Sensex, Nifty end marginally higher as FMCG stocks gain; Grasim rises 3%

The S&P BSE Sensex gained 112.10 points to end at 81,053.19, while the NSE Nifty50 added 41.30 points to close at 24,811.50. 

Benchmark stock market indices closed slightly higher on Thursday after a rally in consumer stocks.

The S&P BSE Sensex gained 112.10 points to end at 81,053.19, while the NSE Nifty50 added 41.30 points to close at 24,811.50.

"The market's positive sentiment was bolstered by optimistic global cues, particularly from the U.S. markets, where the S&P 500 extended its winning streak, reflecting investor confidence amid expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve," said Vaibhav Vidwani, Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio Ltd.

Aditya Gaggar Director of Progressive Shares said that non-directional weekly expiry day ended higher at 24,811.50 with gains of 41.30 points. On a sectoral front, Metal was the top gainer followed by PSU Banks and FMCG while Energy was the major laggard.

"Divergence was seen in the Broader market performance where Midcaps outperformed while Smallcaps moved in tandem with the Frontline Index. The Index has virtually touched the target of 24,870 (Today's high- 24,867.35). The range of 24,850-,25,000 is a bearish gap zone, and considering a one-way rally from the past 5 sessions, a pullback can be anticipated where the Index will find support at 24,720," said Gaggar.