Indian equity markets opened in positive territory Monday, with Sensex climbing 0.50 percent and Nifty 50 gaining 120 points despite geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices. GIFT Nifty signals suggested a gap-up start for domestic indices. Sun Pharma emerged as the top gainer, rising 3.28 percent to lead the pharmaceutical sector as a defensive pocket. Infrastructure and metals stocks also provided support, with Adani Ports, JSW Steel, and UltraTech Cement posting gains. However, Axis Bank was the sharpest decliner, sliding 4.12 percent on heavy trading volumes, while Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance also faced selling pressure. Analysts note the market is in a short-term corrective phase with recovery attempts likely to face resistance unless key levels are decisively crossed. Foreign institutional selling continues to weigh on sentiment.
