Investors gain `10.43L cr during five-day rally

New Delhi: Equity investors became richer by over Rs 10.43 lakh crore in the past five days, as markets continued their winning momentum helped by foreign fund inflows and stable global trends.

The market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms have surged Rs 10,43,216.79 crore to Rs 2,62,37,776.13 crore in the last five trading sessions (March 29-April 6). This week, equity markets were closed on Tuesday (April 4) for 'Mahavir Jayanti'. Markets are closed on Friday on account of 'Good Friday'. Last week, stock markets were closed on Thursday for 'Ram Navami'. The 30-share BSE Sensex has jumped 2,219.25 points or 3.85 per cent in the past five trading sessions.

According to market analysts, the benchmark indices have rallied aided by improved overseas fund inflows and positive global cues. "The Indian equity market saw gains for the second week in a row after a protracted period of underperformance, thanks to stable global cues, FII buying amid valuation comfort, and signs of a worldwide peak in interest rates," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart Ltd. On Thursday, the BSE Sensex had climbed 143.66 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at 59,832.97 after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unexpectedly kept the benchmark rate unchanged.

Umesh Kumar Mehta, CIO, SAMCO MF, said RBI in its act to maintain an equilibrium of growth and inflation has judiciously opted to keep the rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent, diverging from the Fed. "Equity markets had already started consolidating but now since the interest rates are also near the peak cycle, it is an ideal launching pad of a new bull market locally and globally," Mehta added.