensex shed 694 points to 81,306, and the Nifty dipped below 24,900. Caution prevailed ahead of Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, with ITC and banks weighing down the indices. Despite the daily loss, weekly gains stood firm.
Top reasons for the fall included profit-booking and global tariff concerns. For a detailed breakdown, visit Business Standard.
Weekend Updates: August 23-24, 2025
Markets remained closed over the weekend, but news flowed on upcoming IPOs like Vikram Solar and policy shifts. Powell’s rate-cut hints boosted global sentiment, setting a positive tone for Monday. Analysts predicted a gap-up open, with Nifty eyeing 25,000 again.
Key Sector Performances
IT emerged as the week’s star, surging on US rate-cut expectations and Nasdaq influences. The sector gained over 2.6% mid-week, with stocks like Infosys leading. Pharma followed suit, up due to strong earnings from Cipla and Dr. Reddy’s.
Financials powered Thursday’s rise, benefiting from RBI’s growth focus. Realty and consumer goods showed mixed results, while auto dipped later. Overall, midcaps and smallcaps outperformed benchmarks, adding depth to the rally.
Regulatory and Economic Developments
India’s markets regulator proposed restructuring equity indices linked to derivatives in a phased manner.
The RBI chief emphasized balancing growth and inflation, not losing sight of economic objectives. These moves aim to enhance market stability.
Globally, US tariffs and foreign outflows clouded the outlook, but modest gains are expected for Nifty by year-end. For expert views, see Reuters’ poll.
Expert Insights and Stock Recommendations
Analysts like Sumeet Bagadia highlighted breakout stocks such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, and Sun Pharma for Monday buys.
Weekly predictions point to Nifty testing 25,120, with support at 24,600.
Fund managers are shifting to match policy changes, favoring sectors like cement (up 71% in recent quarters) over healthcare. Investors should monitor VIX levels, which rose slightly but stayed low at 11.73.
Outlook for the Coming Week
Looking ahead to August 25-29, 2025, markets anticipate a positive start with Gift Nifty signaling gains. Key events include Fed rate decisions and domestic data releases.
Nifty may target 25,834 by year-end, per polls. Traders should watch resistance at 25,050 and support at 24,850.In summary, the week showcased India’s market strength amid reforms and global cues.
Stay informed via reliable sources like CNBC TV18 for real-time updates.
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