Sensex jumps over 1,000 factors, Nifty tops 24,953.50 stage buoyed by proposed GST reforms

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early commerce on Monday (August 18, 2025), buoyed by plans for giant bang reforms within the GST regime by Diwali and S&P upgrading India’s sovereign credit standing.

Auto, shopper discretionary and shopper durables shares propelled the rally within the fairness market.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,021.93 factors to 81,619.59 in early commerce. The 50-share NSE Nifty surged 322.2 factors to 24,953.50.

From the Sensex companies, Maruti, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, Trent and Bajaj Finserv have been among the many main gainers.

However, Larsen and Toubro, ITC, HCL Technologies and Infosys have been the laggards.

“There are strong tailwinds for the market with potential to take it higher. Declarations by the prime minister on the next major reforms in GST by Diwali are a big positive. S&P upgrading India’s sovereign credit rating is another major positive,” VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, mentioned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 17, 2025) mentioned the Centre has circulated the draft of the next-generation GST reforms amongst states and sought their cooperation to implement the proposal earlier than Diwali.

Mr. Modi had introduced the proposal to reform the GST legislation in his Independence Day speech on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

“The expectation is that most of the goods and services will be in the 5 per cent and 18 per cent tax slabs. Sectors like autos and cement, which are presently in the 28 per cent tax slabs, are expected to benefit. TVS Motors, Hero, Eicher, M&M and Maruti are likely to respond positively to the news. Insurance companies are also expected to benefit from the GST revision,” Vijayakumar added.

In Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng traded in optimistic territory whereas South Korea’s Kospi quoted decrease.

The U.S. markets ended principally decrease on Friday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.05% to $65.82 a barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities price Rs 1,926.76 crore on Thursday, in line with trade knowledge.

On Thursday, the Sensex climbed 57.75 factors or 0.07% to settle at 80,597.66. The Nifty rose by 11.95 factors or 0.05% to 24,631.30.

Equity markets have been closed on Friday for Independence Day.