Indian equity markets surged on April 17, 2025, with the BSE Sensex rising 1,508.91 points (1.96%) to close at 78,553.20 and the NSE Nifty50 gaining 414.45 points (1.77%) to settle at 23,851.65. The Nifty Bank index climbed 1,172 points to 54,290, approaching its 52-week high. The Nifty 50 index has gained 4.6% and the Sensex 4.3% over the past three sessions. The rally was largely driven by strong buying in banking and financial stocks, with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Bharti Airtel among the top contributors. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank shares hit record highs, and the HDFC Group's market capitalization surpassed $200 billion, with HDFC Bank accounting for $171 billion. IndusInd Bank rose 13% over three days, while HDFC Bank gained 1% to a record high of ₹1,885. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers for the second consecutive day, purchasing equities worth Rs 3,936 crore on April 16. The rupee strengthened for a fourth straight session. Global cues were firm, aided by a weakening dollar and hopes for a US-India trade deal. Despite a weak start and pressure from IT stocks, broad-based buying in financials, auto, and oil & gas sectors led to a strong recovery. Top gainers included Zomato (Eternal), Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, and Bajaj Finserv, while Wipro was the top Nifty loser, down 4% on weak Q4 results. Hero MotoCorp shares fell over 3% to Rs 3,665.65 after a temporary production halt at four plants. Adani Group shares also recorded strong gains. The broader markets performed well, with the Nifty Next 50 up 1,900 points and the BSE Bankex up 1,464 points. Midcap and smallcap indices also advanced, and the Nifty closed at a four-month high.