Mixed Cues Weigh on Domestic Markets as Crude Prices Rise

Domestic equity markets remained subdued on Monday, as investors weighed the impact of rising crude oil prices against resilient domestic demand and continued foreign investor buying.

The Sensex climbed to an intraday high of 78,676, a gain of 177.81 points or 0.22 per cent, while the Nifty advanced around 50 points or 0.2 per cent to 24,620.

Among sectoral indices, pharma and healthcare stocks performed well, with the Nifty Pharma gaining 0.72 per cent, followed by Nifty MidSmall Healthcare at 0.63 per cent and Nifty500 Healthcare at 0.63 per cent.

Market experts attributed the mildly bullish undertone to better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and resilient domestic demand.