Share Market Highlights 18 July 2024: Sensex soars to 81,343, Nifty sets new high at 24,800; IT stocks lead rally

Sensex, Nifty updates on 18 July 2024: The stock markets continued their record-breaking streak on Thursday, with the Sensex surpassing 81,000 for the first time and the Nifty reaching 24,800. The Sensex rose by 626.91 points to close at 81,343.46, fuelled by buying in IT, oil & gas, and FMCG shares. IT stocks such as TCS, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra, along with Reliance Industries, helped the index recover from early lows. The Nifty also climbed 187.85 points to settle at an all-time high of 24,800.85. Investor optimism in IT stocks grew following strong performance reports and a weakening rupee, while hopes of a US Fed rate cut boosted FII flows into Indian equities. TCS and Infosys were among the top gainers, while Asian Paints, JSW Steel, NTPC, and Adani Ports were among the laggards. Overall, the markets remained bullish, with both Nifty and Sensex trading at lifetime high levels in the past four sessions.