Railway stocks rose up to 5% on Thursday. Brokerages recommended five investment picks—four technical and one fundamental—with upside potential ranging from 13% to 42%, including IRFC, Ircon, and Titagarh Rail Systems.

Mahesh Patil of ABSL AMC suggests mid and small-cap companies may see renewed investment. Despite higher valuations, their long-term growth potential remains attractive. Rate cuts could boost urban consumption, particularly in mortgages and autos. Rural economy shows promise with better real wages and good monsoons. While auto sector outlook is weak, a post-festive season pick-up is possible.

The market breadth has started to improve, with midcap and smallcap stocks participating more actively. Retail investors are also coming back.

However, several individual stocks have significantly outperformed the broader market, delivering returns multiple times higher for their investors during the same period.

Cochin Shipyard Share Price: On the technical charts, the RSI of the stock stood at 78.23.

A widely popular strategy of investing in India s five-year government bonds is losing its appeal as the security has now nearly priced in likely rate cuts, five fund managers said on Thursday.

India bond traders have suggested a tweak in the government s borrowing plans as waning demand for the ultra-long end securities pushed up the cost of long-term borrowings, three market sources who are aware of the matter said.

Indian markets ended higher on Thursday with Sensex up 443 points and Nifty 131 points. Gains in pharma and Reliance, along with global cues, boosted sentiment. Sika Interplant, Cochin Shipyard, and Deccan Gold Mines led the rally.

Indian markets closed higher on Thursday with Sensex rising over 400 points and Nifty above 24,700. Capital goods, healthcare, and realty stocks saw strong buying. BSE, LT Foods, and Welspun Corp hit fresh 52-week highs.