Sensex Crosses 81,500 Mark On Aug 18, on GST Optimism and Oil Supply Relief

At 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025, the BSE Sensex was trading at 81,528.24, up 930.58 points or 1.15%. The rally was driven by positive global cues after a meeting between US and Russian presidents eased concerns over energy supplies, and domestic optimism around the government’s proposed goods and services tax (GST) reforms.

BSE Sectoral Gains

Auto and consumer stocks were among the biggest gainers, advancing 3.4% and 1.8%, respectively. Mid-cap and small-cap indices each gained about 1%, reflecting broad-based market strength. Financial stocks rose 1.6%, supported by an S&P ratings upgrade for key lenders including HDFC Bank and State Bank of India (SBI).

• HDFC Bank gained 1.4%
• SBI added 0.6%

As per news reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of prospective GST cuts boosted confidence, particularly in consumption linked sectors such as autos, financials, consumer durables, and infrastructure-related industries.

Key Stock Movers

The day’s performance was influenced by strong moves in financial and cement majors, offset slightly by declines in select IT and infra stocks.

1. Stocks Lifting Indices

• Bajaj Finance: CMP ₹911.50
• UltraTech Cement: CMP ₹12,874.95

2. Stocks Dragging Indices

• Larsen & Toubro (L&T): CMP ₹3,644.75
• Infosys: CMP ₹1,440.00

Read More: India’s Gold Reserves Rise as Forex Kitty Hits $693.62 Billion in Week Ending August 8.

Conclusion

The Sensex’s strong start to the week reflects both easing global supply concerns and rising domestic optimism around tax reforms. With autos, financials, and consumption driven sectors leading the gains, market experts suggest that momentum could sustain if GST reforms progress and geopolitical stability holds.

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