Samvat 2082 gets off to quiet but positive start

Sensex, Nifty end flat but log fresh 1-yr highs in muhurat session

- SUNDAR SETHURAMAN & KHUSHBOO TIWARI

Domestic equity markets posted modest gains during the hourlong ceremonial muhurat trading session on Tuesday, marking the start of Samvat 2082, the new Hindu calendar year. This was the eighth consecutive year that saw benchmark indices ending the special session in the green.

The Sensex settled at 84,426, up 63 points, or 0.07 per cent, while the Nifty 50 gained 26 points, or 0.1 per cent, to close at 25,869. Both indices finished at fresh one-year highs.

Broader indices mirrored the trend — the Nifty Midcap 100 rose 0.1 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 0.5 per cent. Market breadth remained strong, with 3,023 stocks advancing, against 954 declines. Most sectoral indices ended higher, barring the Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Realty indices.

Stock exchanges conduct the one-hour muhurat trading session every year to mark the beginning of a new Hindu calendar year. This year, for the first time, the session was held in the afternoon instead of its traditional evening slot.