Stock market today (April 17, 2026): Nifty50 ends above 24,350; BSE Sensex up over 500 points

Stock market today: Sensex and Nifty ended in green on Friday on positive global cues. While Nifty50 was above 24,350, BSE Sensex was up over 500 points. Nifty50 ended the day at 24,353.55, up 157 points or 0.65%. BSE Sensex closed at 78,493.54, up 505 points or 0.65%.Market analysts remained cautious, navigating mixed global signals and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “The resilience of the mother market, US, and positive news relating to the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon bode well for the market. However, President Trump’s bravado has to be taken lightly, going by his track record of total inconsistency. Investors should be guided by actions rather than words. A significant and distinct trend in the market is the strength of the mid and small caps relative to the large caps. Fear of FIIs again turning sellers on rallies is weighing on large caps. In the near-term, therefore, the broader market may do better aided by the fund flows and retail buying in the segment. However, the prospects of largecaps are better in the medium to long-term. Investors should monitor Q4 results and management commentary to pick stocks in this results season."Globally, US markets showed modest gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite edging higher after hitting record levels in the previous session. Sentiment was aided by a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which raised expectations that the worst phase of the regional conflict may be nearing an end.Despite this, trading on Wall Street remained choppy. Investors reacted cautiously even after Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire agreement, which could open the door for broader negotiations.In commodities, oil prices declined in early Asian trade after Trump expressed confidence about achieving a lasting truce with Iran before the current ceasefire ends next week. Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped 1.4% to trade near $98 per barrel, giving up part of the gains recorded in the previous session as geopolitical concerns showed signs of easing.On the institutional front, foreign portfolio investors were net buyers of equities worth Rs 382 crore on Thursday. In contrast, domestic institutional investors offloaded shares amounting to Rs 3,428 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)