Stock markets rebound led by banks, positive global trends

Stock market benchmark indices ended higher on Friday (May 22, 2026), helped by buying in blue-chip bank shares and a rally in global peers.

Hopes of progress in the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations also added to markets’ optimism.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 231.99 points, or 0.31%, to settle at 75,415.35. During the day, it surged 627.61 points, or 0.83%, to 75,810.97.

The 50-share NSE Nifty edged higher by 64.60 points or 0.27% to end at 23,719.30.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Trent, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance were among the major winners.

Sun Pharma, ITC, Power Grid and Bharat Electronics were among the laggards.

“Domestic markets traded with a mild positive bias, supported by buying at lower levels and moderately constructive global cues expecting easing tensions in the Middle East. Globally, the AI investment theme remained the primary driver, while domestically financial stocks led the gains,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, climbed 2.3% to $104.7 per barrel.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended higher.

Markets in Europe were trading in positive territory.

U.S. markets ended higher on Thursday (May 21, 2026).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,891.21 crore in the previous session, according to exchange data.

On Thursday (May 21, 2026), the 30-share BSE benchmark declined 135.03 points, or 0.18%, to settle at 75,183.36. The Nifty skidded 4.30 points, or 0.02%, to end at 23,654.70.