Bharti Airtel's Brief Ascent: A Market Shake-Up

In a remarkable financial maneuver, Bharti Airtel briefly overtook HDFC Bank to claim the spot as India's second most valuable company by market capitalisation on Monday. However, the telecom giant finished the day in third place, as market dynamics shifted.

Bharti Airtel's shares climbed 2.59% to hit Rs 1,953.95 during intra-day trading on the BSE, eventually settling at Rs 1,938.10, marking a gain of 1.76%. Meanwhile, HDFC Bank's shares ended slightly higher by 0.10%, at Rs 768.55, after a day marked by volatility. At its peak, Bharti Airtel's valuation soared to Rs 11.90 lakh crore.

Despite the dynamic fluctuations, HDFC Bank managed to hold onto the second position in market value by the day's end, with a capitalisation of Rs 11,83,223.91 crore. Bharti Airtel, albeit briefly leading, closed the day with a valuation of Rs 11,80,937.63 crore. Reliance Industries maintains its top-tier status as India's most valued firm at Rs 18,06,864.57 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)