Stock markets end higher; ITC, banks lead recovery as RBI keeps policy rates unchanged
The Hindu
Stock markets rise as RBI holds interest rates steady; ITC and banks lead the recovery amid volatile trading.
Stock markets closed higher on Friday (February 6, 2026) after the Reserve Bank of India kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged as expected and proposed allowing banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with certain prudential safeguards to deepen the financing pool for the real estate sector.
Helped by fag-end buying, the 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 266.47 points or 0.32%, to settle at 83,580.40. From the day's low of 82,925.35, the benchmark jumped 655.05 points at the end of trade.
The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 50.90 points or 0.20%, to end at 25,693.70 in a volatile session.
The Reserve Bank of India kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday (February 6, 2026), as expected, as inflation remained at manageable levels and growth concerns eased following increased government spending in the Budget and reduced tariff pressures after a trade deal with the United States.
The central bank’s six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the repurchase or repo rate at 5.25%. RBI retained its neutral policy stance, signalling that it is likely to remain on hold for now.
From the Sensex firms, ITC jumped the most, by 5.09%.
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