After opening the day higher, Indian benchmark indices gained as the session progressed and ended the day on firm footing.

Benchmark equity indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 continued their upward movement in 2025, closing over one and a half percent higher on Thursday.

At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex stood higher by 1,436 points (up 1.8%).

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty closed higher by 446 points (up 1.9%).

Eicher Motors, Bajaj Finance, and Maruti Suzuki are among the top gainers today.

Sun Pharma and Britannia on the other hand, were among the top losers today.

The GIFT Nifty was trading at 24,251 up by 365 points at the time of writing.

The BSE MidCap index ended 0.9% higher and the BSE SmallCap index ended 0.7% higher.

Sectoral indices were trading on a positive note with stocks in the auto sector, energy sector, and IT sector witnessing the most buying speer.

Lupin, M&M, and Laurus Labs hit their respective 52-week highs today.

The rupee is trading at 85.76 against the US$.

Gold prices for the latest contract on MCX are trading 0.4% higher at Rs 77,167 per 10 grams.

Meanwhile, silver prices were trading 1% higher at Rs 88,464 per 1 kg.

Here are the three key factors that drive the market's momentum.

#1 Global Markets

US and European stock futures surged following a year-end selloff as traders returned from their New Year's Day break. Euro Stoxx 50 and Nasdaq 100 futures both rose by more than 0.5% during Asian trading, following a period where investors had reduced their exposure to risk assets in the final days of 2024.

Technology stocks could drive the gains after experiencing four consecutive days of declines up until Tuesday.

#2 GST Collection

The GST collection for December increased by 7.3 percent year-on-year, reaching ?1.77 lakh crore, indicating a recovery in consumption activities.

#3 Q3 Earning Update

Positive business updates for the third quarter from key sectors, including automotive and financials, have boosted expectations for Q3 earnings. Major companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and CSB Bank have shown encouraging trends, providing an optimistic outlook.
 

Hyundai India Jumps 2%. Here's Why

In news from the auto sector, Hyundai Motor India on 2 January unveiled the Hyundai CRETA Electric following which the firm's shares rose over 2%.

This groundbreaking electric SUV combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled safety to set new benchmarks in India's EV market.

Designed to lead, the Hyundai CRETA Electric promises to redefine the market with its electrifying performance, futuristic design, and user-centric innovations.

On 2 January, the company's shares rose 2% to trade at Rs 1,854 apiece. The stock was listed on stock exchanges in October.

The Hyundai CRETA Electric can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes (DC charging), while the 11kW Smart Connected Wall Box charger can charge from 10%-100% in 4 hours, the company added.
 

Eicher Motors Surge Over 6%. Here's Why.

Moving on, shares of Royal Enfield-maker Eicher Motors rose over 6% on 2 January as the company reported a 25% jump in motorcycle sales in December.

In a stock exchange filing, the company said its total motorcycle sales in December rose 25% to 79,466 units as against 63,387 units in the year-ago period.

The company's international business outperformed by rising 90% to 11,575 units.

Royal Enfield commenced operations of its first fully owned and operated CKD assembly facility outside India in Samut Prakan, Bangkok. The new plant highlights the brand's commitment to the Thai market and the wider APAC region.

With a modern 57,000 sq. ft. setup and an installed capacity of over 30,000 units annually, the facility is Royal Enfield's sixth CKD assembly unit globally, joining existing plants in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Royal Enfield's premium line-up includes electric vehicle brand, Flying Flea - including the Classic-styled Flying Flea C6 and Scrambler-styled Flying Flea S6 - that recently showcased in Milan.

Eicher Motors offer valuable insights into what it takes to succeed without relying on borrowed money. 
 

South Indian Bank Sprints 3%

Moving on to news from the banking sector, shares of South Indian Bank surged 3% to Rs 26 per share on 2 January after it reported a steady October-December quarter (Q3FY25) business update.

The lender's gross advances rose by 12% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 869.7 bn in Q3, while deposits grew by 6.2% YoY to Rs 1.1 tn. CASA ratio, meanwhile, fell to 31.1% during the quarter as compared to 31.8% in the year-ago period.

The Kerala-based lender also reported a steady Q2FY25 performance. It reported 11% YoY growth in interest income and profit-after-tax (PAT) increased by 18.2% YoY. Asset quality also improved, with GNPA/NNPA at 4.4%/1.3%.

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