Markets extend gains on India–EU trade pact optimism; ITC, Adani Enterprises, Paytm among big Q3 results due Jan 29

Markets end higher as sentiment improves

Indian equities closed higher on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, extending gains for a second session as investors tracked a mix of domestic and global cues. Market commentary cited improved optimism linked to the India–EU trade agreement, along with broad-based buying across sectors as traders positioned ahead of key events such as the ongoing earnings season and a major central bank decision in the United States.

The move reflected stronger participation beyond frontline indices, with mid- and small-cap segments also showing active buying interest. Sectorally, market watchers pointed to pockets of strength in areas linked to capital expenditure expectations and commodity-linked counters, as traders attempted to gauge how upcoming policy signals could affect growth and margins.

Why the India–EU pact is in focus

The day’s narrative was shaped by expectations that stronger trade and investment engagement can support export-facing industries, supply-chain diversification and longer-term corporate confidence. While the immediate market impact tends to be sentiment-driven, traders often use such policy milestones to reassess sector winners, especially those tied to manufacturing, logistics, energy and industrial capex.

Investors are also watching the Union Budget build-up, where businesses and sector bodies have been placing demands ranging from duty changes to targeted support for domestic production. These expectations feed into market positioning, especially in sectors that rely heavily on policy clarity.

Earnings spotlight: heavy slate due January 29

A major trigger for Thursday’s trade will be corporate results. According to the report, a mix of large conglomerates and new-age companies are scheduled to declare Q3 earnings on January 29, including ITC, Adani Enterprises, Paytm, Swiggy, Vedanta, Voltas, Concor, Coromandel International and Dixon Technologies, among others.

Such a clustered results day typically increases stock-specific volatility, with traders reacting not only to headline profit numbers but also to management commentary on demand trends, input costs, capex plans and guidance for the coming quarters. For index-heavy names, results can also influence broader market direction even if the wider trend remains driven by macro cues.

With markets already leaning positive, the next move could depend on whether the results set reinforces the idea of resilient domestic consumption and investment, or highlights pressure points such as export softness, margin stress or one-off provisions. Investors are likely to track both the numbers and the tone of forward-looking statements closely.