After hitting record high points, Indian equity benchmarks ended flat with positive bias on Thursday. Markets made a positive start and touched lifetime high-points amid rising optimism that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates by 25 basis points in December, along with heavy buying by Foreign Institutional Investors. However, profit booking at higher level dragged markets closer to neutral line. But indices managed to close in green.

Some of the important factors in trade:

India's economy to grow at 6.6% in 2025-26: Sentiments remained upbeat as the International Monetary Fund said India's economy is estimated to grow at 6.6 per cent in 2025-26, noting that the Goods and Services Tax reforms are likely to help cushion the country from the adverse impact of the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US. 

India, UAE discuss trade, FTA progress: Traders took note of report that the commerce ministry has said that India and the UAE have discussed issues related to market access, data sharing, allocation of gold import quota, and anti-dumping matters, services, Rules of Origin, BIS licensing to boost economic ties. 

Foreign fund inflows: Traders took support from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 4,778.03 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Global front: European markets were trading mostly in red amid uncertainty about success of the new U.S. proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war after European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia of having no real intent for peace talks. Asian markets ended mostly in green amid renewed optimism about a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. 

The BSE Sensex ended at 85720.38, up by 110.87 points or 0.13% after trading in a range of 85473.85 and 86055.86. There were 15 stocks advancing against 15 stocks declining on the index. (Provisional)

The broader indices ended in red; the BSE Mid cap index was down by 0.01%, while Small cap index down by 0.38%. (Provisional)

The few gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were IT up by 0.20%, Bankex up by 0.15% and TECK up by 0.03%, while Oil & Gas down by 0.84%, Realty down by 0.76%, Energy down by 0.55%, Consumer Discretionary down by 0.48% and Capital Goods down by 0.48% were the top losing indices on BSE. (Provisional)

The top gainers on the Sensex were Bajaj Finance up by 2.27%, ICICI Bank up by 1.24%, Bajaj Finserv up by 1.11%, Hindustan Unilever up by 1.05% and HCL Technologies up by 0.82%. On the flip side, Maruti Suzuki down by 1.42%, Eternal down by 1.35%, Ultratech Cement down by 1.15%, SBI down by 1.14% and Tata Steel down by 0.97% were the top losers. (Provisional)

Meanwhile, India and Slovenia have discussed ways to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries, during the 10th session of the India-Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC). The session provided a platform to review the current state of bilateral economic engagement, strengthen cooperation across key sectors, and chart a forward-looking roadmap for trade and investment between the two nations.

Sectoral cooperation was explored across agriculture, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, health, transport, energy, tourism, MSMEs, and Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine, as well as other trade and business-related matters. Both sides expressed optimism for the early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The 10th JCTEC reaffirmed India’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic economic partnership with Slovenia, built on mutual trust, shared values, and enduring friendship, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration across Europe and India. Besides, bilateral trade between India and Slovenia has shown a consistent upward trajectory over the past several years, reflecting the growing depth and resilience of the partnership.

The CNX Nifty ended at 26215.55, up by 10.25 points or 0.04% after trading in a range of 26141.90 and 26310.45. There were 22 stocks advancing against 28 stocks declining on the index. (Provisional)

The top gainers on Nifty were Bajaj Finance up by 2.29%, Shriram Finance up by 1.29%, ICICI Bank up by 1.25%, Hindustan Unilever up by 1.09% and Bajaj Finserv up by 0.87%. On the flip side, Eicher Motors down by 2.77%, Adani Enterprises down by 2.59%, Maruti Suzuki down by 1.57%, Bajaj Auto down by 1.54% and ONGC down by 1.49% were the top losers. (Provisional)

European markets were trading mostly in red; UK’s FTSE 100 decreased 23.23 points or 0.24% to 9,668.35 and France’s CAC fell 1.23 points or 0.02% to 8,095.20, while Germany’s DAX gained 33.08 points or 0.14% to 23,759.30.