Although the benchmark indices opened lower, they traded volatily throughout the session and ultimately closed green.

Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty50, closed higher for the third straight session on Thursday, despite bouts of volatility during the early trading hours. However, optimism improved after the annual Economic Survey was released.

At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex closed higher by 222 points (up 0.3%).

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty closed 76 points higher (up 0.6%).

Tata Steel, Axis Bank, and NTPC are among the top gainers today

Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, and TCS, on the other hand, were among the top losers today.

The GIFT Nifty was trading at  25,52,8, higher by 101 points at the time of writing.

The BSE MidCap index ended 1.5% lower, and the BSE SmallCap index ended 2.2% lower.

Sectoral indices are trading mixed today, with stocks in the metal sector and the power sector witnessing buying. Meanwhile, stocks in the IT sector and the auto sector witnessed selling pressure.

The rupee is trading at Rs 90 against the US$.

Gold prices for the latest contract on MCX are trading 5% higher at Rs 174,700 per grams.

Meanwhile, silver prices were trading 5% higher at Rs 405,607 per 1 kg.
 

eClerx Services Q3 Results

In the news from IT sector, shares of eClerx Services came into focus after the company reported its Q3 FY26 results.

In Q3, eClerx Services reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1.92 billion (bn), up 39.7% from Rs 1.37 bn a year ago. Its revenue from operations rose to Rs 10.70 bn from Rs 8.54 bn.

Additionally, the company's board has approved a 1:1 bonus issue, meaning shareholders will receive one free share for every share they currently hold. Bonus shares are issued from a company's reserves or retained earnings and are given to existing shareholders for free.

Companies issue bonus shares to make shares more affordable for retail investors, show financial strength, boost trading activity, and encourage more investor participation.
 

Balu Forge Joins NATO Defence Supply

Moving on to the news from defence sector, shares of Balu Forge came into focus after the company announced its formal induction into the Nato supply chain for critical defence components.

Balu Forge Industries stated that its selection as a NATO partner is due to its advanced forging technology, which enables the production of components with high precision. By using modern closed-die forging processes, the company ensures that artillery shells and other components meet the strict reliability standards required for contemporary defence systems.

The partnership allows Balu Forge to manufacture and supply high-spec artillery shell bodies and complex forged components to NATO member countries. The company said this move significantly expands its global presence and diversifies its high-margin revenue streams.

Being part of the NATO supply chain provides a long-term growth platform, positioning Balu Forge at the heart of the alliance's industrial modernization efforts, while also delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
 

Somany Ceramics Q3 FY26 Results

Moving on to the news from ceramic product sector, shares of Somany Ceramics came into focus after the company reported its Q3 FY26 results.

Somany Ceramics' share price rose on Thursday after the company reported strong growth in its Q3FY26 results. The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 0.17 bn, up 75.9% from Rs 0.10 bn in Q3FY25.

Consolidated sales increased 5.7% year-on-year to Rs 6.77 bn, compared to Rs 6.40 bn a year ago. EBITDA for the quarter rose 16% to Rs 0.62 bn from Rs 0.53 bn in the same period last year.

The company said better capacity utilization and strict cost control helped improve margins.

However, Somany Ceramics also reported an exceptional loss of Rs 0.16 bn in Q3FY26 due to changes in labour laws.

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