The domestic equity benchmarks ended with robust gains on Friday. Equity indices staged a comeback after notching losses in prior seven trading sessions. Bargain hunting emerged after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today raised benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points, along expected lines. The Nifty settled above the 17,000 level, after hitting the day's low of 16,747.70 in the early trade. All the sectoral indices on the NSE ended in the green. Banks and financial services stocks rallied. 

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex jumped 1,016.96 points or 1.80% at 57,426.92. The Nifty 50 index gained 276.25 points or 1.64% at 17,094.35. In the past seven sessions, both the indices dropped over 5.5% each. 

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 1.39% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 1.45%. 

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,341 shares rose and 1,101 shares fell. A total of 96 shares were unchanged. 

Meanwhile, the NSE's India VIX, a gauge of the market's expectation of volatility over the near term, slumped 6.26% to 19.97. 

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its meeting today (30 September 2022) decided to increase the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 50 basis points to 5.90% with immediate effect. The decision was on the expected lines. 

Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stands adjusted to 5.65% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 6.15%. 

The MPC also decided to remain focused on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation remains within the target going forward, while supporting growth. 

These decisions are in consonance with the objective of achieving the medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth. 

The MPC projected that while inflation will average 6.7% in 2022-23, it will head lower in the next financial year. 

Inflation is projected at 6.7% in 2022-23, with Q2 at 7.1%; Q3 at 6.5%; and Q4 at 5.8%, and risks are evenly balanced. CPI inflation for Q1:2023-24 is projected at 5%. 

FY23 real GDP growth is seen at 7% from 7.2% earlier. Real GDP growth for Q2 2022-23 is projected at 6.3%; Q3 at 4.6%; and Q4 at 4.6%, and risks broadly balanced. For Q1:2023-24, it is projected at 7.2%. 

The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled during 5-7 December 2022. 

The Nifty Bank index gained 2.61% to 38,631.95. The index witnessed bargain buying after falling 9.21% in seven trading sessions. 

Federal Bank up 4.82%, Punjab National Bank up 4.58%, IDFC First Bank up 4.5%, Bank of Baroda up 3.92%, IndusInd Bank up 3.55%, AU Small Finance Bank up 3.06%, Kotak Mahindra Bank up 2.95%, HDFC Bank up 2.71%, Bandhan Bank up 2.11% and ICICI Bank up 2.06% rallied. 

Lupin rallied 4.20% after the drug maker said that it has received ANDA approval for its Mirabegron extended-release tablet from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The approved abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) is generic equivalent of Myrbetriq extended-release tablets of Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc. The pharma major said that the product will be manufactured at Lupin's facility in Nagpur, India. 

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) gained 2.43% after the company said it bagged a contract for construction of 4 lane highway in Andhra Pradesh. The company has received contract for construction of 4 lane highway from Samarlakota to Achampeta Junction, from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The contract is a part of Kakinada port to NH - 16 connectivity in Andhra Pradesh under Bharatmala Pariyojana in EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) mode. The total awarded cost of the project is Rs 408 crore. 

Nestle India rose 1.09%. The FMCG major on Friday (30 September 2022) said that David Steven McDaniel, executive director – finance & control and chief financial officer (CFO), shall demit office effective from 1 March 2023. McDaniel will be taking up a new assignment with a Nestlé Affiliate, the company stated. Svetlana Boldina, currently Head of Finance and Control, Nestlé Indonesia, has been nominated to succeed David McDaniel as “executive director – finance & control and chief financial officer” effective from 1 March 2023, subject to approvals. 

Bajaj Electricals advanced 4.64% after the company received an order under the transmission line tower package TW04 from Power Grid Corporation of India. The order entails supply of goods/services under transmission line tower package TW04 for 765 kilovolt D/C Navasari (New) (South Gujarat) - Padghe line (Maharashtra portion), associated with transmission network expansion in Gujarat to increase its air traffic control (ATC) from inter state transmission system (ISTS). The value of the order aggregated to Rs 332.65 crore and is expected to be completed within 15 months from the date of issue of NOA/LOA. 

Ircon International (IRCON) added 0.51%. IRCON has completed commissioning of doubling work of Hajipur- Bachhwara of 72 Route Km including electrification. IRCON was appointed by East Central Railways for this work. 

Motherson Sumi Wiring India added 0.29%. The board of Motherson Sumi Wiring India on Friday (30 September) recommended issuing 2 bonus equity shares against 5 existing equity shares. The bonus issue recommendation is subject to the approval of the shareholders. 

Zydus Lifesciences rose 0.90% after the company on announced that Zydus Animal Health and Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of the firm received two observations after the pre-approval inspection by USFDA at its Ahmedabad manufacturing facility. 

Heritage Foods jumped 9.39%. The company's board has approved issuing 1 new fully paid equity share for each fully paid equity share held (1:1) by eligible shareholders as on the record date. The company plans to issue 4,63,98,000 in the proposed rights issue. The board has constituted 'Rights Issue Committee' to decide detailed terms and conditions of the rights issue.