The key equity indices traded with major gains in early trade, mirroring global cues. The Nifty traded above the 25,550 mark. All the sectoral indices on NSE were in the green with IT, realty and bank shares gaining the most. At 09:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex was rallied 674.97 points or 0.81% to 83,618.10. The Nifty 50 index advanced 192.45 points or 0.76% to 25,570.00. The Sensex and Nifty clocked an all-time high of 83,359.17 and 25,587.10 respectively in early trade. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index added 0.70% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.47%. The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,078 shares rose and 835 shares fell. A total of 123 shares were unchanged. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,153.69 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 152.31 crore in the Indian equity market on 18 September 2024, provisional data showed. Economy: Fed Cuts Rates for the First Time in Years, Signaling Policy Shift: The US Federal Reserve made a significant policy shift on Wednesday, reducing interest rates by 50 basis points. This marks the first rate cut in over four years, signaling a potential easing of the restrictive monetary policy implemented to combat inflation. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) justified the decision, citing progress in curbing inflation and a shifting balance of risks. The rate cut is expected to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, stimulating spending and investment. While the 50-basis point cut was at the higher end of market expectations, analysts anticipate further rate reductions in the coming months. The Fed hinted at two more 25-basis point cuts this year, but market sentiment suggests more aggressive easing could be on the horizon. Despite the optimism surrounding rate cuts, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations. He emphasized that the central bank does not intend to return to the era of ultra-low interest rates seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Powell indicated that the Fed's neutral rate is likely to be higher than in the past, suggesting a less accommodative monetary policy stance going forward. The Fed's rate cut will have global repercussions, particularly in emerging markets like India. Lower interest rates in the US can influence capital flows and exchange rates, affecting these economies' financial conditions. Stocks in Spotlight: Ion Exchange (India) jumped 7.36% after the company announced that it has been awarded contracts worth Rs 161.19 crore from Adani Power for comprehensive & complete total water & environment management solution. Power Grid Corporation of India rose 0.28%. The company has received a Letter of Intent for the project, which includes establishing a new 765/400/220 kV substation at Kurawar, along with 765 kV & 400 kV D/C transmission lines and associated bays extension works at other existing substations in Madhya Pradesh. Numbers to Track: The yield on India's 10-year benchmark federal paper advanced 1.59% to 6.887 as compared with previous close 6.779. In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 83.7300, compared with its close of 83.7650 during the previous trading session. MCX Gold futures for 4 October 2024 settlement shed 0.16% to Rs 72,947. The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was up 0.44% to 101.04. The United States 10-year bond yield added 0.99% to 3.729. In the commodities market, Brent crude for November 2024 settlement lost 2 cent or 0.03% to $73.63 a barrel. Global Markets: Dow Jones Futures were up 268 points, indicating a strong opening in the US stock market today. Asian stocks surged on Thursday, buoyed by the Federal Reserve's unexpected 50-basis point interest rate cut. Japanese shares climbed as the yen weakened ahead of the Bank of Japan's policy meeting on Friday. The Bank of England is also scheduled to announce its monetary policy decision later in the week. While the Fed's rate cut provided a boost to regional markets, gains were tempered by the weak overnight performance on Wall Street. The outsized cut raised concerns about potential economic slowdown, leading to some cautious trading. In China, investors await the central bank's decision on the benchmark loan prime rate on Friday. Analysts generally expect no changes, given Beijing's conservative approach to stimulus measures. US stock market closed with modest losses and the dollar strengthened on Wednesday following the Fed's rate cut. The S&P 500 declined by 0.29%, falling slightly below its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite also experienced minor losses. Trading in Tupperware Brands remained suspended after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, sending its stock plummeting. US retail sales, unadjusted for inflation, increased 0.1% in August after an upwardly revised 1.1% gain, pointing to healthy consumer demand that continues to underpin the economy. Excluding autos and gasoline stations, sales advanced for a fourth month.Powered by Capital Market - Live

The project involves engineering, procurement & construction of total water & environment management systems for process & utility required of 2 x 800 MW units for Raipur & Raigarh ultra super power projects. The projects are to be completed within 18 months from project award dates. Adani Power, a part of the diversified Adani Group, is the largest private thermal power producer in India. Mumbai-based Ion Exchange (India) is engaged in providing water treatment solutions. It offers a wide range of solutions across the water cycle from pre-treatment to process water treatment, wastewater treatment, recycle, zero liquid discharge, sewage treatment, packaged drinking water, sea water desalination etc. The company exports to Africa, Japan, Middle East, Russia, Southeast Asia, Europe, UK, USA, Canada and neighbouring countries. On a consolidated basis, net profit of Ion Exchange (India) jumped 35.1% to Rs 44.96 crore on 18.4% increase in net sales to Rs 567.57 crore in Q1 June 2024 over Q1 June 2023. Powered by Capital Market - Live

Ion Exchange (India) has been awarded Contracts from Technimont SpA, Italy for De-Oiling, Demineralization and Condensate Poly Unit Packages for the Hail & Ghasha Development Project of ADNOC, U.A.E. totaling to approximately Rs 168 crore. The projects are to be completed within 61 weeks from Project Award dates.Powered by Capital Market - Live

Ion Exchange (India) Ltd gained 1.59% today to trade at Rs 715.85. The BSE Utilities index is up 0.57% to quote at 6454.44. The index is up 2.81 % over last one month. Among the other constituents of the index, Adani Power Ltd increased 1.43% and CESC Ltd added 0.96% on the day. The BSE Utilities index went up 86.8 % over last one year compared to the 24.39% surge in benchmark SENSEX. Ion Exchange (India) Ltd has added 4.67% over last one month compared to 2.81% gain in BSE Utilities index and 1.27% rise in the SENSEX. On the BSE, 6753 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 43289 shares in the past one month. The stock hit a record high of Rs 767 on 26 Jul 2024. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 407 on 04 Jun 2024.Powered by Capital Market - Live

Ion Exchange (India) announced that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on 11 September 2024.Powered by Capital Market - Live

Net profit of Ion Exchange (India) rose 35.14% to Rs 44.96 crore in the quarter ended June 2024 as against Rs 33.27 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2023. Sales rose 18.44% to Rs 567.57 crore in the quarter ended June 2024 as against Rs 479.22 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2023. ParticularsQuarter EndedJun. 2024Jun. 2023% Var. Sales567.57479.22 18 OPM %11.3110.18 - PBDT72.7155.42 31 PBT62.2747.55 31 NP44.9633.27 35 Powered by Capital Market - Live