Sensex, Nifty End Modestly Higher; Automakers Surge

(RTTNews) - Indian shares eked out modest gains on Friday even as the rupee hit a new record low due to dollar demand from importers towards the end of the month and amid continued outflows from foreign investors (FIIs).

Global cues were muted amid uncertainties on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path in 2025 and potential shifts in tariff policies from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

The benchmark S&P/BSE Sensex ended the session up 226.59 points, or 0.29 percent, at 78,699.07 while the broader Nifty index closed at 23,813.40, up 63.20 points, or 0.27 percent, from its previous close.

Automakers, financials and pharma companies topped the gainers list, with Eicher Motors, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, IndusInd Bank and Dr Reddy's Laboratories rallying 2-3 percent.

On the flip side, BEL, ONGC, Coal India, SBI and Hindalco dropped 1-2 percent.

Media stocks posted broad-based gains, with Den Networks, Hathway Cable & Datacom and Network 18 Media & Investments all rising around 2 percent.

Garware Technical Fibres surged 4.6 percent after it received in-principle approval from Bombay Stock Exchange (NSE) for a 4:1 bonus issue.